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Starbucks

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FY2014 Annual Report · Starbucks
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Fiscal 2014 Annual Report

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
Form 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE 

ACT OF 1934

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2014 
or

For the transition period from            to            .
Commission File Number: 0-20322

Starbucks Corporation

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Washington
(State of Incorporation)

91-1325671
(IRS Employer ID)

2401 Utah Avenue South, Seattle, Washington 98134
(206) 447-1575
(Address of principal executive offices, zip code, telephone number)
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Nasdaq Global Select Market

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

    No  

    No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 
Act.    Yes  
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 
Act.    Yes  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), 
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every 
Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during 
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation of S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not 
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller 
reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 
of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

    No  

    No  

Large accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant’s 
most recently completed second fiscal quarter, based upon the closing sale price of the registrant’s common stock on March 28, 2014 
as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market was $54 billion. As of November 7, 2014, there were 748.3 million shares of the 
registrant’s Common Stock outstanding.

    No  

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 18, 2015 have 
been incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 
 
 
 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities 

Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to 

historical or current facts. They often include words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," 

"seeks" or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs, such as "will," "should," "could," "may," "aims," "intends," 

or "projects." A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those 

future events or circumstances may not occur. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak 

only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements are all based on currently available 

operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results and 

trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties 

discussed under "Risk Factors" and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 

Operations". Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual 

results. Any or all of the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and any other public 

statement made by us, including by our management, may turn out to be incorrect. We are including this cautionary note to 

make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for 

forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether 

as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

Form 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2014 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures

PART II
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities
Selected Financial Data
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Index For Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information

PART III

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services

PART IV

Item 1
Item 1A
Item 1B
Item 2
Item 3
Item 4

Item 5

Item 6
Item 7
Item 7A
Item 8

Item 9
Item 9A
Item 9B

Item 10
Item 11
Item 12
Item 13
Item 14

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Item 15
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

2
10
15
16
16
16

17
19
22
44
45
50
82
83
83
85

86
86
86
86
86

87
88
90

 
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities 
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to 
historical or current facts. They often include words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," 
"seeks" or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs, such as "will," "should," "could," "may," "aims," "intends," 
or "projects." A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances, and those 
future events or circumstances may not occur. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak 
only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements are all based on currently available 
operating, financial and competitive information and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Our actual future results and 
trends may differ materially depending on a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties 
discussed under "Risk Factors" and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations". Given these risks and uncertainties, you should not rely on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual 
results. Any or all of the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and any other public 
statement made by us, including by our management, may turn out to be incorrect. We are including this cautionary note to 
make applicable and take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for 
forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether 
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

Form 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended September 28, 2014 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1

Item 1A

Item 1B

Item 2

Item 3

Item 4

Item 6

Item 7

Item 7A

Item 8

Item 9

Item 9A

Item 9B

Item 10

Item 11

Item 12

Item 13

Item 14

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

Equity Securities

Selected Financial Data

Item 5

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

PART II

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Index For Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Compensation

PART III

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

PART IV

Item 15

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

SIGNATURES

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

2

10

15

16

16

16

17

19

22

44

45

50

82

83

83

85

86

86

86

86

86

87

88

90

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

1

 
Revenue Components

and foodservice operations. 

We generate nearly all of our revenues through company-operated stores, licensed stores, consumer packaged goods ("CPG") 

Company-operated and Licensed Store Summary as of September 28, 2014 

As a% of 

Total

Americas 

Stores

As a% of 

Total

EMEA 

Stores

Americas

EMEA

CAP

As a% of 

Total

CAP

Stores

All Other

Segments

As a% of 

Total

All Other 

Segments 

Stores

As a% of

Total 

Stores

Total

Company-operated

stores

Total

Licensed stores

8,395

5,796

59 %

41 %

817

1,323

38 %

62 %

1,132

3,492

24 %

76 %

90 % 10,713

10 % 10,653

50 %

50 %

14,191

100% 2,140

100% 4,624

100%

100% 21,366

100%

369

42

411

The mix of company-operated versus licensed stores in a given market will vary based on several factors, including our ability 

to access desirable local retail space, the complexity and expected ultimate size of the market for Starbucks, and our ability to 

leverage the support infrastructure in an existing geographic region.

Company-operated Stores

Revenue from company-operated stores accounted for 79% of total net revenues during fiscal 2014. Our retail objective is to be 

the leading retailer and brand of coffee and tea in each of our target markets by selling the finest quality coffee, tea and related 

products, and by providing each customer with a unique Starbucks Experience. The Starbucks Experience is built upon superior 

customer service, as well as clean and well-maintained company-operated stores that reflect the personalities of the 

communities in which they operate, thereby building a high degree of customer loyalty.

Our strategy for expanding our global retail business is to increase our market share in a disciplined manner, by selectively 

opening additional stores in new and existing markets, as well as increasing sales in existing stores, to support our long-term 

strategic objective to maintain Starbucks standing as one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. Store 

growth in specific existing markets will vary due to many factors, including the maturity of the market.

Item 1.    Business 

General

PART I

Starbucks is the premier roaster, marketer and retailer of specialty coffee in the world, operating in 65 countries. Formed in 
1985, Starbucks Corporation’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NASDAQ") under the symbol 
"SBUX." We purchase and roast high-quality coffees that we sell, along with handcrafted coffee, tea and other beverages and a 
variety of fresh food items, through company-operated stores. We also sell a variety of coffee and tea products and license our 
trademarks through other channels such as licensed stores, grocery and national foodservice accounts. In addition to our 
flagship Starbucks Coffee brand, we also sell goods and services under the following brands: Teavana, Tazo, Seattle’s Best 
Coffee, Evolution Fresh, La Boulange and Ethos.

Our objective is to maintain Starbucks standing as one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. To achieve 
this, we are continuing the disciplined expansion of our global store base, adding stores in both existing, developed markets 
such as the US, and in newer, higher growth markets such as China, as well as optimizing the mix of company-operated and 
licensed stores in each market. In addition, by leveraging the experience gained through our traditional store model, we 
continue to offer consumers new coffee and other products in a variety of forms, across new categories, and through diverse 
channels. We also believe our Starbucks Global Responsibility strategy, commitments related to ethically sourcing high-quality 
coffee and contributing positively to the communities we do business in, and being an employer of choice are contributors to 
our objective.

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K ("10-K" or "Report") for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2014 ("fiscal 2014"), 
Starbucks Corporation (together with its subsidiaries) is referred to as "Starbucks," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our."

Segment Financial Information

We have four reportable operating segments: 1) Americas, which is inclusive of the US, Canada, and Latin America; 2) Europe, 
Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA"); 3) China/Asia Pacific ("CAP") and 4) Channel Development. We also have several non-
reportable operating segments, including Teavana, Seattle's Best Coffee, Evolution Fresh, and our Digital Ventures business, 
which are combined and referred to as All Other Segments. Revenues from our reportable segments and All Other Segments as 
a percentage of total net revenues for fiscal 2014 were as follows: Americas (73%), EMEA (8%), CAP (7%), Channel 
Development (9%) and All Other Segments (3%).

Our Americas, EMEA, and CAP segments include both company-operated and licensed stores. Our Americas segment is our 
most mature business and has achieved significant scale. Certain markets within our EMEA and CAP operations are still in the 
early stages of development and require a more extensive support organization, relative to their current levels of revenue and 
operating income, than our Americas operations. In certain markets within EMEA and CAP, occupancy costs and store 
operating expenses can be higher than in the Americas segment due to higher rents for prime store locations or costs of 
compliance with country-specific regulatory requirements. The Americas and EMEA segments also include certain foodservice 
accounts, primarily in Canada and the UK. Our Americas segment also includes our La Boulange® retail stores. 
Our Channel Development segment includes roasted whole bean and ground coffees, premium Tazo® teas, Starbucks- and 
Tazo-branded single-serve products, a variety of ready-to-drink beverages, such as Frappuccino® beverages, Starbucks 
Doubleshot® espresso drinks, Starbucks Refreshers® beverages, and other branded products sold worldwide through channels 
such as grocery stores, warehouse clubs, specialty retailers, convenience stores, and US foodservice accounts.

Starbucks segment information is included in Note 16, Segment Reporting, to the consolidated financial statements included in 
Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K. 

2 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

PART I

Revenue Components

We generate nearly all of our revenues through company-operated stores, licensed stores, consumer packaged goods ("CPG") 
and foodservice operations. 

Company-operated and Licensed Store Summary as of September 28, 2014 

Company-operated
stores
Licensed stores
Total

Americas

8,395
5,796
14,191

As a% of 
Total
Americas 
Stores

EMEA

As a% of 
Total
EMEA 
Stores

CAP

As a% of 
Total
CAP
Stores

All Other
Segments

As a% of 
Total
All Other 
Segments 
Stores

As a% of
Total 
Stores

Total

59 %
41 %

817
1,323
100% 2,140

38 %
62 %

1,132
3,492
100% 4,624

24 %
76 %
100%

369
42
411

90 % 10,713
10 % 10,653
100% 21,366

50 %
50 %
100%

The mix of company-operated versus licensed stores in a given market will vary based on several factors, including our ability 
to access desirable local retail space, the complexity and expected ultimate size of the market for Starbucks, and our ability to 
leverage the support infrastructure in an existing geographic region.

Company-operated Stores

Revenue from company-operated stores accounted for 79% of total net revenues during fiscal 2014. Our retail objective is to be 
the leading retailer and brand of coffee and tea in each of our target markets by selling the finest quality coffee, tea and related 
products, and by providing each customer with a unique Starbucks Experience. The Starbucks Experience is built upon superior 
customer service, as well as clean and well-maintained company-operated stores that reflect the personalities of the 
communities in which they operate, thereby building a high degree of customer loyalty.

Our strategy for expanding our global retail business is to increase our market share in a disciplined manner, by selectively 
opening additional stores in new and existing markets, as well as increasing sales in existing stores, to support our long-term 
strategic objective to maintain Starbucks standing as one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. Store 
growth in specific existing markets will vary due to many factors, including the maturity of the market.

Item 1.    Business 

General

Starbucks is the premier roaster, marketer and retailer of specialty coffee in the world, operating in 65 countries. Formed in 

1985, Starbucks Corporation’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market ("NASDAQ") under the symbol 

"SBUX." We purchase and roast high-quality coffees that we sell, along with handcrafted coffee, tea and other beverages and a 

variety of fresh food items, through company-operated stores. We also sell a variety of coffee and tea products and license our 

trademarks through other channels such as licensed stores, grocery and national foodservice accounts. In addition to our 

flagship Starbucks Coffee brand, we also sell goods and services under the following brands: Teavana, Tazo, Seattle’s Best 

Coffee, Evolution Fresh, La Boulange and Ethos.

Our objective is to maintain Starbucks standing as one of the most recognized and respected brands in the world. To achieve 

this, we are continuing the disciplined expansion of our global store base, adding stores in both existing, developed markets 

such as the US, and in newer, higher growth markets such as China, as well as optimizing the mix of company-operated and 

licensed stores in each market. In addition, by leveraging the experience gained through our traditional store model, we 

continue to offer consumers new coffee and other products in a variety of forms, across new categories, and through diverse 

channels. We also believe our Starbucks Global Responsibility strategy, commitments related to ethically sourcing high-quality 

coffee and contributing positively to the communities we do business in, and being an employer of choice are contributors to 

our objective.

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K ("10-K" or "Report") for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2014 ("fiscal 2014"), 

Starbucks Corporation (together with its subsidiaries) is referred to as "Starbucks," the "Company," "we," "us" or "our."

Segment Financial Information

We have four reportable operating segments: 1) Americas, which is inclusive of the US, Canada, and Latin America; 2) Europe, 

Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA"); 3) China/Asia Pacific ("CAP") and 4) Channel Development. We also have several non-

reportable operating segments, including Teavana, Seattle's Best Coffee, Evolution Fresh, and our Digital Ventures business, 

which are combined and referred to as All Other Segments. Revenues from our reportable segments and All Other Segments as 

a percentage of total net revenues for fiscal 2014 were as follows: Americas (73%), EMEA (8%), CAP (7%), Channel 

Development (9%) and All Other Segments (3%).

Our Americas, EMEA, and CAP segments include both company-operated and licensed stores. Our Americas segment is our 

most mature business and has achieved significant scale. Certain markets within our EMEA and CAP operations are still in the 

early stages of development and require a more extensive support organization, relative to their current levels of revenue and 

operating income, than our Americas operations. In certain markets within EMEA and CAP, occupancy costs and store 

operating expenses can be higher than in the Americas segment due to higher rents for prime store locations or costs of 

compliance with country-specific regulatory requirements. The Americas and EMEA segments also include certain foodservice 

accounts, primarily in Canada and the UK. Our Americas segment also includes our La Boulange® retail stores. 

Our Channel Development segment includes roasted whole bean and ground coffees, premium Tazo® teas, Starbucks- and 

Tazo-branded single-serve products, a variety of ready-to-drink beverages, such as Frappuccino® beverages, Starbucks 

Doubleshot® espresso drinks, Starbucks Refreshers® beverages, and other branded products sold worldwide through channels 

such as grocery stores, warehouse clubs, specialty retailers, convenience stores, and US foodservice accounts.

Starbucks segment information is included in Note 16, Segment Reporting, to the consolidated financial statements included in 

Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K. 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

3

Company-operated store data for the year-ended September 28, 2014:

Retail sales mix by product type for company-operated stores:

Americas:

US

Canada

Brazil

Puerto Rico

Total Americas
EMEA(1):
UK(1)
Germany
France
Switzerland
Austria
Netherlands
Total EMEA
CAP(2):
China
Thailand
Singapore
Total CAP

All Other Segments:

Teavana

Seattle's Best Coffee

Evolution Fresh

Total All Other Segments
Total company-operated

Stores Open 
as of

Sep 29, 2013

Opened

Closed

Net

Stores Open 
as of

Sep 28, 2014

7,049

940

70

19

8,078

522

157
72
52
16
7
826

614
174
94
882

338

15

4

357
10,143

287

56

19

1

363

1

1
6
3
2
2
15

217
31
16
264

27

—

—

27
669

(33)

(13)

—

—

(46)

(17)

(6)
—
—
(1)
—
(24)

(8)
(2)
(4)
(14)

—
(15)
—
(15)
(99)

254

43

19

1

317

(16)

(5)
6
3
1
2
(9)

209
29
12
250

27
(15)
—

12
570

7,303

983

89

20

8,395

506

152
78
55
17
9
817

823
203
106
1,132

365

—

4

369
10,713

(1)  EMEA store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the second 

and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014.

(2)  CAP store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the fourth 

quarter of fiscal 2014. 

Starbucks® company-operated stores are typically located in high-traffic, high-visibility locations. Our ability to vary the size 
and format of our stores allows us to locate them in or near a variety of settings, including downtown and suburban retail 
centers, office buildings, university campuses, and in select rural and off-highway locations. We are continuing the expansion 
of our various store formats, including Drive Thru stores, to provide a greater degree of access and convenience for our 
customers.
Starbucks® stores offer a choice of coffee and tea beverages, as well as other premium coffee, tea and related products, 
including distinctively packaged roasted whole bean and ground coffees, a variety of premium single-serve and ready-to-drink 
coffee and tea products, juices and bottled water. Starbucks® stores also offer an assortment of fresh food offerings, including 
selections focusing on high-quality ingredients, nutritional value and great flavor. A focused selection of beverage-making 
equipment and accessories are also sold in our stores. Each Starbucks® store varies its product mix depending upon the size of 
the store and its location. To complement the in-store experience, our company-operated Starbucks® stores in the US, Canada, 
and certain other international markets also provide customers free access to wireless internet.

4 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

73%

18%

4%

5%

100%

74%

18%

4%

4%

100%

75%

17%

4%

4%

100%

Packaged and single-serve coffees and teas

Fiscal Year Ended

Beverages

Food

Other(1)

Total

(1) 

items.

Stored Value Cards

"Other" primarily includes sales of ready-to-drink beverages, serveware and coffee-making equipment, among other 

In fiscal 2014, we moved ready-to-drink beverage revenues from the "Food" category to the "Other" category and combined 

packaged and single-serve teas, which were previously included in the "Other" category, with packaged and single serve 

coffees, which are now categorized as "Packaged and single-serve coffees and teas." Additionally, we revised our discount 

allocation methodology to more precisely allocate sales discounts to the various revenue product categories. None of these 

changes had a material impact on the composition of our retail sales mix by product type. Prior period amounts have been 

revised to be consistent with the current period presentation.

The Starbucks Card and our other branded stored value card programs are designed to provide customers with a convenient 

payment method, support gifting, and increase the frequency of store visits by cardholders, in part through the related My 

Starbucks Rewards® loyalty program. Stored value cards are issued to customers when they initially load them with an account 

balance. They can be obtained in our company-operated and most licensed stores in North America, China, Brazil, and many of 

our markets in the EMEA segment, as well as on-line, via the Starbucks mobile app, and through other retailers, including a 

number of other international locations. Customers may access their card balances by utilizing their stored value card or the 

Starbucks® mobile app in participating stores, which also includes certain Teavana®, Evolution Fresh™, and La Boulange® 

locations. Customers who register their card in the US, Canada, and certain other countries are automatically enrolled in the My 

Starbucks Rewards® program and can receive various benefits depending on factors such as the number of reward points 

("Stars") earned in a 12-month period.

Licensed Stores

licensee. 

Revenues from our licensed stores accounted for 10% of total net revenues in fiscal 2014. Licensed stores generally have a 

higher operating margin than company-operated stores. Under the licensed model, Starbucks receives a reduced share of the 

total store revenues, but this is more than offset by the reduction in its share of costs as these are primarily incurred by the 

In our licensed store operations, we leverage the expertise of our local partners and share our operating and store development 

experience. Licensees provide improved, and at times the only, access to desirable retail space. Most licensees are prominent 

retailers with in-depth market knowledge and access. As part of these arrangements, we receive royalties and license fees from 

and sell coffee, tea and related products to licensees for use in their operations or resale to customers. We also sell certain 

equipment, such as coffee brewers and espresso machines, to our licensees for use in their operations. Employees working in 

licensed retail locations are required to follow our detailed store operating procedures and attend training classes similar to 

those given to employees in company-operated stores. For Teavana® and Seattle's Best Coffee®, as well as Starbucks® stores 

within certain markets, we also use traditional franchising.

 
 
Company-operated store data for the year-ended September 28, 2014:

Retail sales mix by product type for company-operated stores:

Americas:

US

Canada

Brazil

Puerto Rico

Total Americas

EMEA(1):

UK(1)

Germany

France

Switzerland

Austria

Netherlands

Total EMEA

CAP(2):

China

Thailand

Singapore

Total CAP

All Other Segments:

Teavana

Seattle's Best Coffee

Evolution Fresh

Total All Other Segments

Total company-operated

Stores Open 

as of

Sep 29, 2013

Opened

Closed

Net

Stores Open 

as of

Sep 28, 2014

7,049

940

70

19

8,078

522

157

72

52

16

7

826

614

174

94

882

338

15

4

357

10,143

287

56

19

1

363

1

1

6

3

2

2

15

217

31

16

264

27

—

—

27

669

(33)

(13)

—

—

(46)

(17)

(6)

—

—

(1)

—

(24)

(8)

(2)

(4)

(14)

—

(15)

—

(15)

(99)

254

43

19

1

317

(16)

(5)

6

3

1

2

(9)

209

29

12

250

27

(15)

—

12

570

7,303

983

89

20

8,395

506

152

78

55

17

9

817

823

203

106

365

—

4

369

1,132

10,713

(1)  EMEA store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the second 

(2)  CAP store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the fourth 

and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014.

quarter of fiscal 2014. 

Starbucks® company-operated stores are typically located in high-traffic, high-visibility locations. Our ability to vary the size 

and format of our stores allows us to locate them in or near a variety of settings, including downtown and suburban retail 

centers, office buildings, university campuses, and in select rural and off-highway locations. We are continuing the expansion 

of our various store formats, including Drive Thru stores, to provide a greater degree of access and convenience for our 

customers.

Starbucks® stores offer a choice of coffee and tea beverages, as well as other premium coffee, tea and related products, 

including distinctively packaged roasted whole bean and ground coffees, a variety of premium single-serve and ready-to-drink 

coffee and tea products, juices and bottled water. Starbucks® stores also offer an assortment of fresh food offerings, including 

selections focusing on high-quality ingredients, nutritional value and great flavor. A focused selection of beverage-making 

equipment and accessories are also sold in our stores. Each Starbucks® store varies its product mix depending upon the size of 

the store and its location. To complement the in-store experience, our company-operated Starbucks® stores in the US, Canada, 

and certain other international markets also provide customers free access to wireless internet.

Fiscal Year Ended
Beverages

Food

Packaged and single-serve coffees and teas
Other(1)
Total

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

73%

18%

4%

5%

100%

74%

18%

4%

4%

100%

75%

17%

4%

4%

100%

(1) 

"Other" primarily includes sales of ready-to-drink beverages, serveware and coffee-making equipment, among other 
items.

In fiscal 2014, we moved ready-to-drink beverage revenues from the "Food" category to the "Other" category and combined 
packaged and single-serve teas, which were previously included in the "Other" category, with packaged and single serve 
coffees, which are now categorized as "Packaged and single-serve coffees and teas." Additionally, we revised our discount 
allocation methodology to more precisely allocate sales discounts to the various revenue product categories. None of these 
changes had a material impact on the composition of our retail sales mix by product type. Prior period amounts have been 
revised to be consistent with the current period presentation.

Stored Value Cards

The Starbucks Card and our other branded stored value card programs are designed to provide customers with a convenient 
payment method, support gifting, and increase the frequency of store visits by cardholders, in part through the related My 
Starbucks Rewards® loyalty program. Stored value cards are issued to customers when they initially load them with an account 
balance. They can be obtained in our company-operated and most licensed stores in North America, China, Brazil, and many of 
our markets in the EMEA segment, as well as on-line, via the Starbucks mobile app, and through other retailers, including a 
number of other international locations. Customers may access their card balances by utilizing their stored value card or the 
Starbucks® mobile app in participating stores, which also includes certain Teavana®, Evolution Fresh™, and La Boulange® 
locations. Customers who register their card in the US, Canada, and certain other countries are automatically enrolled in the My 
Starbucks Rewards® program and can receive various benefits depending on factors such as the number of reward points 
("Stars") earned in a 12-month period.

Licensed Stores

Revenues from our licensed stores accounted for 10% of total net revenues in fiscal 2014. Licensed stores generally have a 
higher operating margin than company-operated stores. Under the licensed model, Starbucks receives a reduced share of the 
total store revenues, but this is more than offset by the reduction in its share of costs as these are primarily incurred by the 
licensee. 

In our licensed store operations, we leverage the expertise of our local partners and share our operating and store development 
experience. Licensees provide improved, and at times the only, access to desirable retail space. Most licensees are prominent 
retailers with in-depth market knowledge and access. As part of these arrangements, we receive royalties and license fees from 
and sell coffee, tea and related products to licensees for use in their operations or resale to customers. We also sell certain 
equipment, such as coffee brewers and espresso machines, to our licensees for use in their operations. Employees working in 
licensed retail locations are required to follow our detailed store operating procedures and attend training classes similar to 
those given to employees in company-operated stores. For Teavana® and Seattle's Best Coffee®, as well as Starbucks® stores 
within certain markets, we also use traditional franchising.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

5

 
 
Licensed store data for the year-ended September 28, 2014:

Foodservice

Americas:

US

Mexico

Canada

Other

Total Americas
EMEA(1):
UK(1)
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
Spain
Kuwait
Saudi Arabia
Russia
Other

Total EMEA
CAP(2):
Japan
China
South Korea
Taiwan
Philippines
Other(2)
Total CAP

All Other Segments:

Teavana

Seattle's Best Coffee

Total All Other Segments
Total licensed

Stores Open 
as of

Sep 29, 2013

Opened

Closed

Net

Stores Open 
as of

Sep 28, 2014

4,408

403

397

207

5,415

242

193
107
82
69
62
65
323
1,143

1,000
403
559
297
216
525
3,000

28

38

66
9,624

361

31

69

37

498

47

32
12
5
4
9
24
74
207

61
146
159
32
25
117
540

3

1

4
1,249

(110)

—

(4)

(3)

(117)

(4)

(5)
(4)
(1)
(1)
(4)
(2)
(6)
(27)

(1)
(5)
(18)
(6)
(1)
(17)
(48)

(2)
(26)
(28)
(220)

251

31

65

34

381

43

27
8
4
3
5
22
68
180

60
141
141
26
24
100
492

4,659

434

462

241

5,796

285

220
115
86
72
67
87
391
1,323

1,060
544
700
323
240
625
3,492

1
(25)
(24)
1,029

29

13

42
10,653

(1)  EMEA store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the second 

and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014.

(2)  CAP store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the fourth 

quarter of fiscal 2014. 

Consumer Packaged Goods

Revenues from sales of consumer packaged goods comprised 8% of total net revenues in fiscal 2014. Consumer packaged 
goods includes both domestic and international sales of packaged coffee and tea as well as a variety of ready-to-drink 
beverages and single-serve coffee and tea products to grocery, warehouse clubs and specialty retail stores. It also includes 
revenues from product sales to and licensing revenues from manufacturers that produce and market Starbucks- and Seattle’s 
Best Coffee-branded products through licensing agreements.

6 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Revenues from foodservice accounts comprised 3% of total net revenues in fiscal 2014. We sell Starbucks® and Seattle’s Best 

Coffee® roasted whole bean and ground coffees, a selection of premium Tazo® teas, Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew, and other 

coffee and tea related products to institutional foodservice companies that service business and industry, education, healthcare, 

office coffee distributors, hotels, restaurants, airlines and other retailers. We also sell our Seattle’s Best Coffee® through 

arrangements with national accounts. The majority of the sales in this channel come through national broadline distribution 

networks with SYSCO Corporation, US Foodservice™, and other distributors.

Product Supply

Starbucks is committed to selling the finest whole bean coffees and coffee beverages. To ensure compliance with our rigorous 

coffee standards, we control coffee purchasing, roasting and packaging, and the global distribution of coffee used in our 

operations. We purchase green coffee beans from multiple coffee-producing regions around the world and custom roast them to 

our exacting standards for our many blends and single origin coffees.

The price of coffee is subject to significant volatility. Although most coffee trades in the commodity market, high-altitude 

arabica coffee of the quality sought by Starbucks tends to trade on a negotiated basis at a premium above the "C" coffee 

commodity price. Both the premium and the commodity price depend upon the supply and demand at the time of purchase. 

Supply and price can be affected by multiple factors in the producing countries, including weather, natural disasters, crop 

disease, general increase in farm inputs and costs of production, inventory levels and political and economic conditions. Price is 

also impacted by trading activities in the arabica coffee futures market, including hedge funds and commodity index funds. In 

addition, green coffee prices have been affected in the past, and may be affected in the future, by the actions of certain 

organizations and associations that have historically attempted to influence prices of green coffee through agreements 

establishing export quotas or by restricting coffee supplies.

We buy coffee using fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed purchase commitments, depending on market conditions, to secure an 

adequate supply of quality green coffee. Price-to-be-fixed contracts are purchase commitments whereby the quality, quantity, 

delivery period, and other negotiated terms are agreed upon, but the date, and therefore the price, at which the base "C" coffee 

commodity price component will be fixed has not yet been established. For these types of contracts, either Starbucks or the 

seller has the option to select a date on which to "fix" the base "C" coffee commodity price prior to the delivery date. Until 

prices are fixed, we estimate the total cost of these purchase commitments. Total green coffee purchase commitments as of 

September 28, 2014 were $1.1 billion, comprised of $417 million under fixed-price contracts and an estimated $718 million 

under price-to-be-fixed contracts. As of September 28, 2014, approximately $29 million of our price-to-be-fixed contracts were 

effectively fixed through the use of futures contracts and approximately $16 million were price-protected through the use of 

collar instruments. All price-to-be-fixed contracts as of September 28, 2014 were at the Company’s option to fix the base "C" 

coffee commodity price component. Total purchase commitments, together with existing inventory, are expected to provide an 

adequate supply of green coffee through fiscal 2015.

We depend upon our relationships with coffee producers, outside trading companies and exporters for our supply of green 

coffee. We believe, based on relationships established with our suppliers, the risk of non-delivery on such purchase 

commitments is remote.

coffee quality and yields.

To help ensure the future supply of high-quality green coffee, and to reinforce our leadership role in the coffee industry, 

Starbucks operates six farmer support centers. The farmer support centers are staffed with agronomists and sustainability 

experts who work with coffee farming communities to promote best practices in coffee production designed to improve both 

In addition to coffee, we also purchase significant amounts of dairy products, particularly fluid milk, to support the needs of our 

company-operated stores. We believe, based on relationships established with our dairy suppliers, that the risk of non-delivery 

of sufficient fluid milk to support our stores is remote.

Products other than whole bean coffees and coffee beverages sold in Starbucks® stores include tea and a number of ready-to-

drink beverages that are purchased from several specialty suppliers, usually under long-term supply contracts. Food products, 

such as La Boulange™ pastries, breakfast sandwiches and lunch items, are purchased from national, regional and local sources. 

We also purchase a broad range of paper and plastic products, such as cups and cutlery, from several companies to support the 

needs of our retail stores as well as our manufacturing and distribution operations. We believe, based on relationships 

established with these suppliers and manufacturers, that the risk of non-delivery of these items is remote.

 
 
Licensed store data for the year-ended September 28, 2014:

Stores Open 

as of

Sep 29, 2013

Opened

Closed

Net

Stores Open 

as of

Sep 28, 2014

United Arab Emirates

Americas:

US

Mexico

Canada

Other

EMEA(1):

UK(1)

Turkey

Total Americas

Spain

Kuwait

Russia

Other

Saudi Arabia

Total EMEA

CAP(2):

Japan

China

South Korea

Taiwan

Philippines

Other(2)

Total CAP

All Other Segments:

Teavana

Seattle's Best Coffee

Total All Other Segments

Total licensed

quarter of fiscal 2014. 

Consumer Packaged Goods

4,408

403

397

207

5,415

242

193

107

82

69

62

65

323

1,143

1,000

403

559

297

216

525

3,000

28

38

66

361

31

69

37

498

47

32

12

5

4

9

24

74

207

61

146

159

32

25

117

540

3

1

4

(110)

—

(4)

(3)

(117)

(4)

(5)

(4)

(1)

(1)

(4)

(2)

(6)

(27)

(1)

(5)

(18)

(6)

(1)

(17)

(48)

(2)

(26)

(28)

(220)

251

31

65

34

381

43

27

8

4

3

5

22

68

180

60

141

141

26

24

100

492

1

(25)

(24)

4,659

434

462

241

5,796

285

220

115

86

72

67

87

391

1,323

1,060

544

700

323

240

625

3,492

29

13

42

(1)  EMEA store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the second 

and fourth quarters of fiscal 2014.

(2)  CAP store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the fourth 

9,624

1,249

1,029

10,653

Revenues from sales of consumer packaged goods comprised 8% of total net revenues in fiscal 2014. Consumer packaged 

goods includes both domestic and international sales of packaged coffee and tea as well as a variety of ready-to-drink 

beverages and single-serve coffee and tea products to grocery, warehouse clubs and specialty retail stores. It also includes 

revenues from product sales to and licensing revenues from manufacturers that produce and market Starbucks- and Seattle’s 

Best Coffee-branded products through licensing agreements.

Foodservice
Revenues from foodservice accounts comprised 3% of total net revenues in fiscal 2014. We sell Starbucks® and Seattle’s Best 
Coffee® roasted whole bean and ground coffees, a selection of premium Tazo® teas, Starbucks VIA® Ready Brew, and other 
coffee and tea related products to institutional foodservice companies that service business and industry, education, healthcare, 
office coffee distributors, hotels, restaurants, airlines and other retailers. We also sell our Seattle’s Best Coffee® through 
arrangements with national accounts. The majority of the sales in this channel come through national broadline distribution 
networks with SYSCO Corporation, US Foodservice™, and other distributors.

Product Supply

Starbucks is committed to selling the finest whole bean coffees and coffee beverages. To ensure compliance with our rigorous 
coffee standards, we control coffee purchasing, roasting and packaging, and the global distribution of coffee used in our 
operations. We purchase green coffee beans from multiple coffee-producing regions around the world and custom roast them to 
our exacting standards for our many blends and single origin coffees.

The price of coffee is subject to significant volatility. Although most coffee trades in the commodity market, high-altitude 
arabica coffee of the quality sought by Starbucks tends to trade on a negotiated basis at a premium above the "C" coffee 
commodity price. Both the premium and the commodity price depend upon the supply and demand at the time of purchase. 
Supply and price can be affected by multiple factors in the producing countries, including weather, natural disasters, crop 
disease, general increase in farm inputs and costs of production, inventory levels and political and economic conditions. Price is 
also impacted by trading activities in the arabica coffee futures market, including hedge funds and commodity index funds. In 
addition, green coffee prices have been affected in the past, and may be affected in the future, by the actions of certain 
organizations and associations that have historically attempted to influence prices of green coffee through agreements 
establishing export quotas or by restricting coffee supplies.

We buy coffee using fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed purchase commitments, depending on market conditions, to secure an 
adequate supply of quality green coffee. Price-to-be-fixed contracts are purchase commitments whereby the quality, quantity, 
delivery period, and other negotiated terms are agreed upon, but the date, and therefore the price, at which the base "C" coffee 
commodity price component will be fixed has not yet been established. For these types of contracts, either Starbucks or the 
seller has the option to select a date on which to "fix" the base "C" coffee commodity price prior to the delivery date. Until 
prices are fixed, we estimate the total cost of these purchase commitments. Total green coffee purchase commitments as of 
September 28, 2014 were $1.1 billion, comprised of $417 million under fixed-price contracts and an estimated $718 million 
under price-to-be-fixed contracts. As of September 28, 2014, approximately $29 million of our price-to-be-fixed contracts were 
effectively fixed through the use of futures contracts and approximately $16 million were price-protected through the use of 
collar instruments. All price-to-be-fixed contracts as of September 28, 2014 were at the Company’s option to fix the base "C" 
coffee commodity price component. Total purchase commitments, together with existing inventory, are expected to provide an 
adequate supply of green coffee through fiscal 2015.

We depend upon our relationships with coffee producers, outside trading companies and exporters for our supply of green 
coffee. We believe, based on relationships established with our suppliers, the risk of non-delivery on such purchase 
commitments is remote.

To help ensure the future supply of high-quality green coffee, and to reinforce our leadership role in the coffee industry, 
Starbucks operates six farmer support centers. The farmer support centers are staffed with agronomists and sustainability 
experts who work with coffee farming communities to promote best practices in coffee production designed to improve both 
coffee quality and yields.

In addition to coffee, we also purchase significant amounts of dairy products, particularly fluid milk, to support the needs of our 
company-operated stores. We believe, based on relationships established with our dairy suppliers, that the risk of non-delivery 
of sufficient fluid milk to support our stores is remote.
Products other than whole bean coffees and coffee beverages sold in Starbucks® stores include tea and a number of ready-to-
drink beverages that are purchased from several specialty suppliers, usually under long-term supply contracts. Food products, 
such as La Boulange™ pastries, breakfast sandwiches and lunch items, are purchased from national, regional and local sources. 
We also purchase a broad range of paper and plastic products, such as cups and cutlery, from several companies to support the 
needs of our retail stores as well as our manufacturing and distribution operations. We believe, based on relationships 
established with these suppliers and manufacturers, that the risk of non-delivery of these items is remote.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

7

 
 
Competition

Our primary competitors for coffee beverage sales are quick-service restaurants and specialty coffee shops. In almost all 
markets in which we do business, there are numerous competitors in the specialty coffee beverage business. We believe that our 
customers choose among specialty coffee retailers primarily on the basis of product quality, service and convenience, as well as 
price. We continue to experience direct competition from large competitors in the US quick-service restaurant sector and the 
US ready-to-drink coffee beverage market, in addition to well-established companies in many international markets. We also 
compete with restaurants and other specialty retailers for prime retail locations and qualified personnel to operate both new and 
existing stores.

Our coffee and tea products sold through our Channel Development segment compete directly against specialty coffees and teas 
sold through grocery stores, warehouse clubs, specialty retailers, convenience stores, and US foodservice accounts and compete 
indirectly against all other coffees and teas on the market. 

Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Domain Names

Starbucks owns and has applied to register numerous trademarks and service marks in the US and in additional countries 
throughout the world. Some of our trademarks, including Starbucks, the Starbucks logo, Tazo, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Teavana, 
Frappuccino, Starbucks VIA, Evolution Fresh and La Boulange are of material importance. The duration of trademark 
registrations varies from country to country. However, trademarks are generally valid and may be renewed indefinitely as long 
as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained.

We own numerous copyrights for items such as product packaging, promotional materials, in-store graphics and training 
materials. We also hold patents on certain products, systems and designs. In addition, Starbucks has registered and maintains 
numerous Internet domain names, including "Starbucks.com," "Starbucks.net," "Tazo.com," "Seattlesbest.com" and 
"Teavana.com."

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

housewares retailer.

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, including fluctuations resulting from the holiday season in December. 
Excluding the impact of a $2.8 billion cash payment in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 related to the Kraft arbitration matter, our 
cash flows from operations are considerably higher in the first fiscal quarter than the remainder of the year. This is largely 
driven by cash received as Starbucks Cards are issued to and loaded by customers during the holiday season. Since revenues 
from Starbucks Cards are recognized upon redemption and not when purchased, the impact of seasonal fluctuations on the 
consolidated statements of earnings is much less pronounced. Quarterly results are also affected by the timing of the opening of 
new stores and the closing of existing stores. For these reasons, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the 
results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

Employees

Starbucks employed approximately 191,000 people worldwide as of September 28, 2014. In the US, Starbucks employed 
approximately 141,000 people, with approximately 133,000 in company-operated stores and the remainder in support facilities, 
store development, and roasting, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution operations. Approximately 50,000 employees 
were employed outside of the US, with approximately 47,000 in company-operated stores and the remainder in regional 
support operations. The number of Starbucks employees represented by unions is not significant. We believe our current 
relations with our employees are good.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Name
Howard Schultz

Troy Alstead

Cliff Burrows

John Culver

Scott Maw

Lucy Lee Helm

Age
61

51

55

54

47

57

Position

chairman, president and chief executive officer

chief operating officer

group president, US, Americas and Teavana

group president, China, Asia Pacific, Channel Development and
Emerging Brands

executive vice president, chief financial officer
executive vice president, general counsel and secretary

8 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Howard Schultz is the founder of Starbucks Corporation and serves as the chairman, president and chief executive officer. Mr. 

Schultz has served as chairman of the board of directors since Starbucks inception in 1985, and in January 2008, he reassumed 

the role of president and chief executive officer. From June 2000 to February 2005, Mr. Schultz also held the title of chief 

global strategist. From November 1985 to June 2000, he served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer. From 

November 1985 to June 1994, Mr. Schultz also served as president. From January 1986 to July 1987, Mr. Schultz was the 

chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Il Giornale Coffee Company, a predecessor to the Company. 

From September 1982 to December 1985, Mr. Schultz was the director of retail operations and marketing for Starbucks Coffee 

Company, a predecessor to the Company.

Troy Alstead joined Starbucks in 1992 and has served as chief operating officer since February 2014. Mr. Alstead is responsible 

for overseeing Starbucks day-to-day operations, including aligning and prioritizing Company investments and operations 

across the global business units. He also has oversight responsibility for Starbucks Global Technology, Global Supply Chain, 

and Global Finance organizations. From September 2013 to February 2014, he served as chief financial officer and group 

president, Global Business Services. Mr. Alstead previously served as chief financial officer and chief administrative officer 

from November 2008 to September 2013, as chief operating officer, Starbucks Greater China from April 2008 to October 2008, 

senior vice president, Global Finance and Business Operations from August 2007 to April 2008, and senior vice president, 

Corporate Finance from September 2004 to August 2007. Mr. Alstead served in a number of other senior positions with 

Starbucks prior to 2004.

Cliff Burrows joined Starbucks in April 2001 and has served as group president, US, Americas and Teavana since February 

2014. From May 2013 to February 2014, he served as group president, Americas and US, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and 

Africa) and Teavana. Mr. Burrows served as president, Starbucks Coffee Americas and US from October 2011 to May 2013 and 

as president, Starbucks Coffee US from March 2008 to October 2011. He served as president, Europe, Middle East and Africa 

(EMEA) from April 2006 to March 2008. He served as vice president and managing director, UK prior to April 2006. Prior to 

joining Starbucks, Mr. Burrows served in various management positions with Habitat Designs Limited, a furniture and 

John Culver joined Starbucks in August 2002 and has served as group president, China, Asia Pacific, Channel Development 

and Emerging Brands since May 2013. Mr. Culver served as president, Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific from October 

2011 to May 2013. From December 2009 to October 2011, he served as president, Starbucks Coffee International. Mr. Culver 

served as executive vice president; president, Global Consumer Products, Foodservice and Seattle’s Best Coffee from February 

2009 to September 2009, and then as president, Global Consumer Products and Foodservice from October 2009 to November 

2009. He previously served as senior vice president; president, Starbucks Coffee Asia Pacific from January 2007 to February 

2009, and vice president; general manager, Foodservice from August 2002 to January 2007.

Scott Maw joined Starbucks in August 2011 and has served as executive vice president, chief financial officer since February 

2014. From October 2012 to February 2014, he served as senior vice president, Corporate Finance and as corporate controller 

from August 2011 to October 2012. Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Maw served as chief financial officer of SeaBright 

Insurance Company from February 2010 to August 2011. From October 2008 to February 2010 Mr. Maw served as chief 

financial officer of the Consumer Banking division of JPMorgan Chase & Co., having held a similar position at Washington 

Mutual Bank prior to its acquisition by Chase. From 1994 to 2003, he served in various finance leadership positions at General 

Electric Company.

Lucy Lee Helm joined Starbucks in September 1999 and has served as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary 

since May 2012. She served as senior vice president and deputy general counsel from October 2007 to April 2012 and served as 

interim general counsel and secretary from April 2012 to May 2012. Ms. Helm previously served as vice president, assistant 

general counsel from June 2002 to September 2007 and as director, corporate counsel from September 1999 to May 2002. 

During her tenure at Starbucks, Ms. Helm has led various teams of the Starbucks legal department, including the Litigation and 

Brand protection team, the Global Business (Commercial) team and the Litigation and Employment team. Prior to joining 

Starbucks, Ms. Helm was a principal at the Seattle law firm of Riddell Williams P.S. from 1990 to 1999, where she was a trial 

lawyer specializing in commercial, insurance coverage and environmental litigation.

Global Responsibility

We are committed to being a deeply responsible company in the communities where we do business. Our focus is on ethically 

sourcing high-quality coffee, reducing our environmental impacts and contributing positively to communities around the world. 

Starbucks Global Responsibility strategy and commitments are integral to our overall business strategy. As a result, we believe 

we deliver benefits to our stakeholders, including employees, business partners, customers, suppliers, shareholders, community 

members and others. For an overview of Starbucks Global Responsibility strategy and commitments, please visit 

www.starbucks.com/responsibility.

Competition

existing stores.

Our primary competitors for coffee beverage sales are quick-service restaurants and specialty coffee shops. In almost all 

markets in which we do business, there are numerous competitors in the specialty coffee beverage business. We believe that our 

customers choose among specialty coffee retailers primarily on the basis of product quality, service and convenience, as well as 

price. We continue to experience direct competition from large competitors in the US quick-service restaurant sector and the 

US ready-to-drink coffee beverage market, in addition to well-established companies in many international markets. We also 

compete with restaurants and other specialty retailers for prime retail locations and qualified personnel to operate both new and 

Our coffee and tea products sold through our Channel Development segment compete directly against specialty coffees and teas 

sold through grocery stores, warehouse clubs, specialty retailers, convenience stores, and US foodservice accounts and compete 

indirectly against all other coffees and teas on the market. 

Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights and Domain Names

Starbucks owns and has applied to register numerous trademarks and service marks in the US and in additional countries 

throughout the world. Some of our trademarks, including Starbucks, the Starbucks logo, Tazo, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Teavana, 

Frappuccino, Starbucks VIA, Evolution Fresh and La Boulange are of material importance. The duration of trademark 

registrations varies from country to country. However, trademarks are generally valid and may be renewed indefinitely as long 

as they are in use and/or their registrations are properly maintained.

We own numerous copyrights for items such as product packaging, promotional materials, in-store graphics and training 

materials. We also hold patents on certain products, systems and designs. In addition, Starbucks has registered and maintains 

numerous Internet domain names, including "Starbucks.com," "Starbucks.net," "Tazo.com," "Seattlesbest.com" and 

"Teavana.com."

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, including fluctuations resulting from the holiday season in December. 

Excluding the impact of a $2.8 billion cash payment in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 related to the Kraft arbitration matter, our 

cash flows from operations are considerably higher in the first fiscal quarter than the remainder of the year. This is largely 

driven by cash received as Starbucks Cards are issued to and loaded by customers during the holiday season. Since revenues 

from Starbucks Cards are recognized upon redemption and not when purchased, the impact of seasonal fluctuations on the 

consolidated statements of earnings is much less pronounced. Quarterly results are also affected by the timing of the opening of 

new stores and the closing of existing stores. For these reasons, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the 

results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

Employees

Starbucks employed approximately 191,000 people worldwide as of September 28, 2014. In the US, Starbucks employed 

approximately 141,000 people, with approximately 133,000 in company-operated stores and the remainder in support facilities, 

store development, and roasting, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution operations. Approximately 50,000 employees 

were employed outside of the US, with approximately 47,000 in company-operated stores and the remainder in regional 

support operations. The number of Starbucks employees represented by unions is not significant. We believe our current 

relations with our employees are good.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Name

Howard Schultz

Troy Alstead

Cliff Burrows

John Culver

Scott Maw

Lucy Lee Helm

Age

61

51

55

54

47

57

Position

chairman, president and chief executive officer

chief operating officer

group president, US, Americas and Teavana

group president, China, Asia Pacific, Channel Development and

Emerging Brands

executive vice president, chief financial officer

executive vice president, general counsel and secretary

Howard Schultz is the founder of Starbucks Corporation and serves as the chairman, president and chief executive officer. Mr. 
Schultz has served as chairman of the board of directors since Starbucks inception in 1985, and in January 2008, he reassumed 
the role of president and chief executive officer. From June 2000 to February 2005, Mr. Schultz also held the title of chief 
global strategist. From November 1985 to June 2000, he served as chairman of the board and chief executive officer. From 
November 1985 to June 1994, Mr. Schultz also served as president. From January 1986 to July 1987, Mr. Schultz was the 
chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Il Giornale Coffee Company, a predecessor to the Company. 
From September 1982 to December 1985, Mr. Schultz was the director of retail operations and marketing for Starbucks Coffee 
Company, a predecessor to the Company.

Troy Alstead joined Starbucks in 1992 and has served as chief operating officer since February 2014. Mr. Alstead is responsible 
for overseeing Starbucks day-to-day operations, including aligning and prioritizing Company investments and operations 
across the global business units. He also has oversight responsibility for Starbucks Global Technology, Global Supply Chain, 
and Global Finance organizations. From September 2013 to February 2014, he served as chief financial officer and group 
president, Global Business Services. Mr. Alstead previously served as chief financial officer and chief administrative officer 
from November 2008 to September 2013, as chief operating officer, Starbucks Greater China from April 2008 to October 2008, 
senior vice president, Global Finance and Business Operations from August 2007 to April 2008, and senior vice president, 
Corporate Finance from September 2004 to August 2007. Mr. Alstead served in a number of other senior positions with 
Starbucks prior to 2004.

Cliff Burrows joined Starbucks in April 2001 and has served as group president, US, Americas and Teavana since February 
2014. From May 2013 to February 2014, he served as group president, Americas and US, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and 
Africa) and Teavana. Mr. Burrows served as president, Starbucks Coffee Americas and US from October 2011 to May 2013 and 
as president, Starbucks Coffee US from March 2008 to October 2011. He served as president, Europe, Middle East and Africa 
(EMEA) from April 2006 to March 2008. He served as vice president and managing director, UK prior to April 2006. Prior to 
joining Starbucks, Mr. Burrows served in various management positions with Habitat Designs Limited, a furniture and 
housewares retailer.

John Culver joined Starbucks in August 2002 and has served as group president, China, Asia Pacific, Channel Development 
and Emerging Brands since May 2013. Mr. Culver served as president, Starbucks Coffee China and Asia Pacific from October 
2011 to May 2013. From December 2009 to October 2011, he served as president, Starbucks Coffee International. Mr. Culver 
served as executive vice president; president, Global Consumer Products, Foodservice and Seattle’s Best Coffee from February 
2009 to September 2009, and then as president, Global Consumer Products and Foodservice from October 2009 to November 
2009. He previously served as senior vice president; president, Starbucks Coffee Asia Pacific from January 2007 to February 
2009, and vice president; general manager, Foodservice from August 2002 to January 2007.

Scott Maw joined Starbucks in August 2011 and has served as executive vice president, chief financial officer since February 
2014. From October 2012 to February 2014, he served as senior vice president, Corporate Finance and as corporate controller 
from August 2011 to October 2012. Prior to joining Starbucks, Mr. Maw served as chief financial officer of SeaBright 
Insurance Company from February 2010 to August 2011. From October 2008 to February 2010 Mr. Maw served as chief 
financial officer of the Consumer Banking division of JPMorgan Chase & Co., having held a similar position at Washington 
Mutual Bank prior to its acquisition by Chase. From 1994 to 2003, he served in various finance leadership positions at General 
Electric Company.

Lucy Lee Helm joined Starbucks in September 1999 and has served as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary 
since May 2012. She served as senior vice president and deputy general counsel from October 2007 to April 2012 and served as 
interim general counsel and secretary from April 2012 to May 2012. Ms. Helm previously served as vice president, assistant 
general counsel from June 2002 to September 2007 and as director, corporate counsel from September 1999 to May 2002. 
During her tenure at Starbucks, Ms. Helm has led various teams of the Starbucks legal department, including the Litigation and 
Brand protection team, the Global Business (Commercial) team and the Litigation and Employment team. Prior to joining 
Starbucks, Ms. Helm was a principal at the Seattle law firm of Riddell Williams P.S. from 1990 to 1999, where she was a trial 
lawyer specializing in commercial, insurance coverage and environmental litigation.

Global Responsibility

We are committed to being a deeply responsible company in the communities where we do business. Our focus is on ethically 
sourcing high-quality coffee, reducing our environmental impacts and contributing positively to communities around the world. 
Starbucks Global Responsibility strategy and commitments are integral to our overall business strategy. As a result, we believe 
we deliver benefits to our stakeholders, including employees, business partners, customers, suppliers, shareholders, community 
members and others. For an overview of Starbucks Global Responsibility strategy and commitments, please visit 
www.starbucks.com/responsibility.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

9

Available Information

Starbucks 10-K reports, along with all other reports and amendments filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange 
Commission ("SEC"), are publicly available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our website at 
investor.starbucks.com or at www.sec.gov as soon as reasonably practicable after these materials are filed with or furnished to 
the SEC. Our corporate governance policies, code of ethics and Board committee charters and policies are also posted on the 
Investor Relations section of Starbucks website at investor.starbucks.com. The information on our website is not part of this or 
any other report Starbucks files with, or furnishes to, the SEC.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors 

You should carefully consider the risks described below. If any of the risks and uncertainties described in the cautionary factors 
described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the trading price of our 
common stock could be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing 
environment. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict the impact of all these factors on our 
business, financial condition or results of operation.

• Economic conditions in the US and certain international markets could adversely affect our business and financial results. 

As a retailer that is dependent upon consumer discretionary spending, our results of operations are sensitive to changes in 
macro-economic conditions. Our customers may have less money for discretionary purchases and may stop or reduce their 
purchases of our products or trade down to Starbucks or competitors' lower priced products as a result of job losses, 
foreclosures, bankruptcies, increased fuel and energy costs, higher interest rates, higher taxes and reduced access to credit. 
Decreases in customer traffic and/or average value per transaction will negatively impact our financial performance as reduced 
revenues without a corresponding decrease in expenses result in sales de-leveraging, which creates downward pressure on 
margins and also negatively impacts comparable store sales, net revenues, operating income and earnings per share. There is 
also a risk that if negative economic conditions persist for a long period of time or worsen, consumers may make long-lasting 
changes to their discretionary purchasing behavior, including less frequent discretionary purchases on a more permanent basis. 

• Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands and failure to preserve their value, either through our 

actions or those of our business partners, could have a negative impact on our financial results. 

We believe we have built an excellent reputation globally for the quality of our products, for delivery of a consistently positive 
consumer experience and for our corporate social responsibility programs. Our brand is recognized throughout the world and 
we have received high ratings in global brand value studies. To be successful in the future, particularly outside of the US, where 
the Starbucks brand and our other brands are less well-known, we believe we must preserve, grow and leverage the value of our 
brands across all sales channels. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions on a variety of subjective qualities. 

Additionally, our business strategy, including our plans for new stores, foodservice, branded products and other initiatives, 
relies significantly on a variety of business partners, including licensee and joint venture relationships, particularly in our 
international markets. Licensees and food service operators are often authorized to use our logos and provide branded 
beverages, food and other products directly to customers. We provide training and support to, and monitor the operations of, 
certain of these business partners, but the product quality and service they deliver may be diminished by any number of factors 
beyond our control, including financial pressures they may face. We believe customers expect the same quality of products and 
service from our licensees and food services providers as they do from us and we strive to ensure customers receive the same 
quality of products and service experience whether they visit a company-operated store, licensed store or food service location. 
We also source our food, beverage and other products from a wide variety of domestic and international business partners in 
our supply chain operations, and in certain cases such products are produced or sourced by our licensees directly. 

Business incidents, whether isolated or recurring and whether originating from us or our business partners, that erode consumer 
trust, such as actual or perceived breaches of privacy, contaminated food, recalls or other potential incidents discussed in this 
risk factors section, particularly if the incidents receive considerable publicity, including rapidly through social or digital media, 
or result in litigation, can significantly reduce brand value and have a negative impact on our financial results. Consumer 
demand for our products and our brand equity could diminish significantly if we or our licensees or other business partners fail 
to preserve the quality of our products, are perceived to act in an unethical or socially irresponsible manner, including with 
respect to the sourcing or content of our products, fail to comply with laws and regulations or fail to deliver a consistently 
positive consumer experience in each of our markets. Additionally, inconsistent uses of our brand and other of our intellectual 
property assets, as well as failure to protect our intellectual property, including from unauthorized uses of our brand or other of 
our intellectual property assets, can erode consumer trust and our brand value and have a negative impact on our financial 
results.

10  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

• The unauthorized access, theft or destruction of customer or employee personal, financial or other data or of Starbucks 

proprietary or confidential information that is stored in our information systems could impact our reputation and brand 

and expose us to potential liability and loss of revenues.

Our information technology systems, such as those we use for our point-of-sale, web and mobile platforms, including online 

and mobile payment systems and rewards programs, and for administrative functions, as well as the information technology 

systems of our third party business partners and service providers, can contain personal, financial or other information that is 

entrusted to us by our customers and employees. Our information technology systems also contain Starbucks proprietary and 

other confidential information related to our business. Security breaches of our or a third party’s information technology 

systems that result in the unauthorized access, theft or destruction of customers' or employees' data or that of the Company 

stored in such systems, including through cyber-attacks or other external or internal methods, could result in a material loss of 

revenues from the potential adverse impact to our reputation and brand, our ability to retain or attract new customers and the 

potential disruption to our business and plans. Such security breaches also could result in a violation of applicable US and 

international privacy and other laws, and subject us to private consumer or securities litigation and governmental investigations 

and proceedings, any of which could result in our exposure to material civil or criminal liability. Our reputation and brand and 

our ability to attract new customers could also be adversely impacted if we fail, or are perceived to have failed, to properly 

respond to these incidents, which could also result in similar exposure to liability. Significant capital investments and other 

expenditures could be required to remedy the problem and prevent future breaches, including costs associated with additional 

security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. These costs, 

which could be material, could adversely impact our results of operations in the period in which they are incurred and may not 

meaningfully limit the success of future attempts to breach our information technology systems. Media or other reports of 

existing or perceived security vulnerabilities in our systems or those of our third party business partners or service providers, 

even if no breach has been attempted or has occurred, can also adversely impact our brand and reputation and materially impact 

our business. Like many other retail companies and because of the prominence of our brand, we have experienced frequent 

attempts to compromise our information technology systems but none have resulted in a material breach. Additionally, the 

techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber-attacks and breaches of information technology systems, as well as the 

sources and targets of these attacks, change frequently and are often not recognized until such attacks are launched or have 

been in place for a period of time. We continue to make significant investments in technology, third party services and 

personnel to develop and implement systems and processes that are designed to anticipate cyber-attacks and prevent breaches 

of our information technology systems or data loss, but these security measures cannot provide assurance that we will be 

successful in preventing such breaches or data loss.

• Incidents involving food-borne illnesses, food tampering, food contamination or mislabeling, whether or not accurate, as 

well as adverse public or medical opinions about the health effects of consuming our products, could harm our business. 

Instances or reports, whether true or not, of unclean water supply or food-safety issues, such as food-borne illnesses, food 

tampering, food contamination or mislabeling, either during growing, manufacturing, packaging, storing or preparation, have in 

the past severely injured the reputations of companies in the food processing, grocery and quick-service restaurant sectors and 

could affect us as well. Any report linking us to the use of unclean water, food-borne illnesses or food tampering, 

contamination, mislabeling or other food-safety issues could damage our brand value and severely hurt sales of our beverages 

and food products, and possibly lead to product liability claims, litigation (including class actions) or damages. Clean water is 

critical to the preparation of coffee and tea beverages and our ability to ensure a clean water supply to our stores can be limited, 

particularly in some international locations. We have also incorporated many products in our food and beverage lineup that 

require freezing or refrigeration, including produce (such as fruits and vegetables in our salads and juices), dairy products (such 

as milk and cheeses) and meats. If customers become ill from food-borne illnesses, tampering, contamination, mislabeling or 

other food-safety issues, we could also be forced to temporarily close some stores and/or supply chain facilities, as well as 

recall products. In addition, instances of food-safety issues, even those involving solely the restaurants or stores of competitors 

or of suppliers or distributors (regardless of whether we use or have used those suppliers or distributors), could, by resulting in 

negative publicity about us or the foodservice industry in general, adversely affect our sales on a regional or global basis. A 

decrease in customer traffic as a result of food-safety concerns or negative publicity, or as a result of a temporary closure of any 

of our stores or recalls, as well as adverse results of claims or litigation, could materially harm our business and results of 

operations. 

Some of our products contain caffeine, dairy products, sugar and other compounds, the health effects of which are the subject 

of public scrutiny, including the suggestion that excessive consumption of caffeine, dairy products, sugar and other compounds 

can lead to a variety of adverse health effects. Particularly in the US, there is increasing consumer awareness of health risks, 

including obesity, due in part to increased publicity and attention from health organizations, as well as increased consumer 

litigation based on alleged adverse health impacts of consumption of various food products. While we have a variety of 

beverage and food items, including items that are coffee-free and have reduced calories, an unfavorable report on the health 

Available Information

Starbucks 10-K reports, along with all other reports and amendments filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange 

Commission ("SEC"), are publicly available free of charge on the Investor Relations section of our website at 

investor.starbucks.com or at www.sec.gov as soon as reasonably practicable after these materials are filed with or furnished to 

the SEC. Our corporate governance policies, code of ethics and Board committee charters and policies are also posted on the 

Investor Relations section of Starbucks website at investor.starbucks.com. The information on our website is not part of this or 

any other report Starbucks files with, or furnishes to, the SEC.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors 

You should carefully consider the risks described below. If any of the risks and uncertainties described in the cautionary factors 

described below actually occurs, our business, financial condition and results of operations, and the trading price of our 

common stock could be materially and adversely affected. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing 

environment. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible to predict the impact of all these factors on our 

business, financial condition or results of operation.

• Economic conditions in the US and certain international markets could adversely affect our business and financial results. 

As a retailer that is dependent upon consumer discretionary spending, our results of operations are sensitive to changes in 

macro-economic conditions. Our customers may have less money for discretionary purchases and may stop or reduce their 

purchases of our products or trade down to Starbucks or competitors' lower priced products as a result of job losses, 

foreclosures, bankruptcies, increased fuel and energy costs, higher interest rates, higher taxes and reduced access to credit. 

Decreases in customer traffic and/or average value per transaction will negatively impact our financial performance as reduced 

revenues without a corresponding decrease in expenses result in sales de-leveraging, which creates downward pressure on 

margins and also negatively impacts comparable store sales, net revenues, operating income and earnings per share. There is 

also a risk that if negative economic conditions persist for a long period of time or worsen, consumers may make long-lasting 

changes to their discretionary purchasing behavior, including less frequent discretionary purchases on a more permanent basis. 

• Our success depends substantially on the value of our brands and failure to preserve their value, either through our 

actions or those of our business partners, could have a negative impact on our financial results. 

We believe we have built an excellent reputation globally for the quality of our products, for delivery of a consistently positive 

consumer experience and for our corporate social responsibility programs. Our brand is recognized throughout the world and 

we have received high ratings in global brand value studies. To be successful in the future, particularly outside of the US, where 

the Starbucks brand and our other brands are less well-known, we believe we must preserve, grow and leverage the value of our 

brands across all sales channels. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions on a variety of subjective qualities. 

Additionally, our business strategy, including our plans for new stores, foodservice, branded products and other initiatives, 

relies significantly on a variety of business partners, including licensee and joint venture relationships, particularly in our 

international markets. Licensees and food service operators are often authorized to use our logos and provide branded 

beverages, food and other products directly to customers. We provide training and support to, and monitor the operations of, 

certain of these business partners, but the product quality and service they deliver may be diminished by any number of factors 

beyond our control, including financial pressures they may face. We believe customers expect the same quality of products and 

service from our licensees and food services providers as they do from us and we strive to ensure customers receive the same 

quality of products and service experience whether they visit a company-operated store, licensed store or food service location. 

We also source our food, beverage and other products from a wide variety of domestic and international business partners in 

our supply chain operations, and in certain cases such products are produced or sourced by our licensees directly. 

Business incidents, whether isolated or recurring and whether originating from us or our business partners, that erode consumer 

trust, such as actual or perceived breaches of privacy, contaminated food, recalls or other potential incidents discussed in this 

risk factors section, particularly if the incidents receive considerable publicity, including rapidly through social or digital media, 

or result in litigation, can significantly reduce brand value and have a negative impact on our financial results. Consumer 

demand for our products and our brand equity could diminish significantly if we or our licensees or other business partners fail 

to preserve the quality of our products, are perceived to act in an unethical or socially irresponsible manner, including with 

respect to the sourcing or content of our products, fail to comply with laws and regulations or fail to deliver a consistently 

positive consumer experience in each of our markets. Additionally, inconsistent uses of our brand and other of our intellectual 

property assets, as well as failure to protect our intellectual property, including from unauthorized uses of our brand or other of 

our intellectual property assets, can erode consumer trust and our brand value and have a negative impact on our financial 

results.

• The unauthorized access, theft or destruction of customer or employee personal, financial or other data or of Starbucks 
proprietary or confidential information that is stored in our information systems could impact our reputation and brand 
and expose us to potential liability and loss of revenues.

Our information technology systems, such as those we use for our point-of-sale, web and mobile platforms, including online 
and mobile payment systems and rewards programs, and for administrative functions, as well as the information technology 
systems of our third party business partners and service providers, can contain personal, financial or other information that is 
entrusted to us by our customers and employees. Our information technology systems also contain Starbucks proprietary and 
other confidential information related to our business. Security breaches of our or a third party’s information technology 
systems that result in the unauthorized access, theft or destruction of customers' or employees' data or that of the Company 
stored in such systems, including through cyber-attacks or other external or internal methods, could result in a material loss of 
revenues from the potential adverse impact to our reputation and brand, our ability to retain or attract new customers and the 
potential disruption to our business and plans. Such security breaches also could result in a violation of applicable US and 
international privacy and other laws, and subject us to private consumer or securities litigation and governmental investigations 
and proceedings, any of which could result in our exposure to material civil or criminal liability. Our reputation and brand and 
our ability to attract new customers could also be adversely impacted if we fail, or are perceived to have failed, to properly 
respond to these incidents, which could also result in similar exposure to liability. Significant capital investments and other 
expenditures could be required to remedy the problem and prevent future breaches, including costs associated with additional 
security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. These costs, 
which could be material, could adversely impact our results of operations in the period in which they are incurred and may not 
meaningfully limit the success of future attempts to breach our information technology systems. Media or other reports of 
existing or perceived security vulnerabilities in our systems or those of our third party business partners or service providers, 
even if no breach has been attempted or has occurred, can also adversely impact our brand and reputation and materially impact 
our business. Like many other retail companies and because of the prominence of our brand, we have experienced frequent 
attempts to compromise our information technology systems but none have resulted in a material breach. Additionally, the 
techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber-attacks and breaches of information technology systems, as well as the 
sources and targets of these attacks, change frequently and are often not recognized until such attacks are launched or have 
been in place for a period of time. We continue to make significant investments in technology, third party services and 
personnel to develop and implement systems and processes that are designed to anticipate cyber-attacks and prevent breaches 
of our information technology systems or data loss, but these security measures cannot provide assurance that we will be 
successful in preventing such breaches or data loss.

• Incidents involving food-borne illnesses, food tampering, food contamination or mislabeling, whether or not accurate, as 
well as adverse public or medical opinions about the health effects of consuming our products, could harm our business. 

Instances or reports, whether true or not, of unclean water supply or food-safety issues, such as food-borne illnesses, food 
tampering, food contamination or mislabeling, either during growing, manufacturing, packaging, storing or preparation, have in 
the past severely injured the reputations of companies in the food processing, grocery and quick-service restaurant sectors and 
could affect us as well. Any report linking us to the use of unclean water, food-borne illnesses or food tampering, 
contamination, mislabeling or other food-safety issues could damage our brand value and severely hurt sales of our beverages 
and food products, and possibly lead to product liability claims, litigation (including class actions) or damages. Clean water is 
critical to the preparation of coffee and tea beverages and our ability to ensure a clean water supply to our stores can be limited, 
particularly in some international locations. We have also incorporated many products in our food and beverage lineup that 
require freezing or refrigeration, including produce (such as fruits and vegetables in our salads and juices), dairy products (such 
as milk and cheeses) and meats. If customers become ill from food-borne illnesses, tampering, contamination, mislabeling or 
other food-safety issues, we could also be forced to temporarily close some stores and/or supply chain facilities, as well as 
recall products. In addition, instances of food-safety issues, even those involving solely the restaurants or stores of competitors 
or of suppliers or distributors (regardless of whether we use or have used those suppliers or distributors), could, by resulting in 
negative publicity about us or the foodservice industry in general, adversely affect our sales on a regional or global basis. A 
decrease in customer traffic as a result of food-safety concerns or negative publicity, or as a result of a temporary closure of any 
of our stores or recalls, as well as adverse results of claims or litigation, could materially harm our business and results of 
operations. 

Some of our products contain caffeine, dairy products, sugar and other compounds, the health effects of which are the subject 
of public scrutiny, including the suggestion that excessive consumption of caffeine, dairy products, sugar and other compounds 
can lead to a variety of adverse health effects. Particularly in the US, there is increasing consumer awareness of health risks, 
including obesity, due in part to increased publicity and attention from health organizations, as well as increased consumer 
litigation based on alleged adverse health impacts of consumption of various food products. While we have a variety of 
beverage and food items, including items that are coffee-free and have reduced calories, an unfavorable report on the health 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

11

effects of caffeine or other compounds present in our products, whether accurate or not, or negative publicity or litigation 
arising from certain health risks could significantly reduce the demand for our beverages and food products and could 
materially harm our business and results of operations. 

• We may not be successful in implementing important strategic initiatives or effectively managing growth, which may have 

an adverse impact on our business and financial results. 

There is no assurance that we will be able to implement important strategic initiatives in accordance with our expectations, 
which may result in an adverse impact on our business and financial results. These strategic initiatives are designed to create 
growth, improve our results of operations and drive long-term shareholder value, and include: 

• successfully leveraging Starbucks brand portfolio outside the company-operated store base, including our increased 

focus on international licensed stores;

• focusing on relevant product innovation and profitable new growth platforms, including retail tea, and achieving 
customer acceptance of these new products and platforms while maintaining demand for our current offerings;

• continuing the growth of our Channel Development business;

• balancing disciplined global store growth and existing store renovation while meeting target store-level unit 

economics in a given market; 

• executing a multi-channel advertising and marketing campaign to effectively communicate our message directly to 

Starbucks consumers and employees; and

• strategic acquisitions, divestitures or joint ventures.

In addition to other factors listed in this risk factors section, factors that may adversely affect the successful implementation of 
these initiatives, which could adversely impact our business and financial results, include construction cost increases associated 
with new store openings and remodeling of existing stores; delays in store openings for reasons beyond our control or a lack of 
desirable real estate locations available for lease at reasonable rates, either of which could keep us from meeting annual store 
opening targets in the US and internationally; lack of customer acceptance of new products due to price increases necessary to 
cover the costs of new products or higher input costs; the degree to which we enter into, maintain, develop and are able to 
negotiate appropriate terms and conditions of, and enforce, commercial and other agreements; not successfully consummating 
favorable strategic transactions or integrating acquired businesses; or the deterioration in our credit ratings, which could limit 
the availability of additional financing and increase the cost of obtaining financing to fund our initiatives. If we are not 
successful in implementing these strategic initiatives, we may be required to evaluate whether certain assets, including other 
intangibles and goodwill, have become impaired. In the event we record an impairment charge, it could have a material impact 
on our financial results.

Additionally, effectively managing growth can be challenging, particularly as we continue to expand into new channels outside 
the retail store model, increase our focus on our Channel Development business, and expand into new markets internationally 
where we must balance the need for flexibility and a degree of autonomy for local management against the need for 
consistency with our goals, philosophy and standards. Growth can make it increasingly difficult to ensure a consistent supply of 
high-quality raw materials, to locate and hire sufficient numbers of key employees, to maintain an effective system of internal 
controls for a globally dispersed enterprise and to train employees worldwide to deliver a consistently high quality product and 
customer experience.

• We face intense competition in each of our channels and markets, which could lead to reduced profitability. 

The specialty coffee market is intensely competitive, including with respect to product quality, innovation, service, 
convenience, and price, and we face significant and increasing competition in all these areas in each of our channels and 
markets. Accordingly, we do not have leadership positions in all channels and markets. In the US, the ongoing focus by large 
competitors in the quick-service restaurant sector on selling high-quality specialty coffee beverages could lead to decreases in 
customer traffic to Starbucks® stores and/or average value per transaction adversely affecting our sales and results of 
operations. Similarly, continued competition from well-established competitors in our international markets could hinder 
growth and adversely affect our sales and results of operations in those markets. Increased competition in the US packaged 
coffee and tea and single-serve and ready-to-drink coffee beverage markets, including from new and large entrants to this 
market, could adversely affect the profitability of the Channel Development segment. Additionally, declines in general 
consumer demand for specialty coffee products for any reason, including due to consumer preference for other products, could 
have a negative effect on our business. 

12  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

• We are highly dependent on the financial performance of our Americas operating segment. 

Our financial performance is highly dependent on our Americas operating segment, as it comprised approximately 73% of 

consolidated total net revenues in fiscal 2014. If the Americas operating segment revenue trends slow or decline our other 

segments may be unable to make up any significant shortfall and our business and financial results could be adversely affected. 

And because the Americas segment is relatively mature and produces the large majority of our operating cash flows, such a 

slowdown or decline could result in reduced cash flows for funding the expansion of our international business and other 

initiatives and for returning cash to shareholders.

• We are increasingly dependent on the success of our CAP and EMEA operating segments in order to achieve our growth 

targets. 

operations.

Our future growth increasingly depends on the growth and sustained profitability of our CAP and EMEA operating segments. 

Some or all of our international market business units ("MBUs"), which we generally define by the countries in which they 

operate, may not be successful in their operations or in achieving expected growth, which ultimately requires achieving 

consistent, stable net revenues and earnings. The performance of these international operations may be adversely affected by 

economic downturns in one or more of the countries in which our large MBUs operate. In particular, our China MBU 

contributes meaningfully to both net revenues and earnings for our CAP segment and our Japan MBU contributes significantly 

to earnings in that segment. In the EMEA segment, our UK MBU accounts for a significant portion of the net revenues. A 

decline in performance of any of these MBUs could have a material adverse impact on the results of our international 

Additionally, some factors that will be critical to the success of the CAP and EMEA segments are different than those affecting 

our US stores and licensees. Tastes naturally vary by region, and consumers in some MBUs may not embrace our products to 

the same extent as consumers in the US or other international markets. Occupancy costs and store operating expenses can be 

higher internationally than in the US due to higher rents for prime store locations or costs of compliance with country-specific 

regulatory requirements. Because many of our international operations are in an early phase of development, operating 

expenses as a percentage of related revenues are often higher compared to more developed operations, such as in the US. 

Additionally, our international joint venture partners or licensees may face capital constraints or other factors that may limit the 

speed at which they are able to expand and develop in a certain market. 

Our international operations are also subject to additional inherent risks of conducting business abroad, such as: 

• foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, or requirements to transact in specific currencies; 

• changes or uncertainties in economic, legal, regulatory, social and political conditions in our markets; 

• interpretation and application of laws and regulations; 

• restrictive actions of foreign or US governmental authorities affecting trade and foreign investment, especially during 

periods of heightened tension between the US and such foreign governmental authorities, including protective 

measures such as export and customs duties and tariffs, government intervention favoring local competitors, and 

restrictions on the level of foreign ownership; 

• import or other business licensing requirements;

• the enforceability of intellectual property and contract rights;

• limitations on the repatriation of funds and foreign currency exchange restrictions due to current or new US and 

international regulations;

income may not be as fast as we forecast;

• in developing economies, the growth rate in the portion of the population achieving sufficient levels of disposable 

• difficulty in staffing, developing and managing foreign operations and supply chain logistics, including ensuring the 

consistency of product quality and service, due to governmental actions affecting supply chain logistics, distance, 

language and cultural differences, as well as challenges in recruiting and retaining high quality employees in local 

markets;

• local laws that make it more expensive and complex to negotiate with, retain or terminate employees;

• delays in store openings for reasons beyond our control, competition with locally relevant competitors or a lack of 

desirable real estate locations available for lease at reasonable rates, any of which could keep us from meeting annual 

store opening targets and, in turn, negatively impact net revenues, operating income and earnings per share; and

• disruption in energy supplies affecting our markets.

Moreover, many of the foregoing risks are particularly acute in developing countries, which are important to our long-term 

growth prospects. 

effects of caffeine or other compounds present in our products, whether accurate or not, or negative publicity or litigation 

arising from certain health risks could significantly reduce the demand for our beverages and food products and could 

materially harm our business and results of operations. 

• We may not be successful in implementing important strategic initiatives or effectively managing growth, which may have 

an adverse impact on our business and financial results. 

There is no assurance that we will be able to implement important strategic initiatives in accordance with our expectations, 

which may result in an adverse impact on our business and financial results. These strategic initiatives are designed to create 

growth, improve our results of operations and drive long-term shareholder value, and include: 

• successfully leveraging Starbucks brand portfolio outside the company-operated store base, including our increased 

focus on international licensed stores;

• focusing on relevant product innovation and profitable new growth platforms, including retail tea, and achieving 

customer acceptance of these new products and platforms while maintaining demand for our current offerings;

• continuing the growth of our Channel Development business;

• balancing disciplined global store growth and existing store renovation while meeting target store-level unit 

economics in a given market; 

• executing a multi-channel advertising and marketing campaign to effectively communicate our message directly to 

Starbucks consumers and employees; and

• strategic acquisitions, divestitures or joint ventures.

In addition to other factors listed in this risk factors section, factors that may adversely affect the successful implementation of 

these initiatives, which could adversely impact our business and financial results, include construction cost increases associated 

with new store openings and remodeling of existing stores; delays in store openings for reasons beyond our control or a lack of 

desirable real estate locations available for lease at reasonable rates, either of which could keep us from meeting annual store 

opening targets in the US and internationally; lack of customer acceptance of new products due to price increases necessary to 

cover the costs of new products or higher input costs; the degree to which we enter into, maintain, develop and are able to 

negotiate appropriate terms and conditions of, and enforce, commercial and other agreements; not successfully consummating 

favorable strategic transactions or integrating acquired businesses; or the deterioration in our credit ratings, which could limit 

the availability of additional financing and increase the cost of obtaining financing to fund our initiatives. If we are not 

successful in implementing these strategic initiatives, we may be required to evaluate whether certain assets, including other 

intangibles and goodwill, have become impaired. In the event we record an impairment charge, it could have a material impact 

on our financial results.

Additionally, effectively managing growth can be challenging, particularly as we continue to expand into new channels outside 

the retail store model, increase our focus on our Channel Development business, and expand into new markets internationally 

where we must balance the need for flexibility and a degree of autonomy for local management against the need for 

consistency with our goals, philosophy and standards. Growth can make it increasingly difficult to ensure a consistent supply of 

high-quality raw materials, to locate and hire sufficient numbers of key employees, to maintain an effective system of internal 

controls for a globally dispersed enterprise and to train employees worldwide to deliver a consistently high quality product and 

customer experience.

The specialty coffee market is intensely competitive, including with respect to product quality, innovation, service, 

convenience, and price, and we face significant and increasing competition in all these areas in each of our channels and 

markets. Accordingly, we do not have leadership positions in all channels and markets. In the US, the ongoing focus by large 

competitors in the quick-service restaurant sector on selling high-quality specialty coffee beverages could lead to decreases in 

customer traffic to Starbucks® stores and/or average value per transaction adversely affecting our sales and results of 

operations. Similarly, continued competition from well-established competitors in our international markets could hinder 

growth and adversely affect our sales and results of operations in those markets. Increased competition in the US packaged 

coffee and tea and single-serve and ready-to-drink coffee beverage markets, including from new and large entrants to this 

market, could adversely affect the profitability of the Channel Development segment. Additionally, declines in general 

consumer demand for specialty coffee products for any reason, including due to consumer preference for other products, could 

have a negative effect on our business. 

• We are highly dependent on the financial performance of our Americas operating segment. 

Our financial performance is highly dependent on our Americas operating segment, as it comprised approximately 73% of 
consolidated total net revenues in fiscal 2014. If the Americas operating segment revenue trends slow or decline our other 
segments may be unable to make up any significant shortfall and our business and financial results could be adversely affected. 
And because the Americas segment is relatively mature and produces the large majority of our operating cash flows, such a 
slowdown or decline could result in reduced cash flows for funding the expansion of our international business and other 
initiatives and for returning cash to shareholders.

• We are increasingly dependent on the success of our CAP and EMEA operating segments in order to achieve our growth 

targets. 

Our future growth increasingly depends on the growth and sustained profitability of our CAP and EMEA operating segments. 
Some or all of our international market business units ("MBUs"), which we generally define by the countries in which they 
operate, may not be successful in their operations or in achieving expected growth, which ultimately requires achieving 
consistent, stable net revenues and earnings. The performance of these international operations may be adversely affected by 
economic downturns in one or more of the countries in which our large MBUs operate. In particular, our China MBU 
contributes meaningfully to both net revenues and earnings for our CAP segment and our Japan MBU contributes significantly 
to earnings in that segment. In the EMEA segment, our UK MBU accounts for a significant portion of the net revenues. A 
decline in performance of any of these MBUs could have a material adverse impact on the results of our international 
operations.

Additionally, some factors that will be critical to the success of the CAP and EMEA segments are different than those affecting 
our US stores and licensees. Tastes naturally vary by region, and consumers in some MBUs may not embrace our products to 
the same extent as consumers in the US or other international markets. Occupancy costs and store operating expenses can be 
higher internationally than in the US due to higher rents for prime store locations or costs of compliance with country-specific 
regulatory requirements. Because many of our international operations are in an early phase of development, operating 
expenses as a percentage of related revenues are often higher compared to more developed operations, such as in the US. 
Additionally, our international joint venture partners or licensees may face capital constraints or other factors that may limit the 
speed at which they are able to expand and develop in a certain market. 

Our international operations are also subject to additional inherent risks of conducting business abroad, such as: 

• foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, or requirements to transact in specific currencies; 

• changes or uncertainties in economic, legal, regulatory, social and political conditions in our markets; 

• interpretation and application of laws and regulations; 

• restrictive actions of foreign or US governmental authorities affecting trade and foreign investment, especially during 

periods of heightened tension between the US and such foreign governmental authorities, including protective 
measures such as export and customs duties and tariffs, government intervention favoring local competitors, and 
restrictions on the level of foreign ownership; 

• import or other business licensing requirements;

• the enforceability of intellectual property and contract rights;

• limitations on the repatriation of funds and foreign currency exchange restrictions due to current or new US and 

• We face intense competition in each of our channels and markets, which could lead to reduced profitability. 

international regulations;

• in developing economies, the growth rate in the portion of the population achieving sufficient levels of disposable 

income may not be as fast as we forecast;

• difficulty in staffing, developing and managing foreign operations and supply chain logistics, including ensuring the 
consistency of product quality and service, due to governmental actions affecting supply chain logistics, distance, 
language and cultural differences, as well as challenges in recruiting and retaining high quality employees in local 
markets;

• local laws that make it more expensive and complex to negotiate with, retain or terminate employees;

• delays in store openings for reasons beyond our control, competition with locally relevant competitors or a lack of 

desirable real estate locations available for lease at reasonable rates, any of which could keep us from meeting annual 
store opening targets and, in turn, negatively impact net revenues, operating income and earnings per share; and

• disruption in energy supplies affecting our markets.

Moreover, many of the foregoing risks are particularly acute in developing countries, which are important to our long-term 
growth prospects. 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

13

• Increases in the cost of high-quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities or decreases in the availability of high-
quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities could have an adverse impact on our business and financial results. 

volatility of our stock. 

• Failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance will likely adversely affect the market price and 

We purchase, roast, and sell high-quality whole bean arabica coffee beans and related coffee products. The price of coffee is 
subject to significant volatility and has and may again increase significantly due to one or more of the factors described below. 
The high-quality arabica coffee of the quality we seek tends to trade on a negotiated basis at a premium above the "C" price. 
This premium depends upon the supply and demand at the time of purchase and the amount of the premium can vary 
significantly. Increases in the "C" coffee commodity price do increase the price of high-quality arabica coffee and also impact 
our ability to enter into fixed-price purchase commitments. We frequently enter into supply contracts whereby the quality, 
quantity, delivery period, and other negotiated terms are agreed upon, but the date, and therefore price, at which the base "C" 
coffee commodity price component will be fixed has not yet been established. These are known as price-to-be-fixed contracts. 
The supply and price of coffee we purchase can also be affected by multiple factors in the producing countries, including 
weather, natural disasters, crop disease, general increase in farm inputs and costs of production, inventory levels and political 
and economic conditions, as well as the actions of certain organizations and associations that have historically attempted to 
influence prices of green coffee through agreements establishing export quotas or by restricting coffee supplies. Speculative 
trading in coffee commodities can also influence coffee prices. Because of the significance of coffee beans to our operations, 
combined with our ability to only partially mitigate future price risk through purchasing practices and hedging activities, 
increases in the cost of high-quality arabica coffee beans could have an adverse impact on our profitability. In addition, if we 
are not able to purchase sufficient quantities of green coffee due to any of the above factors or to a worldwide or regional 
shortage, we may not be able to fulfill the demand for our coffee, which could have an adverse impact on our profitability. 

We also purchase significant amounts of dairy products, particularly fluid milk, to support the needs of our company-operated 
retail stores. Additionally, and although less significant to our operations than coffee or dairy, other commodities, including but 
not limited to tea and those related to food inputs, such as cocoa, produce, baking ingredients, meats and energy, are important 
to our operations. Increases in the cost of dairy products and other commodities, or lack of availability, especially in 
international markets, could have an adverse impact on our profitability. 

• Our financial condition and results of operations are sensitive to, and may be adversely affected by, a number of factors, 

many of which are largely outside our control. 

Our operating results have been in the past and will continue to be subject to a number of factors, many of which are largely 
outside our control. Any one or more of the factors listed below or described elsewhere in this risk factors section could 
adversely impact our business, financial condition and/or results of operations: 

• increases in labor costs such as increased health care costs, general market and minimum wage levels and workers' 

compensation insurance costs; 

• adverse outcomes of litigation; and

• especially in our larger or fast growing markets, labor discord, war, terrorism (including incidents targeting us), 

political instability, boycotts, social unrest, and natural disasters, including health pandemics that lead to avoidance of 
public places or restrictions on public gatherings such as in our stores.

• Interruption of our supply chain could affect our ability to produce or deliver our products and could negatively impact 

our business and profitability. 

Any material interruption in our supply chain, such as material interruption of roasted coffee supply due to the casualty loss of 
any of our roasting plants, interruptions in service by our third party logistic service providers or common carriers that ship 
goods within our distribution channels, trade restrictions, such as increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes or customs restrictions, 
or natural disasters that cause a material disruption in our supply chain could negatively impact our business and our 
profitability.

Additionally, our food, beverage and other products are sourced from a wide variety of domestic and international business 
partners in our supply chain operations, and in certain cases are produced or sourced by our licensees directly. We rely on these 
suppliers and vendors to provide high quality products and to comply with applicable laws. Our ability to find qualified 
suppliers and vendors who meet our standards and supply products in a timely and efficient manner is a significant challenge, 
especially with respect to goods sourced from outside the US. A vendor's or supplier's failure to meet our standards, provide 
products in a timely and efficient manner, and comply with applicable laws is beyond our control. These issues could 
negatively impact our business and profitability. 

14  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Failure to meet market expectations going forward, particularly with respect to operating margins, earnings per share, 

comparable store sales, operating cash flows, and net revenues, will likely result in a decline and/or increased volatility in the 

market price of our stock. In addition, price and volume fluctuations in the stock market as a whole may affect the market price 

of our stock in ways that may be unrelated to our financial performance.

• The loss of key personnel or difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified personnel could adversely impact our business 

and financial results. 

Much of our future success depends on the continued availability and service of senior management personnel. The loss of any 

of our executive officers or other key senior management personnel could harm our business. We must continue to recruit, 

retain and motivate management and other employees sufficiently, both to maintain our current business and to execute our 

strategic initiatives, some of which involve ongoing expansion in business channels outside of our traditional company-

operated store model. Our success also depends substantially on the contributions and abilities of our retail store employees 

whom we rely on to give customers a superior in-store experience. Accordingly, our performance depends on our ability to 

recruit and retain high quality employees to work in and manage our stores, both domestically and internationally. If we are 

unable to recruit, retain and motivate employees sufficiently to maintain our current business and support our projected growth, 

our business and financial performance may be adversely affected.

• We rely heavily on information technology in our operations, and any material failure, inadequacy, interruption or security 

failure of that technology could harm our ability to effectively operate our business and could adversely affect our 

financial results. 

We rely heavily on information technology systems across our operations, including for administrative functions, point-of-sale 

processing and payment in our stores and online, management of our supply chain, Starbucks Cards, online business, mobile 

payments, reloads and loyalty functionality and various other processes and transactions. Our ability to effectively manage our 

business and coordinate the production, distribution and sale of our products depends significantly on the reliability, integrity 

and capacity of these systems. We also rely on third party providers and platforms for some of these information technology 

systems and support. Although we have security measures in place, they may not be effective in preventing the failure of these 

systems or platforms to operate effectively and be available. Such failures may be caused by various factors, including power 

outages, catastrophic events, problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems or platforms, flaws in third party 

software, or a breach in the security of these systems or platforms, including through cyber-attacks. If our disaster recovery and 

business continuity plans do not resolve these issues in an effective manner they could cause material negative impacts to our 

product availability and sales, the efficiency of our operations and our financial results.

• Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could harm our business and financial results. 

Our policies and procedures are designed to comply with all applicable laws, accounting and reporting requirements, tax rules 

and other regulations and requirements, including those imposed by the SEC, NASDAQ, and foreign countries, as well as 

applicable trade, labor, healthcare, privacy, food, anti-bribery and corruption and merchandise laws. The complexity of the 

regulatory environment in which we operate and the related cost of compliance are both increasing due to additional or 

changing legal and regulatory requirements, our ongoing expansion into new markets and new channels, and the fact that 

foreign laws occasionally conflict with domestic laws. In addition to potential damage to our reputation and brand, failure to 

comply with the various laws and regulations, as well as changes in laws and regulations or the manner in which they are 

interpreted or applied, may result in litigation, civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties, increased cost of 

regulatory compliance and restatements of our financial statements. 

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

our ability to enter into fixed-price purchase commitments. We frequently enter into supply contracts whereby the quality, 

• The loss of key personnel or difficulties recruiting and retaining qualified personnel could adversely impact our business 

quantity, delivery period, and other negotiated terms are agreed upon, but the date, and therefore price, at which the base "C" 

and financial results. 

• Failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance will likely adversely affect the market price and 

volatility of our stock. 

Failure to meet market expectations going forward, particularly with respect to operating margins, earnings per share, 
comparable store sales, operating cash flows, and net revenues, will likely result in a decline and/or increased volatility in the 
market price of our stock. In addition, price and volume fluctuations in the stock market as a whole may affect the market price 
of our stock in ways that may be unrelated to our financial performance.

Much of our future success depends on the continued availability and service of senior management personnel. The loss of any 
of our executive officers or other key senior management personnel could harm our business. We must continue to recruit, 
retain and motivate management and other employees sufficiently, both to maintain our current business and to execute our 
strategic initiatives, some of which involve ongoing expansion in business channels outside of our traditional company-
operated store model. Our success also depends substantially on the contributions and abilities of our retail store employees 
whom we rely on to give customers a superior in-store experience. Accordingly, our performance depends on our ability to 
recruit and retain high quality employees to work in and manage our stores, both domestically and internationally. If we are 
unable to recruit, retain and motivate employees sufficiently to maintain our current business and support our projected growth, 
our business and financial performance may be adversely affected.

We also purchase significant amounts of dairy products, particularly fluid milk, to support the needs of our company-operated 

• We rely heavily on information technology in our operations, and any material failure, inadequacy, interruption or security 

failure of that technology could harm our ability to effectively operate our business and could adversely affect our 
financial results. 

We rely heavily on information technology systems across our operations, including for administrative functions, point-of-sale 
processing and payment in our stores and online, management of our supply chain, Starbucks Cards, online business, mobile 
payments, reloads and loyalty functionality and various other processes and transactions. Our ability to effectively manage our 
business and coordinate the production, distribution and sale of our products depends significantly on the reliability, integrity 
and capacity of these systems. We also rely on third party providers and platforms for some of these information technology 
systems and support. Although we have security measures in place, they may not be effective in preventing the failure of these 
systems or platforms to operate effectively and be available. Such failures may be caused by various factors, including power 
outages, catastrophic events, problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems or platforms, flaws in third party 
software, or a breach in the security of these systems or platforms, including through cyber-attacks. If our disaster recovery and 
business continuity plans do not resolve these issues in an effective manner they could cause material negative impacts to our 
product availability and sales, the efficiency of our operations and our financial results.

• Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could harm our business and financial results. 

Our policies and procedures are designed to comply with all applicable laws, accounting and reporting requirements, tax rules 
and other regulations and requirements, including those imposed by the SEC, NASDAQ, and foreign countries, as well as 
applicable trade, labor, healthcare, privacy, food, anti-bribery and corruption and merchandise laws. The complexity of the 
regulatory environment in which we operate and the related cost of compliance are both increasing due to additional or 
changing legal and regulatory requirements, our ongoing expansion into new markets and new channels, and the fact that 
foreign laws occasionally conflict with domestic laws. In addition to potential damage to our reputation and brand, failure to 
comply with the various laws and regulations, as well as changes in laws and regulations or the manner in which they are 
interpreted or applied, may result in litigation, civil and criminal liability, damages, fines and penalties, increased cost of 
regulatory compliance and restatements of our financial statements. 

• Increases in the cost of high-quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities or decreases in the availability of high-

quality arabica coffee beans or other commodities could have an adverse impact on our business and financial results. 

We purchase, roast, and sell high-quality whole bean arabica coffee beans and related coffee products. The price of coffee is 

subject to significant volatility and has and may again increase significantly due to one or more of the factors described below. 

The high-quality arabica coffee of the quality we seek tends to trade on a negotiated basis at a premium above the "C" price. 

This premium depends upon the supply and demand at the time of purchase and the amount of the premium can vary 

significantly. Increases in the "C" coffee commodity price do increase the price of high-quality arabica coffee and also impact 

coffee commodity price component will be fixed has not yet been established. These are known as price-to-be-fixed contracts. 

The supply and price of coffee we purchase can also be affected by multiple factors in the producing countries, including 

weather, natural disasters, crop disease, general increase in farm inputs and costs of production, inventory levels and political 

and economic conditions, as well as the actions of certain organizations and associations that have historically attempted to 

influence prices of green coffee through agreements establishing export quotas or by restricting coffee supplies. Speculative 

trading in coffee commodities can also influence coffee prices. Because of the significance of coffee beans to our operations, 

combined with our ability to only partially mitigate future price risk through purchasing practices and hedging activities, 

increases in the cost of high-quality arabica coffee beans could have an adverse impact on our profitability. In addition, if we 

are not able to purchase sufficient quantities of green coffee due to any of the above factors or to a worldwide or regional 

shortage, we may not be able to fulfill the demand for our coffee, which could have an adverse impact on our profitability. 

retail stores. Additionally, and although less significant to our operations than coffee or dairy, other commodities, including but 

not limited to tea and those related to food inputs, such as cocoa, produce, baking ingredients, meats and energy, are important 

to our operations. Increases in the cost of dairy products and other commodities, or lack of availability, especially in 

international markets, could have an adverse impact on our profitability. 

• Our financial condition and results of operations are sensitive to, and may be adversely affected by, a number of factors, 

many of which are largely outside our control. 

Our operating results have been in the past and will continue to be subject to a number of factors, many of which are largely 

outside our control. Any one or more of the factors listed below or described elsewhere in this risk factors section could 

adversely impact our business, financial condition and/or results of operations: 

• increases in labor costs such as increased health care costs, general market and minimum wage levels and workers' 

compensation insurance costs; 

• adverse outcomes of litigation; and

• especially in our larger or fast growing markets, labor discord, war, terrorism (including incidents targeting us), 

political instability, boycotts, social unrest, and natural disasters, including health pandemics that lead to avoidance of 

public places or restrictions on public gatherings such as in our stores.

• Interruption of our supply chain could affect our ability to produce or deliver our products and could negatively impact 

our business and profitability. 

Any material interruption in our supply chain, such as material interruption of roasted coffee supply due to the casualty loss of 

any of our roasting plants, interruptions in service by our third party logistic service providers or common carriers that ship 

goods within our distribution channels, trade restrictions, such as increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes or customs restrictions, 

or natural disasters that cause a material disruption in our supply chain could negatively impact our business and our 

profitability.

Additionally, our food, beverage and other products are sourced from a wide variety of domestic and international business 

partners in our supply chain operations, and in certain cases are produced or sourced by our licensees directly. We rely on these 

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

suppliers and vendors to provide high quality products and to comply with applicable laws. Our ability to find qualified 

None.

suppliers and vendors who meet our standards and supply products in a timely and efficient manner is a significant challenge, 

especially with respect to goods sourced from outside the US. A vendor's or supplier's failure to meet our standards, provide 

products in a timely and efficient manner, and comply with applicable laws is beyond our control. These issues could 

negatively impact our business and profitability. 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

15

Item 2.  Properties

PART II

The significant properties used by Starbucks in connection with its roasting, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and 
corporate administrative operations, serving all segments, are as follows:

Item 5.   Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 

Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
San Francisco, CA
Augusta, GA
Minden, NV (Carson Valley)
York, PA
Gaston, SC (Sandy Run)
Lebanon, TN
Auburn, WA
Kent, WA
Seattle, WA
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Samutprakarn, Thailand

Approximate Size
in Square Feet

Purpose

265,000 Manufacturing
79,000 Warehouse and distribution
131,000 Manufacturing
360,000 Roasting and distribution

1,035,000 Roasting, distribution and warehouse

117,000 Roasting and distribution
680,000 Distribution center
491,000 Warehouse and distribution
510,000 Roasting and distribution
1,001,000 Corporate administrative
97,000 Roasting and distribution
80,000 Warehouse and distribution

We own our roasting facilities and lease the majority of our warehousing and distribution locations. As of September 28, 2014, 
Starbucks had 10,713 company-operated stores, almost all of which are leased. We also lease space in various locations 
worldwide for regional, district and other administrative offices, training facilities and storage. In addition to the locations listed 
above, we hold inventory at various locations managed by third-party warehouses.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

See Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-
K for information regarding certain legal proceedings in which we are involved.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

16  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Fiscal 2014:

Fiscal 2013:

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Third Quarter

Second Quarter

First Quarter

considers relevant.

2014:

Securities

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

MARKET INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND POLICY

Starbucks common stock is traded on NASDAQ, under the symbol "SBUX."

The following table shows the quarterly high and low sale prices per share of Starbucks common stock as reported by 

NASDAQ for each quarter during the last two fiscal years and the quarterly cash dividend declared per share of our common 

stock during the periods indicated:

High

Low

Cash Dividends

Declared

$

$

$

$

80.64

78.35

78.83

82.50

77.84

67.48

58.97

54.90

$

$

73.78

67.93

68.67

74.45

65.82

56.65

52.39

44.27

0.32

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.26

0.21

0.21

0.21

As of November 7, 2014, we had approximately 17,800 shareholders of record. This does not include persons whose stock is in 

nominee or "street name" accounts through brokers.

Future decisions to pay cash dividends continue to be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent on our 

operating performance, financial condition, capital expenditure requirements, and other factors that the Board of Directors 

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The following table provides information regarding repurchases of our common stock during the quarter ended September 28, 

Period(1)

Total

June 30, 2014 — July 27, 2014

July 28, 2014 — August 24, 2014

August 25, 2014 — September 28, 2014

Total

Number of

Shares

Purchased

Average

Price

Paid per

Share

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased as

Part of Publicly

Announced

Plans or

Programs

Maximum

Number of

Shares that May

Yet Be

Purchased

Under the Plans

or Programs (2)

— $

789,975

1,484,884

2,274,859

$

—

77.27

76.52

76.78

—

789,975

1,484,884

2,274,859

18,132,067

17,342,092

15,857,208

(1)  Monthly information is presented by reference to our fiscal months during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

(2)  The share repurchase program is conducted under authorizations made from time to time by our Board of Directors. On 

November 15, 2012, we publicly announced the authorization of up to 25 million shares. This authorization has no 

expiration date.

The significant properties used by Starbucks in connection with its roasting, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and 

corporate administrative operations, serving all segments, are as follows:

Approximate Size

in Square Feet

Purpose

265,000 Manufacturing

79,000 Warehouse and distribution

131,000 Manufacturing

360,000 Roasting and distribution

1,035,000 Roasting, distribution and warehouse

117,000 Roasting and distribution

680,000 Distribution center

491,000 Warehouse and distribution

510,000 Roasting and distribution

1,001,000 Corporate administrative

97,000 Roasting and distribution

80,000 Warehouse and distribution

We own our roasting facilities and lease the majority of our warehousing and distribution locations. As of September 28, 2014, 

Starbucks had 10,713 company-operated stores, almost all of which are leased. We also lease space in various locations 

worldwide for regional, district and other administrative offices, training facilities and storage. In addition to the locations listed 

above, we hold inventory at various locations managed by third-party warehouses.

See Note 15, Commitments and Contingencies, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-

K for information regarding certain legal proceedings in which we are involved.

Item 2.  Properties

Location

Rancho Cucamonga, CA

San Francisco, CA

Augusta, GA

Minden, NV (Carson Valley)

York, PA

Gaston, SC (Sandy Run)

Lebanon, TN

Auburn, WA

Kent, WA

Seattle, WA

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Samutprakarn, Thailand

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5.   Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 

PART II

Securities

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

MARKET INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND POLICY

Starbucks common stock is traded on NASDAQ, under the symbol "SBUX."

The following table shows the quarterly high and low sale prices per share of Starbucks common stock as reported by 
NASDAQ for each quarter during the last two fiscal years and the quarterly cash dividend declared per share of our common 
stock during the periods indicated:

Fiscal 2014:

Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

Fiscal 2013:

Fourth Quarter
Third Quarter
Second Quarter
First Quarter

High

Low

Cash Dividends
Declared

$

$

$

$

80.64
78.35
78.83
82.50

77.84
67.48
58.97
54.90

$

$

73.78
67.93
68.67
74.45

65.82
56.65
52.39
44.27

0.32
0.26
0.26
0.26

0.26
0.21
0.21
0.21

As of November 7, 2014, we had approximately 17,800 shareholders of record. This does not include persons whose stock is in 
nominee or "street name" accounts through brokers.

Future decisions to pay cash dividends continue to be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent on our 
operating performance, financial condition, capital expenditure requirements, and other factors that the Board of Directors 
considers relevant.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The following table provides information regarding repurchases of our common stock during the quarter ended September 28, 
2014:

Period(1)
June 30, 2014 — July 27, 2014
July 28, 2014 — August 24, 2014
August 25, 2014 — September 28, 2014
Total

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

Average
Price
Paid per
Share

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

Maximum
Number of
Shares that May
Yet Be
Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (2)

— $

789,975
1,484,884
2,274,859

$

—
77.27
76.52
76.78

—
789,975
1,484,884
2,274,859

18,132,067
17,342,092
15,857,208

(1)  Monthly information is presented by reference to our fiscal months during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.
(2)  The share repurchase program is conducted under authorizations made from time to time by our Board of Directors. On 
November 15, 2012, we publicly announced the authorization of up to 25 million shares. This authorization has no 
expiration date.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

17

Performance Comparison Graph

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

The following graph depicts the total return to shareholders from September 27, 2009 through September 28, 2014, relative to 
the performance of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the NASDAQ Composite Index, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 
Consumer Discretionary Sector, a peer group that includes Starbucks. All indices shown in the graph have been reset to a base 
of 100 as of September 27, 2009, and assume an investment of $100 on that date and the reinvestment of dividends paid since 
that date. The stock price performance shown in the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

The following selected financial data is derived from the consolidated financial statements. The data below should be read in 

conjunction with "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Risk Factors," 

and the consolidated financial statements and notes.

Financial Information (in millions, except per share data):

$500

$400

$300

$200

$100

$0
9/27/2009

10/3/2010

10/2/2011

9/30/2012

9/29/2013

9/28/2014

Starbucks Corporation  

S&P 500

NASDAQ Composite  

S&P Consumer Discretionary

equipment)

Balance Sheet

Total assets

Sep 27, 2009

Oct 3, 2010

Oct 2, 2011

Sep 30, 2012

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 28, 2014

Starbucks Corporation
S&P 500
NASDAQ Composite
S&P Consumer Discretionary

$

$

100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00

$

132.04
110.16
112.55
123.63

$

192.82
111.42
116.28
131.26

$

266.00
145.07
153.12
179.35

$

411.41
173.13
189.49
236.45

405.56
207.30
227.09
264.29

875.2

868.7

948.3

2.7

945.6

1.24

0.36

As of and for the Fiscal Year Ended (1)

Results of Operations

Net revenues:

 Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other(2)

Total net revenues(2)

Operating income/(loss)(3,4)

Sep 28, 

2014

(52 Wks)

 Sep 29,

2013

(52 Wks)

Sep 30,

2012

(52 Wks)

Oct 2,

2011

(52 Wks)

Oct 3,

2010

(53 Wks)

$ 12,977.9

$ 11,793.2

$ 10,534.5

$

9,632.4

$

8,963.5

1,588.6

1,881.3

1,360.5

1,713.1

1,210.3

1,532.0

1,007.5

1,060.5

$ 16,447.8

$ 14,866.8

$ 13,276.8

$ 11,700.4

$ 10,707.4

$

3,081.1

$

(325.4) $

1,997.4

$

1,728.5

$

1,419.4

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests(3,4)

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to Starbucks(3,4)

EPS — diluted(3,4)

Cash dividends declared per share

Net cash provided by operating activities

Capital expenditures (additions to property, plant and

2,067.7

(0.4)

2,068.1

2.71

1.10

607.8

8.8

0.5

8.3

0.01

0.89

1,384.7

1,248.0

1,383.8

1,245.7

0.9

1.79

0.72

2.3

1.62

0.56

2,908.3

1,750.3

1,612.4

1,704.9

1,160.9

1,151.2

856.2

531.9

440.7

Long-term debt (including current portion)

Shareholders’ equity

2,048.3

5,272.0

1,299.4

4,480.2

549.6

5,109.0

549.5

4,384.9

549.4

3,674.7

$ 10,752.9

$ 11,516.7

$

8,219.2

$

7,360.4

$

6,385.9

(1)  Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to September 30. The fiscal year ended on October 3, 2010 included 53 weeks 

with the 53rd week falling in our fourth fiscal quarter.

(2)  For fiscal 2013 and 2012, we reclassified certain fees related to our US and Seattle's Best Coffee foodservice operations, 

totaling $25.4 million and $22.7 million, respectively, from other operating expenses to foodservice revenues included in 

CPG, foodservice and other net revenues. This correction of an immaterial error is discussed further in Note 1, Summary 

of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K.

(3)  Fiscal 2010 results include pretax restructuring charges of $53.0 million.

(4)  Fiscal 2013 results include a pretax charge of $2,784.1 million resulting from the conclusion of our arbitration with Kraft 

Foods Global, Inc. The impact of this charge to net earnings attributable to Starbucks and diluted EPS, net of the related 

tax benefit, was $1,713.1 million and $2.25 per share, respectively. 

18  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

 
 
 
Performance Comparison Graph

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

The following graph depicts the total return to shareholders from September 27, 2009 through September 28, 2014, relative to 

the performance of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the NASDAQ Composite Index, and the Standard & Poor’s 500 

Consumer Discretionary Sector, a peer group that includes Starbucks. All indices shown in the graph have been reset to a base 

of 100 as of September 27, 2009, and assume an investment of $100 on that date and the reinvestment of dividends paid since 

The following selected financial data is derived from the consolidated financial statements. The data below should be read in 
conjunction with "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Risk Factors," 
and the consolidated financial statements and notes.

that date. The stock price performance shown in the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

Financial Information (in millions, except per share data):

$500

$400

$300

$200

$100

$0

9/27/2009

10/3/2010

10/2/2011

9/30/2012

9/29/2013

9/28/2014

Starbucks Corporation  

S&P 500

NASDAQ Composite  

S&P Consumer Discretionary

Sep 27, 2009

Oct 3, 2010

Oct 2, 2011

Sep 30, 2012

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 28, 2014

Starbucks Corporation

$

$

$

$

$

$

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

132.04

110.16

112.55

123.63

192.82

111.42

116.28

131.26

266.00

145.07

153.12

179.35

411.41

173.13

189.49

236.45

405.56

207.30

227.09

264.29

S&P 500

NASDAQ Composite

S&P Consumer Discretionary

As of and for the Fiscal Year Ended (1)
Results of Operations

Net revenues:

 Company-operated stores

Licensed stores
CPG, foodservice and other(2)

Total net revenues(2)
Operating income/(loss)(3,4)
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests(3,4)
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net earnings attributable to Starbucks(3,4)
EPS — diluted(3,4)
Cash dividends declared per share

Net cash provided by operating activities

Capital expenditures (additions to property, plant and
equipment)
Balance Sheet

Sep 28, 
2014
(52 Wks)

 Sep 29,
2013
(52 Wks)

Sep 30,
2012
(52 Wks)

Oct 2,
2011
(52 Wks)

Oct 3,
2010
(53 Wks)

$ 12,977.9

$ 11,793.2

$ 10,534.5

$

9,632.4

$

8,963.5

1,588.6

1,881.3

1,360.5

1,713.1

1,210.3

1,532.0

1,007.5

1,060.5

875.2

868.7

$ 16,447.8

$ 14,866.8

$ 13,276.8

$ 11,700.4

$ 10,707.4

$

3,081.1

$

2,067.7
(0.4)
2,068.1

2.71

1.10

607.8

(325.4) $
8.8

0.5

8.3

0.01

0.89

1,997.4

$

1,728.5

$

1,419.4

1,384.7

1,248.0

0.9

2.3

1,383.8

1,245.7

1.79

0.72

1.62

0.56

948.3

2.7

945.6

1.24

0.36

2,908.3

1,750.3

1,612.4

1,704.9

1,160.9

1,151.2

856.2

531.9

440.7

Total assets

$ 10,752.9

$ 11,516.7

$

8,219.2

$

7,360.4

$

6,385.9

Long-term debt (including current portion)

Shareholders’ equity

2,048.3

5,272.0

1,299.4

4,480.2

549.6

5,109.0

549.5

4,384.9

549.4

3,674.7

(1)  Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to September 30. The fiscal year ended on October 3, 2010 included 53 weeks 

with the 53rd week falling in our fourth fiscal quarter.

(2)  For fiscal 2013 and 2012, we reclassified certain fees related to our US and Seattle's Best Coffee foodservice operations, 
totaling $25.4 million and $22.7 million, respectively, from other operating expenses to foodservice revenues included in 
CPG, foodservice and other net revenues. This correction of an immaterial error is discussed further in Note 1, Summary 
of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K.

(3)  Fiscal 2010 results include pretax restructuring charges of $53.0 million.
(4)  Fiscal 2013 results include a pretax charge of $2,784.1 million resulting from the conclusion of our arbitration with Kraft 
Foods Global, Inc. The impact of this charge to net earnings attributable to Starbucks and diluted EPS, net of the related 
tax benefit, was $1,713.1 million and $2.25 per share, respectively. 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

19

 
 
 
Comparable Store Sales:

Store Count Data:

Fiscal Year Ended
Percentage change in comparable store sales(5)
Americas

Sep 28,
2014
(52 Wks)

 Sep 29,
2013
(52 Wks)

Sep 30,
2012
(52 Wks)

Oct 2,
2011
(52 Wks)

Oct 3,
2010
(53 Wks)

Sep 28,

2014

(52 Wks)

 Sep 29,

2013

(52 Wks)

Sep 30,

2012

(52 Wks)

Oct 2,

2011

(52 Wks)

Oct 3,

2010

(53 Wks)

As of and for the Fiscal Year Ended

Net stores opened/(closed) during the year:

Sales growth

Change in transactions

Change in ticket

EMEA

Sales growth

Change in transactions

Change in ticket

China/Asia Pacific

Sales growth

Change in transactions

Change in ticket

Consolidated

Sales growth

Change in transactions

Change in ticket

6%

2%

3%

5%

3%

2%

7%

6%

—%

6%

3%

3%

7 %

5 %

2 %

— %

2 %

(2)%

9 %

7 %

2 %

7 %

5 %

2 %

8%

6%

2%

—%

—%

—%

15%

11%

3%

7%

6%

1%

8%

5%

2%

3%

3%

—%

22%

20%

2%

8%

6%

2%

7 %

3 %

3 %

5 %

6 %

(1)%

11 %

9 %

2 %

7 %

4 %

3 %

(5) 

Includes only Starbucks® company-operated stores open 13 months or longer. For fiscal 2010, comparable store sales 
percentages were calculated excluding the 53rd week. Comparable store sales exclude the effect of fluctuations in foreign 
currency exchange rates.

Americas(6)

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

EMEA(7)

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

China/Asia Pacific (8)

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

All Other Segments (9)

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores(10)

Total

Stores open at year end:

Americas (6)

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

EMEA(7)

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

China/Asia Pacific(8)

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

All Other Segments (9)

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores (10)

Total

12

(24)

1,599

343

(10)

1,701

—

(4)

1,063

317

381

(9)

180

250

492

8,395

5,796

817

1,323

1,132

3,492

369

42

276

404

(29)

129

239

349

8,078

5,415

826

1,143

882

3,000

357

66

228

280

10

101

152

296

7,802

5,011

855

1,014

643

2,651

14

76

32

215

25

79

74

192

6

(478)

145

7,574

4,731

845

913

491

2,355

14

80

(32)

101

(64)

100

31

78

(1)

10

223

7,542

4,516

820

834

417

2,163

8

558

21,366

19,767

18,066

17,003

16,858

(6)  Americas store data has been adjusted for the sale of store locations in Chile to a joint venture partner in the fourth 

quarter of fiscal 2013 by reclassifying historical information from company-operated stores to licensed stores, and to 

exclude Seattle's Best Coffee and Evolution Fresh, which are reported within All Other Segments.

(7)  EMEA store data has been adjusted for the acquisition of store locations in Austria and Switzerland in the fourth quarter 

of fiscal 2011 by reclassifying historical information from licensed stores to company-operated stores, and the transfer of 

certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and in the second and fourth 

quarters of fiscal 2014.

quarter of fiscal 2014.

(8)  CAP store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the fourth 

(9) 

Includes 337 Teavana® stores acquired in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. 

(10)  Includes the closure of 475 licensed Seattle’s Best Coffee® locations in Borders Bookstores during fiscal 2011.

20  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Comparable Store Sales:

Fiscal Year Ended

Americas

Sales growth

Change in transactions

Change in ticket

EMEA

Sales growth

Change in transactions

Change in ticket

China/Asia Pacific

Sales growth

Change in transactions

Change in ticket

Consolidated

Sales growth

Change in transactions

Change in ticket

Percentage change in comparable store sales(5)

Sep 28,

2014

(52 Wks)

 Sep 29,

2013

(52 Wks)

Sep 30,

2012

(52 Wks)

Oct 2,

2011

(52 Wks)

Oct 3,

2010

(53 Wks)

6%

2%

3%

5%

3%

2%

7%

6%

—%

6%

3%

3%

7 %

5 %

2 %

— %

2 %

(2)%

9 %

7 %

2 %

7 %

5 %

2 %

8%

6%

2%

—%

—%

—%

15%

11%

3%

7%

6%

1%

8%

5%

2%

3%

3%

—%

22%

20%

2%

8%

6%

2%

7 %

3 %

3 %

5 %

6 %

(1)%

11 %

9 %

2 %

7 %

4 %

3 %

(5) 

Includes only Starbucks® company-operated stores open 13 months or longer. For fiscal 2010, comparable store sales 

percentages were calculated excluding the 53rd week. Comparable store sales exclude the effect of fluctuations in foreign 

currency exchange rates.

Store Count Data:

As of and for the Fiscal Year Ended

Net stores opened/(closed) during the year:
Americas(6)
Company-operated stores

Licensed stores
EMEA(7)
Company-operated stores

Licensed stores
China/Asia Pacific (8)
Company-operated stores

Licensed stores
All Other Segments (9)
Company-operated stores
Licensed stores(10)
Total
Stores open at year end:
Americas (6)
Company-operated stores

Licensed stores
EMEA(7)
Company-operated stores

Licensed stores
China/Asia Pacific(8)
Company-operated stores

Licensed stores
All Other Segments (9)
Company-operated stores
Licensed stores (10)
Total

Sep 28,
2014
(52 Wks)

 Sep 29,
2013
(52 Wks)

Sep 30,
2012
(52 Wks)

Oct 2,
2011
(52 Wks)

Oct 3,
2010
(53 Wks)

317

381

(9)
180

250

492

276

404

(29)
129

239

349

228

280

10

101

152

296

12
(24)
1,599

343
(10)
1,701

—
(4)
1,063

8,395

5,796

817

1,323

1,132

3,492

369

42

8,078

5,415

826

1,143

882

3,000

357

66

7,802

5,011

855

1,014

643

2,651

14

76

32

215

25

79

74

192

6
(478)
145

7,574

4,731

845

913

491

2,355

14

80

(32)
101

(64)
100

31

78

(1)
10

223

7,542

4,516

820

834

417

2,163

8

558

21,366

19,767

18,066

17,003

16,858

(6)  Americas store data has been adjusted for the sale of store locations in Chile to a joint venture partner in the fourth 

quarter of fiscal 2013 by reclassifying historical information from company-operated stores to licensed stores, and to 
exclude Seattle's Best Coffee and Evolution Fresh, which are reported within All Other Segments.

(7)  EMEA store data has been adjusted for the acquisition of store locations in Austria and Switzerland in the fourth quarter 
of fiscal 2011 by reclassifying historical information from licensed stores to company-operated stores, and the transfer of 
certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and in the second and fourth 
quarters of fiscal 2014.

(8)  CAP store data has been adjusted for the transfer of certain company-operated stores to licensed stores in the fourth 

quarter of fiscal 2014.
Includes 337 Teavana® stores acquired in the second quarter of fiscal 2013. 

(9) 

(10)  Includes the closure of 475 licensed Seattle’s Best Coffee® locations in Borders Bookstores during fiscal 2011.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

21

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

other channels in the Japan market, such as CPG, licensing and foodservice. We also expect that China will continue to grow 

General

Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to September 30. The fiscal years ended on September 28, 2014, September 29, 
2013 and September 30, 2012 all included 52 weeks. All references to store counts, including data for new store openings, are 
reported net of related store closures, unless otherwise noted.

Financial Highlights

•  Total net revenues increased 11% to $16.4 billion in fiscal 2014 compared to $14.9 billion in fiscal 2013. 

•  Global comparable store sales grew 6% driven by a 3% increase in the number of transactions and a 3% increase in 

average ticket.

•  Consolidated operating income increased to $3.1 billion in fiscal 2014 compared to an operating loss of $325.4 million 
in fiscal 2013. Fiscal 2014 operating margin was 18.7% compared to (2.2)% in fiscal 2013. The operating margin 
expansion was primarily due to lapping the $2.8 billion Kraft litigation charge in the prior year. The remaining change 
in operating margin was primarily driven by sales leverage and lower commodity costs, mainly coffee.

•  Earnings per share for fiscal 2014 increased to $2.71, compared to EPS of $0.01 in fiscal 2013, primarily due to lapping 
the Kraft litigation charge, which reduced EPS by $2.25 per share in fiscal 2013. The remaining increase was primarily 
due to the improved sales leverage and lower commodity costs, as well as a gain on the sale of our equity interest in our 
Malaysia joint venture.

•  Cash flows from operations were $607.8 million in fiscal 2014 compared to $2.9 billion in fiscal 2013. The decline in 

fiscal 2014 was driven by the payment of $2.8 billion during the year for the Kraft arbitration matter. This was partially 
offset by cash provided by operating activities of $3.4 billion resulting from strong earnings and favorable changes in 
working capital accounts in the current year.

•  Capital expenditures were $1.2 billion in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013. 

•  We returned $1.6 billion to our shareholders in fiscal 2014 through dividends and share repurchases.

Overview

Starbucks results for fiscal 2014 demonstrate the continued strength of our global business model and our ability to 
successfully execute new growth initiatives in a disciplined manner. All reportable segments contributed to strong revenue 
growth and collectively drove an increase in consolidated operating income and operating margin expansion. 

The Americas segment continued its strong performance in fiscal 2014, with revenues growing 9% to $12.0 billion, primarily 
driven by comparable store sales growth of 6%, comprised of a 3% increase in average ticket and a 2% increase in number of 
transactions. Enhanced food offerings, including the full rollout of our La Boulange™ food platform in the US, the impact of 
price increases in our retail stores and successful promotional beverages contributed to the growth in comparable store sales. 
Americas operating margin grew 190 basis points to 23.4% in fiscal 2014, primarily driven by sales leverage and lower 
commodity costs. Looking forward, we expect to continue to drive revenue growth and margin expansion through new stores 
and continued product innovation, targeted at driving growth across all geographies and all dayparts. We plan to continue to 
expand our beverage platforms and elevate our food program, in part with continued enhancements to our lunch options.

In the EMEA segment, fiscal 2014 benefited from the significant performance improvement of this segment, reaching double-
digit revenue growth and increased profitability compared to the prior year. Revenues grew 12% to $1.3 billion, primarily 
driven by favorable foreign currency exchange and comparable store sales growth of 5%. Incremental revenues from 180 net 
new licensed store openings over the past year also contributed. EMEA operating margin expanded 370 basis points to 9.2% in 
fiscal 2014, primarily due to sales leverage and continued cost management, largely driven by the shift in our store portfolio to 
more licensed stores in this segment. We expect our continued disciplined licensed store expansion and focus on the customer 
experience in this region will result in improved operating performance as we progress on our plan towards mid-teens operating 
margin over time.

Our China/Asia Pacific segment results reflect the growth and strong performance of new stores in the region, including 250 
company-operated and 492 licensed net new store openings over the past year. This new store growth, along with a 7% increase 
in comparable store sales, drove a 23% increase in total net revenues to $1.1 billion for fiscal 2014. Operating income grew 
$51.3 million, or 16%, to $373 million compared to the prior year. Operating margin declined 200 basis points primarily 
resulting from the shift in the composition of our store portfolio in this segment to more company-operated stores. We expect 
this segment will become a more significant contributor to overall company profitability in the future. We look forward to 
continued new store openings and the acquisition and integration of Starbucks Japan, including expanding our presence into 

22  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

toward being one of our largest markets outside of the US. 

Channel Development segment revenues grew 11% to $1.5 billion, in fiscal 2014, primarily due to increased sales of premium 

single-serve products. Lower coffee costs was the primary contributor to the 630 basis point increase in operating margin for 

fiscal 2014. As we continue to expand customer occasions outside of our retail stores, including growing our presence in the 

premium single-serve category, we expect this segment to become a more significant contributor to future growth.

Fiscal 2015 — The View Ahead

For fiscal 2015, we expect revenue growth of 16% to 18%, including 6% to 7% of incremental growth from the acquisition of 

Starbucks Japan. The remaining growth will primarily come from mid-single-digit global comparable store sales growth and 

the addition of approximately 1,650 net new stores. Approximately one-half of net new store openings will be in our China/

Asia Pacific segment, with the remaining half coming primarily from the Americas. 

We expect consolidated operating margin to decline slightly in fiscal 2015 when compared to our fiscal 2014 results, primarily 

due to the mildly dilutive margin impact of the acquisition of Starbucks Japan, largely driven by the change in business model 

from a joint venture to a company-operated market. We expect strong EPS growth in fiscal 2015, due in part to an anticipated 

acquisition-related gain of approximately $325 million to $375 million after-tax, or $0.43 to $0.49 per share, resulting from a 

fair value adjustment of our current 39.5% ownership interest in Starbucks Japan. We expect sales leverage to also contribute to 

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2015 is expected to be approximately 31%, including a net tax benefit of approximately 4% 

Capital expenditures in fiscal 2015 are expected to be approximately $1.4 billion, primarily for new stores and store 

renovations, as well as for other investments to support our ongoing growth initiatives.

the EPS growth. 

from the acquisition of Starbucks Japan.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

See Note 2, Acquisitions and Divestitures, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K for 

information regarding acquisitions and divestitures.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — FISCAL 2014 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2013 

Consolidated results of operations (in millions):

Revenues

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

%

Change

$

$

12,977.9

$

11,793.2

1,588.6

1,881.3

1,360.5

1,713.1

16,447.8

$

14,866.8

10.0 %

16.8

9.8

10.6%

Total net revenues were $16.4 billion for fiscal 2014, an increase of $1.6 billion, or 11%, over fiscal 2013, primarily due to 

increased revenues from company-operated stores (contributing $1.2 billion). The growth in company-operated store revenues 

was driven by a 6% increase in comparable store sales (approximately $641 million) and incremental revenues from 555 net 

new Starbucks® company-operated store openings over the past 12 months (approximately $529 million). 

Licensed store revenue growth contributed $228 million to the increase in total net revenues, primarily due to increased product 

sales to and royalty revenues from our licensees, as a result of improved comparable store sales and the opening of 1,029 net 

new licensed stores over the past 12 months.

CPG, foodservice and other revenues increased $168 million, primarily due to increased sales of premium single-serve 

products (approximately $111 million) and increased foodservice sales (approximately $17 million).

Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

Financial Highlights

average ticket.

Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to September 30. The fiscal years ended on September 28, 2014, September 29, 

2013 and September 30, 2012 all included 52 weeks. All references to store counts, including data for new store openings, are 

reported net of related store closures, unless otherwise noted.

•  Total net revenues increased 11% to $16.4 billion in fiscal 2014 compared to $14.9 billion in fiscal 2013. 

•  Global comparable store sales grew 6% driven by a 3% increase in the number of transactions and a 3% increase in 

•  Consolidated operating income increased to $3.1 billion in fiscal 2014 compared to an operating loss of $325.4 million 

in fiscal 2013. Fiscal 2014 operating margin was 18.7% compared to (2.2)% in fiscal 2013. The operating margin 

expansion was primarily due to lapping the $2.8 billion Kraft litigation charge in the prior year. The remaining change 

in operating margin was primarily driven by sales leverage and lower commodity costs, mainly coffee.

•  Earnings per share for fiscal 2014 increased to $2.71, compared to EPS of $0.01 in fiscal 2013, primarily due to lapping 

the Kraft litigation charge, which reduced EPS by $2.25 per share in fiscal 2013. The remaining increase was primarily 

due to the improved sales leverage and lower commodity costs, as well as a gain on the sale of our equity interest in our 

Malaysia joint venture.

•  Cash flows from operations were $607.8 million in fiscal 2014 compared to $2.9 billion in fiscal 2013. The decline in 

fiscal 2014 was driven by the payment of $2.8 billion during the year for the Kraft arbitration matter. This was partially 

offset by cash provided by operating activities of $3.4 billion resulting from strong earnings and favorable changes in 

working capital accounts in the current year.

•  Capital expenditures were $1.2 billion in fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013. 

•  We returned $1.6 billion to our shareholders in fiscal 2014 through dividends and share repurchases.

Overview

Starbucks results for fiscal 2014 demonstrate the continued strength of our global business model and our ability to 

successfully execute new growth initiatives in a disciplined manner. All reportable segments contributed to strong revenue 

growth and collectively drove an increase in consolidated operating income and operating margin expansion. 

The Americas segment continued its strong performance in fiscal 2014, with revenues growing 9% to $12.0 billion, primarily 

driven by comparable store sales growth of 6%, comprised of a 3% increase in average ticket and a 2% increase in number of 

transactions. Enhanced food offerings, including the full rollout of our La Boulange™ food platform in the US, the impact of 

price increases in our retail stores and successful promotional beverages contributed to the growth in comparable store sales. 

Americas operating margin grew 190 basis points to 23.4% in fiscal 2014, primarily driven by sales leverage and lower 

commodity costs. Looking forward, we expect to continue to drive revenue growth and margin expansion through new stores 

and continued product innovation, targeted at driving growth across all geographies and all dayparts. We plan to continue to 

expand our beverage platforms and elevate our food program, in part with continued enhancements to our lunch options.

In the EMEA segment, fiscal 2014 benefited from the significant performance improvement of this segment, reaching double-

digit revenue growth and increased profitability compared to the prior year. Revenues grew 12% to $1.3 billion, primarily 

driven by favorable foreign currency exchange and comparable store sales growth of 5%. Incremental revenues from 180 net 

new licensed store openings over the past year also contributed. EMEA operating margin expanded 370 basis points to 9.2% in 

fiscal 2014, primarily due to sales leverage and continued cost management, largely driven by the shift in our store portfolio to 

more licensed stores in this segment. We expect our continued disciplined licensed store expansion and focus on the customer 

experience in this region will result in improved operating performance as we progress on our plan towards mid-teens operating 

margin over time.

Our China/Asia Pacific segment results reflect the growth and strong performance of new stores in the region, including 250 

company-operated and 492 licensed net new store openings over the past year. This new store growth, along with a 7% increase 

in comparable store sales, drove a 23% increase in total net revenues to $1.1 billion for fiscal 2014. Operating income grew 

$51.3 million, or 16%, to $373 million compared to the prior year. Operating margin declined 200 basis points primarily 

resulting from the shift in the composition of our store portfolio in this segment to more company-operated stores. We expect 

this segment will become a more significant contributor to overall company profitability in the future. We look forward to 

continued new store openings and the acquisition and integration of Starbucks Japan, including expanding our presence into 

other channels in the Japan market, such as CPG, licensing and foodservice. We also expect that China will continue to grow 
toward being one of our largest markets outside of the US. 

Channel Development segment revenues grew 11% to $1.5 billion, in fiscal 2014, primarily due to increased sales of premium 
single-serve products. Lower coffee costs was the primary contributor to the 630 basis point increase in operating margin for 
fiscal 2014. As we continue to expand customer occasions outside of our retail stores, including growing our presence in the 
premium single-serve category, we expect this segment to become a more significant contributor to future growth.

Fiscal 2015 — The View Ahead

For fiscal 2015, we expect revenue growth of 16% to 18%, including 6% to 7% of incremental growth from the acquisition of 
Starbucks Japan. The remaining growth will primarily come from mid-single-digit global comparable store sales growth and 
the addition of approximately 1,650 net new stores. Approximately one-half of net new store openings will be in our China/
Asia Pacific segment, with the remaining half coming primarily from the Americas. 

We expect consolidated operating margin to decline slightly in fiscal 2015 when compared to our fiscal 2014 results, primarily 
due to the mildly dilutive margin impact of the acquisition of Starbucks Japan, largely driven by the change in business model 
from a joint venture to a company-operated market. We expect strong EPS growth in fiscal 2015, due in part to an anticipated 
acquisition-related gain of approximately $325 million to $375 million after-tax, or $0.43 to $0.49 per share, resulting from a 
fair value adjustment of our current 39.5% ownership interest in Starbucks Japan. We expect sales leverage to also contribute to 
the EPS growth. 

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2015 is expected to be approximately 31%, including a net tax benefit of approximately 4% 
from the acquisition of Starbucks Japan.

Capital expenditures in fiscal 2015 are expected to be approximately $1.4 billion, primarily for new stores and store 
renovations, as well as for other investments to support our ongoing growth initiatives.

Acquisitions and Divestitures

See Note 2, Acquisitions and Divestitures, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K for 
information regarding acquisitions and divestitures.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — FISCAL 2014 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2013 

Consolidated results of operations (in millions):

Revenues

Fiscal Year Ended
Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

%
Change

$

$

12,977.9

$

1,588.6

1,881.3
16,447.8

$

11,793.2

1,360.5

1,713.1
14,866.8

10.0 %

16.8

9.8
10.6%

Total net revenues were $16.4 billion for fiscal 2014, an increase of $1.6 billion, or 11%, over fiscal 2013, primarily due to 
increased revenues from company-operated stores (contributing $1.2 billion). The growth in company-operated store revenues 
was driven by a 6% increase in comparable store sales (approximately $641 million) and incremental revenues from 555 net 
new Starbucks® company-operated store openings over the past 12 months (approximately $529 million). 

Licensed store revenue growth contributed $228 million to the increase in total net revenues, primarily due to increased product 
sales to and royalty revenues from our licensees, as a result of improved comparable store sales and the opening of 1,029 net 
new licensed stores over the past 12 months.

CPG, foodservice and other revenues increased $168 million, primarily due to increased sales of premium single-serve 
products (approximately $111 million) and increased foodservice sales (approximately $17 million).

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

23

Other Income and Expenses

Operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Income taxes

$

3,081.1

$

18.7 %

(2.2)%

142.7

(64.1)

3,159.7

1,092.0

2,067.7

(0.4)

(325.4)

123.6

(28.1)

(229.9)

(238.7)

8.8

0.5

8.3

% of Total

Net Revenues

0.9

(0.4)

19.2

6.6

12.6

—

12.6%

34.6 %

0.8

(0.2)

(1.5)

(1.6)

0.1

—

0.1 %

103.8 %

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to Starbucks

$

2,068.1

$

Effective tax rate including noncontrolling interests

Net interest income and other increased $19 million over the prior year, primarily due to a net benefit from transactions in the 

fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, driven by a gain on the sale of our equity interest in our Malaysia joint venture (approximately 

$68 million), favorable fair value adjustments from derivatives used to manage our risk of commodity price and foreign 

currency fluctuations (approximately $14 million), net favorable foreign exchange fluctuations (approximately $9 million), and 

realized gains on sales of investments (approximately $6 million). These increases were partially offset by lapping gains on the 

sales of our equity interests in our joint ventures in Chile and Argentina in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $45 

million) and in Mexico in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $35 million). 

Interest expense increased $36 million due to interest on the long-term debt we issued in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the 

fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

Our tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and the relative amounts of income we earn 

in those jurisdictions, as well as discrete items that may occur in any given year, but are not consistent from year to year.

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was 34.6% compared to 103.8% for fiscal 2013. The change in our effective tax rate was 

primarily due to lapping the 71.2% impact of the litigation charge associated with the Kraft arbitration in fiscal 2013. For 

additional information on the impact to our fiscal 2013 effective tax rate from the litigation charge, see Note 13, Income Taxes, 

to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K. The remaining change in the effective tax rate 

over fiscal 2013 was an increase of 2.0%, which was primarily due to net higher discrete benefits in the prior year. In fiscal 

2013, our effective tax rate benefited from releasing certain tax reserves that did not recur in fiscal 2014 and a net tax benefit 

from state income tax expense adjustments for returns filed in prior years. Also contributing to the increase in fiscal 2014 was 

additional tax resulting from the sale of our Australian company-operated retail store assets and operations and our 50% equity 

interest in our Malaysia joint venture.

Operating Expenses

Fiscal Year Ended

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Fiscal Year Ended

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

$

6,858.8

$

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Litigation charge

Total operating expenses

4,638.2

457.3

709.6

991.3
(20.2)
13,635.0

Income from equity investees
Operating income/(loss)
Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-
operated store revenues

268.3
3,081.1

$

$

6,382.3

4,286.1

431.8

621.4

937.9

2,784.1

15,443.6

251.4
(325.4)

% of Total
Net Revenues

41.7 %

28.2

2.8

4.3

6.0

(0.1)

82.9

1.6
18.7%

42.9 %

28.8

2.9

4.2

6.3

18.7

103.9

1.7
(2.2)%

35.7 %

36.3 %

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 120 basis points, primarily driven by 
lower commodity costs (approximately 80 basis points), mainly coffee, and sales leverage (approximately 40 basis points).

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues, and as a percentage of company-operated store revenues, 
decreased 60 basis points, mainly driven by sales leverage (approximately 80 basis points).

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 10 basis points. Excluding the impact of company-
operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 80 basis points, primarily due to sales leverage (approximately 30 
basis points).

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 30 basis points, mainly due to lapping of 
costs associated with our leadership conference held in the prior year.

The litigation charge of $2,784.1 million in fiscal 2013 reflects the charge we recorded as a result of the conclusion of the 
arbitration with Kraft. This charge included $2,227.5 million in damages and $556.6 million in estimated interest and attorneys' 
fees. The $20.2 million litigation credit recorded in fiscal 2014 reflects a reduction to our estimated prejudgment interest 
payable associated with the Kraft arbitration as a result of paying our obligation earlier than anticipated. 

Income from equity investees increased $17 million, primarily due to improved performance from our joint venture operations 
in China, South Korea, and Japan, as well as improved performance from our North American Coffee Partnership joint venture, 
which produces, bottles and distributes our ready-to-drink beverages.

The combination of these changes resulted in an overall increase in operating margin to 18.7% compared to (2.2)% in the prior 
year period.

24  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

 
 
 
Operating Expenses

Fiscal Year Ended

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

$

6,858.8

$

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Litigation charge

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-

operated store revenues

4,638.2

457.3

709.6

991.3

(20.2)

13,635.0

268.3

$

3,081.1

$

6,382.3

4,286.1

431.8

621.4

937.9

2,784.1

15,443.6

251.4

(325.4)

% of Total

Net Revenues

41.7 %

28.2

2.8

4.3

6.0

(0.1)

82.9

1.6

18.7%

42.9 %

28.8

2.9

4.2

6.3

18.7

103.9

1.7

(2.2)%

35.7 %

36.3 %

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 120 basis points, primarily driven by 

lower commodity costs (approximately 80 basis points), mainly coffee, and sales leverage (approximately 40 basis points).

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues, and as a percentage of company-operated store revenues, 

decreased 60 basis points, mainly driven by sales leverage (approximately 80 basis points).

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 10 basis points. Excluding the impact of company-

operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 80 basis points, primarily due to sales leverage (approximately 30 

basis points).

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 30 basis points, mainly due to lapping of 

costs associated with our leadership conference held in the prior year.

The litigation charge of $2,784.1 million in fiscal 2013 reflects the charge we recorded as a result of the conclusion of the 

arbitration with Kraft. This charge included $2,227.5 million in damages and $556.6 million in estimated interest and attorneys' 

fees. The $20.2 million litigation credit recorded in fiscal 2014 reflects a reduction to our estimated prejudgment interest 

payable associated with the Kraft arbitration as a result of paying our obligation earlier than anticipated. 

Income from equity investees increased $17 million, primarily due to improved performance from our joint venture operations 

in China, South Korea, and Japan, as well as improved performance from our North American Coffee Partnership joint venture, 

which produces, bottles and distributes our ready-to-drink beverages.

The combination of these changes resulted in an overall increase in operating margin to 18.7% compared to (2.2)% in the prior 

year period.

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Fiscal Year Ended

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Other Income and Expenses

Operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Income taxes

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net earnings attributable to Starbucks
Effective tax rate including noncontrolling interests

$

$

3,081.1

$

142.7
(64.1)
3,159.7

1,092.0

2,067.7
(0.4)
2,068.1

$

(325.4)
123.6
(28.1)
(229.9)
(238.7)
8.8

0.5
8.3

% of Total
Net Revenues

18.7 %

(2.2)%

0.9

(0.4)

19.2

6.6

12.6

—
12.6%

34.6 %

0.8

(0.2)

(1.5)

(1.6)

0.1

—
0.1 %

103.8 %

Net interest income and other increased $19 million over the prior year, primarily due to a net benefit from transactions in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, driven by a gain on the sale of our equity interest in our Malaysia joint venture (approximately 
$68 million), favorable fair value adjustments from derivatives used to manage our risk of commodity price and foreign 
currency fluctuations (approximately $14 million), net favorable foreign exchange fluctuations (approximately $9 million), and 
realized gains on sales of investments (approximately $6 million). These increases were partially offset by lapping gains on the 
sales of our equity interests in our joint ventures in Chile and Argentina in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $45 
million) and in Mexico in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $35 million). 

Interest expense increased $36 million due to interest on the long-term debt we issued in the first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2013.

Our tax rate is affected by recurring items, such as tax rates in foreign jurisdictions and the relative amounts of income we earn 
in those jurisdictions, as well as discrete items that may occur in any given year, but are not consistent from year to year.

The effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 was 34.6% compared to 103.8% for fiscal 2013. The change in our effective tax rate was 
primarily due to lapping the 71.2% impact of the litigation charge associated with the Kraft arbitration in fiscal 2013. For 
additional information on the impact to our fiscal 2013 effective tax rate from the litigation charge, see Note 13, Income Taxes, 
to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K. The remaining change in the effective tax rate 
over fiscal 2013 was an increase of 2.0%, which was primarily due to net higher discrete benefits in the prior year. In fiscal 
2013, our effective tax rate benefited from releasing certain tax reserves that did not recur in fiscal 2014 and a net tax benefit 
from state income tax expense adjustments for returns filed in prior years. Also contributing to the increase in fiscal 2014 was 
additional tax resulting from the sale of our Australian company-operated retail store assets and operations and our 50% equity 
interest in our Malaysia joint venture.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

25

 
 
 
Segment Information

Results of operations by segment (in millions):

Americas

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores
Licensed stores
CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues
Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating income
Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-
operated store revenues

Revenues

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

As a % of Americas 
Total Net Revenues

$

$

10,866.5
1,074.9
39.1
11,980.5

4,487.0

3,946.8

100.4

469.5

167.8

9,171.5

—
2,809.0

$

$

10,038.3
915.4
47.1
11,000.8

4,214.9

3,710.2

96.9

429.3

186.7

8,638.0

2.4
2,365.2

90.7 %
9.0
0.3
100.0

37.5

32.9

0.8

3.9

1.4

76.6

—
23.4%

36.3 %

91.3 %
8.3
0.4
100.0

38.3

33.7

0.9

3.9

1.7

78.5

—
21.5%

37.0 %

Americas total net revenues for fiscal 2014 increased $980 million, or 9%, primarily due to increased revenues from company-
operated stores (contributing $828 million) and licensed stores (contributing $160 million).

The increase in company-operated store revenues was driven by a 6% increase in comparable store sales (approximately $554 
million), attributable to a 3% increase in average ticket and a 2% increase in number of transactions, and incremental revenues 
from 314 net new Starbucks® company-operated store openings over the past 12 months (approximately $377 million). 
Partially offsetting these increases was unfavorable foreign currency exchange (approximately $65 million), primarily driven 
by the strengthening of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar. 

The increase in licensed store revenues was primarily due to increased product sales to and royalty revenues from our licensees 
as a result of an increase in comparable store sales and the opening of 381 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months.

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 80 basis points, primarily due to sales 
leverage (approximately 40 basis points) and lower commodity costs (approximately 30 basis points), mainly coffee. 

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 80 basis points. As a percentage of company-operated 
store revenues, store operating expenses decreased 70 basis points, mainly driven by sales leverage (approximately 60 basis 
points). 

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 30 basis points primarily due to lapping of 
costs associated with our leadership conference held in the prior year (approximately 20 basis points) and sales leverage 
(approximately 10 basis points).

The combination of these changes resulted in an overall increase in operating margin of 190 basis points over fiscal 2013.

26  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

EMEA

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income

Revenues

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

 As a % of EMEA 

Total Net Revenues

$

1,013.8

$

78.3 %

80.4 %

238.4

42.6

1,294.8

646.8

365.8

48.2

59.4

59.1

1,179.3

3.7

932.8

190.3

36.9

1,160.0

590.9

339.4

38.5

55.5

71.9

1,096.2

0.4

64.2

18.4

3.3

100.0

50.0

28.3

3.7

4.6

4.6

91.1

0.3

16.4

3.2

100.0

50.9

29.3

3.3

4.8

6.2

94.5

—

Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-

operated store revenues

36.1 %

36.4 %

$

119.2

$

9.2%

5.5%

EMEA total net revenues for fiscal 2014 increased $135 million, or 12%, over the prior year primarily due to an increase in 

company-operated stores revenues (approximately $81 million). This increase was primarily driven by favorable foreign 

currency exchange (approximately $47 million) and a 5% increase in comparable store sales (approximately $42 million), 

attributable to a 3% increase in number of transactions and a 2% increase in average ticket.

Licensed store revenues grew $48 million, or 25%, primarily due to increased product and equipment sales to and royalty 

revenues from our licensees, primarily resulting from the opening of 180 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months and 

improved comparable store sales.

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 90 basis points, primarily driven by 

lower coffee costs (approximately 50 basis points), sales leverage (approximately 40 basis points) and favorable foreign 

currency fluctuations (approximately 40 basis points). This favorability was partially offset by lapping a reduction to the 

estimated asset retirement obligations of our store leases in the region in fiscal 2013 (approximately 60 basis points).

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 100 basis points primarily due to sales leverage from 

more licensed stores in the region compared to the prior year. As a percentage of company-operated store revenues, store 

operating expenses decreased 30 basis points mainly due to sales leverage.

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 40 basis points over fiscal 2013. Excluding the impact 

of company-operated store revenues, other operating expenses increased 30 basis points, driven by increased costs to grow our 

non-retail operations in the region (approximately 40 basis points).

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 160 basis points, primarily due to sales 

leverage and reduced support costs, largely driven by the shift to more licensed stores.

The combination of these changes resulted in an overall increase in operating margin of 370 basis points over fiscal 2013. 

 
 
 
Segment Information

Results of operations by segment (in millions):

Americas

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income

Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-

operated store revenues

Revenues

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

As a % of Americas 

Total Net Revenues

$

10,866.5

$

10,038.3

90.7 %

91.3 %

1,074.9

39.1

11,980.5

4,487.0

3,946.8

100.4

469.5

167.8

9,171.5

—

915.4

47.1

11,000.8

4,214.9

3,710.2

96.9

429.3

186.7

8,638.0

2.4

9.0

0.3

100.0

37.5

32.9

0.8

3.9

1.4

76.6

—

8.3

0.4

100.0

38.3

33.7

0.9

3.9

1.7

78.5

—

23.4%

36.3 %

21.5%

37.0 %

Americas total net revenues for fiscal 2014 increased $980 million, or 9%, primarily due to increased revenues from company-

operated stores (contributing $828 million) and licensed stores (contributing $160 million).

The increase in company-operated store revenues was driven by a 6% increase in comparable store sales (approximately $554 

million), attributable to a 3% increase in average ticket and a 2% increase in number of transactions, and incremental revenues 

from 314 net new Starbucks® company-operated store openings over the past 12 months (approximately $377 million). 

Partially offsetting these increases was unfavorable foreign currency exchange (approximately $65 million), primarily driven 

by the strengthening of the US dollar against the Canadian dollar. 

The increase in licensed store revenues was primarily due to increased product sales to and royalty revenues from our licensees 

as a result of an increase in comparable store sales and the opening of 381 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months.

Operating Expenses

points). 

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 80 basis points, primarily due to sales 

leverage (approximately 40 basis points) and lower commodity costs (approximately 30 basis points), mainly coffee. 

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 80 basis points. As a percentage of company-operated 

store revenues, store operating expenses decreased 70 basis points, mainly driven by sales leverage (approximately 60 basis 

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 30 basis points primarily due to lapping of 

costs associated with our leadership conference held in the prior year (approximately 20 basis points) and sales leverage 

(approximately 10 basis points).

The combination of these changes resulted in an overall increase in operating margin of 190 basis points over fiscal 2013.

EMEA

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores
Licensed stores
CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues
Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating income
Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-
operated store revenues

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

 As a % of EMEA 
Total Net Revenues

$

$

$

1,013.8
238.4
42.6
1,294.8

646.8

365.8

48.2

59.4

59.1

932.8
190.3
36.9
1,160.0

590.9

339.4

38.5

55.5

71.9

1,179.3

1,096.2

3.7
119.2

$

0.4
64.2

78.3 %
18.4
3.3
100.0

50.0

28.3

3.7

4.6

4.6

91.1

0.3
9.2%

80.4 %
16.4
3.2
100.0

50.9

29.3

3.3

4.8

6.2

94.5

—
5.5%

36.1 %

36.4 %

$

2,809.0

$

2,365.2

Revenues

EMEA total net revenues for fiscal 2014 increased $135 million, or 12%, over the prior year primarily due to an increase in 
company-operated stores revenues (approximately $81 million). This increase was primarily driven by favorable foreign 
currency exchange (approximately $47 million) and a 5% increase in comparable store sales (approximately $42 million), 
attributable to a 3% increase in number of transactions and a 2% increase in average ticket.

Licensed store revenues grew $48 million, or 25%, primarily due to increased product and equipment sales to and royalty 
revenues from our licensees, primarily resulting from the opening of 180 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months and 
improved comparable store sales.

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 90 basis points, primarily driven by 
lower coffee costs (approximately 50 basis points), sales leverage (approximately 40 basis points) and favorable foreign 
currency fluctuations (approximately 40 basis points). This favorability was partially offset by lapping a reduction to the 
estimated asset retirement obligations of our store leases in the region in fiscal 2013 (approximately 60 basis points).

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 100 basis points primarily due to sales leverage from 
more licensed stores in the region compared to the prior year. As a percentage of company-operated store revenues, store 
operating expenses decreased 30 basis points mainly due to sales leverage.

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 40 basis points over fiscal 2013. Excluding the impact 
of company-operated store revenues, other operating expenses increased 30 basis points, driven by increased costs to grow our 
non-retail operations in the region (approximately 40 basis points).

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 160 basis points, primarily due to sales 
leverage and reduced support costs, largely driven by the shift to more licensed stores.

The combination of these changes resulted in an overall increase in operating margin of 370 basis points over fiscal 2013. 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

27

 
 
 
Channel Development

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

CPG

Foodservice

Total net revenues

Cost of sales

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income

Revenues

(approximately $24 million).

Operating Expenses

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

 As a % of Channel Development 

Total Net Revenues

$

1,178.8

$

367.2

1,546.0

882.4

187.0

1.8

18.2

1,089.4

100.6

557.2

$

$

1,056.0

342.9

1,398.9

878.4

179.4

1.1

21.1

1,080.0

96.6

415.5

76.2 %

23.8

100.0

57.1

12.1

0.1

1.2

70.5

6.5

75.5 %

24.5

100.0

62.8

12.8

0.1

1.5

77.2

6.9

36.0%

29.7%

Channel Development total net revenues for fiscal 2014 increased $147 million, or 11%, over the prior year, primarily driven 

by increased sales of premium single-serve products (approximately $111 million) and increased foodservice sales 

Cost of sales as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 570 basis points, largely due to lower coffee costs (approximately 

440 basis points) and other cost of goods sold efficiencies (approximately 150 basis points).

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 70 basis points, primarily driven by sales leverage 

(approximately 40 basis points).

Income from equity investees increased $4 million, driven by higher income from our North American Coffee Partnership joint 

venture, primarily due to strong sales of bottled Frappuccino® beverages. The growth in segment revenues resulted in our joint 

venture income declining 40 basis points as a percentage of total net revenues.

The combination of these changes contributed to an overall increase in operating margin of 630 basis points over fiscal 2013.

China/Asia Pacific

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores
Licensed stores
Total net revenues
Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating income
Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-
operated store revenues

$

Revenues

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

 As a % of China/Asia Pacific 
Total Net Revenues

$

$

859.4
270.2
1,129.6

547.4

221.1

48.0

46.1

58.5

921.1

164.0
372.5

$

671.7
245.3
917.0

449.5

170.0

46.1

33.8

48.4

747.8

152.0
321.2

76.1 %
23.9
100.0

48.5

19.6

4.2

4.1

5.2

81.5

14.5
33.0%

25.7 %

73.2 %
26.8
100.0

49.0

18.5

5.0

3.7

5.3

81.5

16.6
35.0%

25.3 %

China/Asia Pacific total net revenues for fiscal 2014 increased $213 million, or 23%, primarily due to increased revenues from 
company-operated stores (contributing $188 million). This increase was primarily driven by the opening of 250 net new 
company-operated stores over the past 12 months (approximately $154 million) and a 7% increase in comparable store sales 
(approximately $44 million), mainly attributable to a 6% increase in the number of transactions. 

Licensed store revenues contributed $25 million to the increase in total net revenues, mainly due to higher royalty revenues 
from and product sales to licensees, as a result of 492 net new licensed store openings over the past 12 months and an increase 
in comparable store sales.

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 50 basis points, primarily due to sales 
leverage (approximately 40 basis points).

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 110 basis points, or 40 basis points as a percentage of 
company-operated store revenues, over the prior year period, as a result of company-operated store growth outpacing licensed 
store growth.

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 80 basis points. Excluding the impact of company-
operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 100 basis points, largely due to cost management (approximately 
60 basis points) and sales leverage (approximately 40 basis points).

Income from equity investees increased $12 million, primarily driven by improved performance from our joint venture 
operations in China, South Korea and Japan. This increase was partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations, 
driven by the weakening of the Japanese yen against the US dollar and lapping a reduction to the estimated asset retirement 
obligations of our store leases in the region in fiscal 2013. These fluctuations, paired with the accelerated growth in segment 
revenues resulting from the shift in the composition of the store portfolio to more company-operated stores, resulted in income 
from equity investees declining 210 basis points as a percentage of total net revenues.

The combination of these changes resulted in an overall decline in operating margin of 200 basis points over fiscal 2013.

28  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

China/Asia Pacific

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income

Revenues

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

$

$

859.4

270.2

1,129.6

547.4

221.1

48.0

46.1

58.5

921.1

164.0

372.5

671.7

245.3

917.0

449.5

170.0

46.1

33.8

48.4

747.8

152.0

321.2

 As a % of China/Asia Pacific 

Total Net Revenues

76.1 %

73.2 %

23.9

100.0

48.5

19.6

4.2

4.1

5.2

81.5

14.5

26.8

100.0

49.0

18.5

5.0

3.7

5.3

81.5

16.6

Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-

operated store revenues

$

$

33.0%

25.7 %

35.0%

25.3 %

China/Asia Pacific total net revenues for fiscal 2014 increased $213 million, or 23%, primarily due to increased revenues from 

company-operated stores (contributing $188 million). This increase was primarily driven by the opening of 250 net new 

company-operated stores over the past 12 months (approximately $154 million) and a 7% increase in comparable store sales 

(approximately $44 million), mainly attributable to a 6% increase in the number of transactions. 

Licensed store revenues contributed $25 million to the increase in total net revenues, mainly due to higher royalty revenues 

from and product sales to licensees, as a result of 492 net new licensed store openings over the past 12 months and an increase 

in comparable store sales.

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 50 basis points, primarily due to sales 

leverage (approximately 40 basis points).

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 110 basis points, or 40 basis points as a percentage of 

company-operated store revenues, over the prior year period, as a result of company-operated store growth outpacing licensed 

store growth.

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 80 basis points. Excluding the impact of company-

operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 100 basis points, largely due to cost management (approximately 

60 basis points) and sales leverage (approximately 40 basis points).

Income from equity investees increased $12 million, primarily driven by improved performance from our joint venture 

operations in China, South Korea and Japan. This increase was partially offset by unfavorable foreign currency fluctuations, 

driven by the weakening of the Japanese yen against the US dollar and lapping a reduction to the estimated asset retirement 

obligations of our store leases in the region in fiscal 2013. These fluctuations, paired with the accelerated growth in segment 

revenues resulting from the shift in the composition of the store portfolio to more company-operated stores, resulted in income 

from equity investees declining 210 basis points as a percentage of total net revenues.

The combination of these changes resulted in an overall decline in operating margin of 200 basis points over fiscal 2013.

Channel Development

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

CPG
Foodservice

Total net revenues
Cost of sales

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating income

Revenues

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

 As a % of Channel Development 
Total Net Revenues

$

$

$

1,178.8
367.2
1,546.0

882.4

187.0

1.8

18.2

1,089.4

100.6
557.2

$

1,056.0
342.9
1,398.9

878.4

179.4

1.1

21.1

1,080.0

96.6
415.5

76.2 %
23.8
100.0

57.1

12.1

0.1

1.2

70.5

6.5
36.0%

75.5 %
24.5
100.0

62.8

12.8

0.1

1.5

77.2

6.9
29.7%

Channel Development total net revenues for fiscal 2014 increased $147 million, or 11%, over the prior year, primarily driven 
by increased sales of premium single-serve products (approximately $111 million) and increased foodservice sales 
(approximately $24 million).

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 570 basis points, largely due to lower coffee costs (approximately 
440 basis points) and other cost of goods sold efficiencies (approximately 150 basis points).

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 70 basis points, primarily driven by sales leverage 
(approximately 40 basis points).

Income from equity investees increased $4 million, driven by higher income from our North American Coffee Partnership joint 
venture, primarily due to strong sales of bottled Frappuccino® beverages. The growth in segment revenues resulted in our joint 
venture income declining 40 basis points as a percentage of total net revenues.

The combination of these changes contributed to an overall increase in operating margin of 630 basis points over fiscal 2013.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

29

All Other Segments

Fiscal Year Ended
Net revenues:

Company-operated stores
Licensed stores
CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues
Cost of sales

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses
Operating loss

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

% Change

$

$

$

238.2
5.1
253.6
496.9

287.2

104.5

74.6

15.2

42.2

523.7
(26.8) $

150.4
9.5
230.2
390.1

239.8

66.5

71.7

11.7

34.9

424.6
(34.5)

58.4 %
(46.3)
10.2
27.4

19.8

57.1

4.0

29.9

20.9

23.3
(22.3)%

All Other Segments includes Teavana, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Evolution Fresh, and Digital Ventures.

Total net revenues for All Other Segments increased $107 million, primarily due to having an additional quarter of Teavana 
revenues in fiscal 2014 as Teavana was acquired at the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $92 
million).

Total operating expenses increased $99 million, primarily due to having an additional quarter of Teavana expenses in fiscal 
2014 as Teavana was acquired at the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — FISCAL 2013 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2012 

Consolidated results of operations (in millions):

Revenues

Fiscal Year Ended
Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

%
Change

$

$

11,793.2

$

1,360.5

1,713.1
14,866.8

$

10,534.5

1,210.3

1,532.0
13,276.8

11.9 %

12.4

11.8
12.0%

Total net revenues were $14.9 billion for fiscal 2013, an increase of $1.6 billion, or 12%, over fiscal 2012, primarily due to 
increased revenues from company-operated stores (contributing $1.3 billion). The increase in company-operated store revenue 
was driven by an increase in comparable store sales (7%, or approximately $720 million) and incremental revenues from 492 
net new company-operated store openings over the past 12 months (approximately $386 million). 

Licensed store revenue growth contributed $150 million to the increase in total net revenues in fiscal 2013, primarily due to 
higher product sales to and royalty revenues from our licensees, as a result of improved comparable store sales and the opening 
of 843 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months.

CPG, foodservice and other revenues increased $181 million, primarily driven by increased sales of premium single-serve 
products (approximately $116 million) and increased foodservice sales (approximately $35 million).

30  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Operating Expenses

Fiscal Year Ended

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

$

6,382.3

$

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Litigation charge

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-

operated store revenues

4,286.1

431.8

621.4

937.9

2,784.1

15,443.6

251.4

$

(325.4) $

5,813.3

3,918.1

407.2

550.3

801.2

—

11,490.1

210.7

1,997.4

% of Total

Net Revenues

42.9 %

28.8

2.9

4.2

6.3

18.7

103.9

1.7

(2.2)%

36.3 %

43.8 %

29.5

3.1

4.1

6.0

—

86.5

1.6

15.0%

37.2 %

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 90 basis points, primarily due to lower 

commodity costs (approximately 50 basis points), driven by a decrease in coffee costs.

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 70 basis points. As a percentage of company-operated 

store revenues, store operating expenses decreased 90 basis points, primarily driven by sales leverage in our Americas segment 

(approximately 90 basis points) and store portfolio optimization initiatives in Europe that began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 

2012 (approximately 50 basis points). This was partially offset by the addition of Teavana and continued investment in our 

emerging brands (approximately 60 basis points). 

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 20 basis points. As a percentage of non-company-

operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 80 basis points, primarily driven by sales leverage (approximately 

50 basis points) and decreased marketing expenses (approximately 20 basis points). 

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 30 basis points, primarily driven by 

increased costs to support overall company growth and the costs related to our October Global Leadership Conference.

Income from equity investees increased $41 million, primarily due to increased income from of our joint venture operations in 

Japan and China, as well as improved performance from our North American Coffee Partnership joint venture, which produces, 

bottles and distributes our ready-to-drink beverages.

Litigation charge of $2,784.1 million reflects the accrual we recorded as a result of the conclusion of the arbitration with Kraft. 

This charge includes $2,227.5 million in damages and $556.6 million in estimated interest and attorneys' fees.

The combination of the above resulted in an operating loss of $325.4 million and operating margin of (220) basis points.

5.1

253.6

496.9

287.2

104.5

74.6

15.2

42.2

523.7

150.4

9.5

230.2

390.1

239.8

66.5

71.7

11.7

34.9

424.6

(34.5)

58.4 %

(46.3)

10.2

27.4

19.8

57.1

4.0

29.9

20.9

23.3

$

(26.8) $

(22.3)%

All Other Segments

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Operating loss

million).

Revenues

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

All Other Segments includes Teavana, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Evolution Fresh, and Digital Ventures.

Total net revenues for All Other Segments increased $107 million, primarily due to having an additional quarter of Teavana 

revenues in fiscal 2014 as Teavana was acquired at the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $92 

Total operating expenses increased $99 million, primarily due to having an additional quarter of Teavana expenses in fiscal 

2014 as Teavana was acquired at the beginning of the second quarter of fiscal 2013.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS — FISCAL 2013 COMPARED TO FISCAL 2012 

Consolidated results of operations (in millions):

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

%

Change

$

$

11,793.2

$

10,534.5

1,360.5

1,713.1

1,210.3

1,532.0

14,866.8

$

13,276.8

11.9 %

12.4

11.8

12.0%

Total net revenues were $14.9 billion for fiscal 2013, an increase of $1.6 billion, or 12%, over fiscal 2012, primarily due to 

increased revenues from company-operated stores (contributing $1.3 billion). The increase in company-operated store revenue 

was driven by an increase in comparable store sales (7%, or approximately $720 million) and incremental revenues from 492 

net new company-operated store openings over the past 12 months (approximately $386 million). 

Licensed store revenue growth contributed $150 million to the increase in total net revenues in fiscal 2013, primarily due to 

higher product sales to and royalty revenues from our licensees, as a result of improved comparable store sales and the opening 

of 843 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months.

CPG, foodservice and other revenues increased $181 million, primarily driven by increased sales of premium single-serve 

products (approximately $116 million) and increased foodservice sales (approximately $35 million).

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

% Change

$

238.2

$

Operating Expenses

Fiscal Year Ended

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

$

6,382.3

$

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Litigation charge

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating income/(loss)
Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-
operated store revenues

$

4,286.1

431.8

621.4

937.9

2,784.1

15,443.6

251.4
(325.4) $

5,813.3

3,918.1

407.2

550.3

801.2

—

11,490.1

210.7
1,997.4

% of Total
Net Revenues

42.9 %

28.8

2.9

4.2

6.3

18.7

103.9

1.7
(2.2)%

36.3 %

43.8 %

29.5

3.1

4.1

6.0

—

86.5

1.6
15.0%

37.2 %

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 90 basis points, primarily due to lower 
commodity costs (approximately 50 basis points), driven by a decrease in coffee costs.

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 70 basis points. As a percentage of company-operated 
store revenues, store operating expenses decreased 90 basis points, primarily driven by sales leverage in our Americas segment 
(approximately 90 basis points) and store portfolio optimization initiatives in Europe that began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 
2012 (approximately 50 basis points). This was partially offset by the addition of Teavana and continued investment in our 
emerging brands (approximately 60 basis points). 

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 20 basis points. As a percentage of non-company-
operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 80 basis points, primarily driven by sales leverage (approximately 
50 basis points) and decreased marketing expenses (approximately 20 basis points). 

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 30 basis points, primarily driven by 
increased costs to support overall company growth and the costs related to our October Global Leadership Conference.

Income from equity investees increased $41 million, primarily due to increased income from of our joint venture operations in 
Japan and China, as well as improved performance from our North American Coffee Partnership joint venture, which produces, 
bottles and distributes our ready-to-drink beverages.

Litigation charge of $2,784.1 million reflects the accrual we recorded as a result of the conclusion of the arbitration with Kraft. 
This charge includes $2,227.5 million in damages and $556.6 million in estimated interest and attorneys' fees.

The combination of the above resulted in an operating loss of $325.4 million and operating margin of (220) basis points.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

31

Other Income and Expenses

Fiscal Year Ended

Operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Income taxes

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net earnings attributable to Starbucks
Effective tax rate including noncontrolling interests

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

$

$

(325.4) $
123.6
(28.1)
(229.9)
(238.7)
8.8

0.5
8.3

$

1,997.4

94.4
(32.7)
2,059.1

674.4

1,384.7

0.9
1,383.8

% of Total
Net Revenues

(2.2)%

15.0 %

0.8

(0.2)

(1.5)

(1.6)

0.1

—
0.1 %

103.8 %

0.7

(0.2)

15.5

5.1

10.4

—
10.4%

32.8 %

Net interest income and other increased $29 million over the prior year, primarily due to gains on the sale of the equity in our 
Chile and Argentina joint ventures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $45 million) and in Mexico in the second 
quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $35 million). These gains were partially offset by the absence of additional income 
recognized in the prior year associated with unredeemed gift cards following a court ruling related to state unclaimed property 
laws (approximately $29 million). Also offsetting the gains were unfavorable mark-to-market adjustments in fiscal 2013 
compared to favorable mark-to-market adjustments in fiscal 2012 from derivatives used to manage our risk of commodity price 
fluctuations (approximately $24 million).

Income taxes for fiscal year 2013 resulted in an effective tax rate of 103.8% compared to 32.8% for fiscal year 2012. The 
change in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the impact of the litigation charge associated with the Kraft arbitration in 
fiscal 2013. For additional information on the impact to our fiscal 2013 effective tax rate from the litigation charge, see Note 
13, Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K. Excluding the impact of 
the litigation charge, the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2013 decreased slightly compared to fiscal 2012 primarily due to 
benefits from releasing certain tax reserves in fiscal 2013 and a further benefit in fiscal 2013 primarily relating to state income 
tax expense adjustments for returns filed in prior years. These items were partially offset by a decrease in tax benefits relating 
to coffee procurement in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.

Segment Information

Results of operations by segment (in millions):

Americas

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

As a % of Americas Total

Net Revenues

$

10,038.3

$

9,077.0

91.3 %

91.4 %

915.4

47.1

11,000.8

4,214.9

3,710.2

96.9

429.3

186.7

8,638.0

2.4

825.8

33.2

9,936.0

3,885.5

3,427.8

83.8

392.4

128.2

7,917.7

2.1

8.3

0.4

100.0

38.3

33.7

0.9

3.9

1.7

78.5

—

8.3

0.3

100.0

39.1

34.5

0.8

3.9

1.3

79.7

—

Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-

operated store revenues

$

2,365.2

$

2,020.4

21.5%

37.0 %

20.3%

37.8 %

Americas total net revenues for fiscal 2013 increased $1.1 billion, or 11%, primarily due to increased revenues from company-

operated stores (contributing $961 million) and licensed stores (contributing $90 million).

The increase in company-operated store revenues was driven by an increase in comparable store sales (7%, or approximately

$676 million) and incremental revenues from 276 net new company-operated store openings over the past 12 months 

(approximately $273 million). The increase in licensed store revenues was due to higher product sales to and royalty revenues 

from our licensees as a result of improved comparable store sales and the opening of 404 net new licensed stores over the past 

Revenues

12 months.

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 80 basis points, primarily due to store 

initiatives to reduce waste (approximately 40 basis points) and lower commodity costs (approximately 30 basis points), driven 

by a decrease in coffee costs. 

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues (as well as a percentage of company-operated store revenues) 

decreased 80 basis points, primarily driven by sales leverage (approximately 60 basis points). 

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 40 basis points primarily due to the costs 

related to our October Global Leadership Conference (approximately 20 basis points).

The combination of these changes resulted in an increase in operating margin of 120 basis points over fiscal 2012.

32  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income and Expenses

Fiscal Year Ended

Operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Income taxes

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

% of Total

Net Revenues

$

(325.4) $

1,997.4

(2.2)%

15.0 %

123.6

(28.1)

(229.9)

(238.7)

8.8

0.5

8.3

94.4

(32.7)

2,059.1

674.4

1,384.7

0.9

0.8

(0.2)

(1.5)

(1.6)

0.1

—

0.1 %

103.8 %

0.7

(0.2)

15.5

5.1

10.4

—

10.4%

32.8 %

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to Starbucks

$

$

1,383.8

Effective tax rate including noncontrolling interests

Net interest income and other increased $29 million over the prior year, primarily due to gains on the sale of the equity in our 

Chile and Argentina joint ventures in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $45 million) and in Mexico in the second 

quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $35 million). These gains were partially offset by the absence of additional income 

recognized in the prior year associated with unredeemed gift cards following a court ruling related to state unclaimed property 

laws (approximately $29 million). Also offsetting the gains were unfavorable mark-to-market adjustments in fiscal 2013 

compared to favorable mark-to-market adjustments in fiscal 2012 from derivatives used to manage our risk of commodity price 

fluctuations (approximately $24 million).

Income taxes for fiscal year 2013 resulted in an effective tax rate of 103.8% compared to 32.8% for fiscal year 2012. The 

change in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the impact of the litigation charge associated with the Kraft arbitration in 

fiscal 2013. For additional information on the impact to our fiscal 2013 effective tax rate from the litigation charge, see Note 

13, Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K. Excluding the impact of 

the litigation charge, the effective tax rate for fiscal year 2013 decreased slightly compared to fiscal 2012 primarily due to 

benefits from releasing certain tax reserves in fiscal 2013 and a further benefit in fiscal 2013 primarily relating to state income 

tax expense adjustments for returns filed in prior years. These items were partially offset by a decrease in tax benefits relating 

to coffee procurement in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012.

Segment Information

Results of operations by segment (in millions):

Americas

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores
Licensed stores
CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues
Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating income
Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-
operated store revenues

Revenues

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

As a % of Americas Total
Net Revenues

$

$

10,038.3
915.4
47.1
11,000.8

4,214.9

3,710.2

96.9

429.3

186.7

8,638.0
2.4
2,365.2

$

$

9,077.0
825.8
33.2
9,936.0

3,885.5

3,427.8

83.8

392.4

128.2

7,917.7
2.1
2,020.4

91.3 %
8.3
0.4
100.0

38.3

33.7

0.9

3.9

1.7

78.5
—
21.5%

37.0 %

91.4 %
8.3
0.3
100.0

39.1

34.5

0.8

3.9

1.3

79.7
—
20.3%

37.8 %

Americas total net revenues for fiscal 2013 increased $1.1 billion, or 11%, primarily due to increased revenues from company-
operated stores (contributing $961 million) and licensed stores (contributing $90 million).

The increase in company-operated store revenues was driven by an increase in comparable store sales (7%, or approximately
$676 million) and incremental revenues from 276 net new company-operated store openings over the past 12 months 
(approximately $273 million). The increase in licensed store revenues was due to higher product sales to and royalty revenues 
from our licensees as a result of improved comparable store sales and the opening of 404 net new licensed stores over the past 
12 months.

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 80 basis points, primarily due to store 
initiatives to reduce waste (approximately 40 basis points) and lower commodity costs (approximately 30 basis points), driven 
by a decrease in coffee costs. 

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues (as well as a percentage of company-operated store revenues) 
decreased 80 basis points, primarily driven by sales leverage (approximately 60 basis points). 

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 40 basis points primarily due to the costs 
related to our October Global Leadership Conference (approximately 20 basis points).

The combination of these changes resulted in an increase in operating margin of 120 basis points over fiscal 2012.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
EMEA

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores
Licensed stores
CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues
Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating income
Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-
operated store revenues

Revenues

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

 As a % of EMEA Total
Net Revenues

$

$

$

932.8
190.3
36.9
1,160.0

590.9

339.4

38.5

55.5

71.9

968.3
139.5
33.5
1,141.3

597.3

371.1

33.6

57.1

75.7

1,096.2

1,134.8

0.4
64.2

$

0.3
6.8

80.4 %
16.4
3.2
100.0

50.9

29.3

3.3

4.8

6.2

94.5

—
5.5%

84.8 %
12.2
2.9
100.0

52.3

32.5

2.9

5.0

6.6

99.4

—
0.6%

36.4 %

38.3 %

Revenues

EMEA total net revenues for fiscal 2013 increased $19 million, or 2%, over fiscal 2012. Licensed store revenues grew $51 
million, or 36%, due to increased product sales to and higher royalty revenues from licensees, primarily from the opening of 
129 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months and improved comparable store sales. This growth was largely offset by a 
decline of $36 million in company-operated store revenues resulting from our store portfolio optimization activities which 
began in the prior year. 

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 140 basis points, primarily due to lower 
occupancy costs resulting from our store portfolio optimization initiatives in Europe that began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 
2012 (approximately 120 basis points) and a reduction to the estimated asset retirement obligations of our store leases in the 
region in fiscal 2013 (approximately 70 basis points). These improvements were partially offset by the impact of the shift in 
composition of our store portfolio in the region to more licensed stores, which have a lower gross margin.

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 320 basis points. As a percentage of company-
operated store revenues, store operating expenses decreased 190 basis points, primarily from our store portfolio optimization 
initiatives (approximately 120 basis points).

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 40 basis points. As a percentage of non-company-
operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 250 basis points, mainly driven by sales leverage (approximately 
180 basis points).

The above changes contributed to an overall improvement in operating margin of 490 basis points over fiscal 2012. 

China/Asia Pacific

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

 As a % of CAP Total

Net Revenues

$

$

73.2 %

67.8 %

671.7

245.3

917.0

449.5

170.0

46.1

33.8

48.4

747.8

152.0

321.2

489.2

232.2

721.4

362.8

119.2

47.0

23.2

39.0

591.2

122.4

252.6

26.8

100.0

49.0

18.5

5.0

3.7

5.3

81.5

16.6

32.2

100.0

50.3

16.5

6.5

3.2

5.4

82.0

17.0

Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-

operated store revenues

$

$

35.0%

25.3 %

35.0%

24.4 %

China/Asia Pacific total net revenues for fiscal 2013 increased $196 million, or 27%, primarily due to increased revenues from 

company-operated stores (contributing $183 million), driven by the opening of 240 net new stores over the past 12 months 

(approximately $129 million) and a 9% increase in comparable store sales (approximately $43 million). 

Licensed store revenues contributed $13 million to the increase in total net revenues, mainly from increased royalty revenues 

from and product sales to licensees, driven by the opening of 348 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months.

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 130 basis points, primarily driven by 

company-operated store growth (approximately 170 basis points) as product sales through company-operated stores have 

higher gross margins than product sales to licensees.

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 200 basis points due primarily to new store growth. As 

a percentage of company-operated store revenues, store operating expenses increased 90 basis points due to a change in 

classification of certain operating costs that were included in general and administrative expenses (approximately 50 basis 

points) and other operating expenses (approximately 40 basis points) in the prior year.

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 150 basis points. As a percentage of non-company-

operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 140 basis points, primarily driven by a change in classification of 

certain operating costs to store operating expenses in the current year (approximately 110 basis points).

Income from equity investees increased $30 million, primarily due to improved performance of our joint venture operations in 

Japan and China.

The above changes resulted in the operating margin percentage being unchanged year over year.

34  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

EMEA

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income

Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-

operated store revenues

Revenues

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

 As a % of EMEA Total

Net Revenues

$

$

80.4 %

84.8 %

1,160.0

1,141.3

932.8

190.3

36.9

590.9

339.4

38.5

55.5

71.9

1,096.2

0.4

968.3

139.5

33.5

597.3

371.1

33.6

57.1

75.7

1,134.8

0.3

6.8

16.4

3.2

100.0

50.9

29.3

3.3

4.8

6.2

94.5

—

12.2

2.9

100.0

52.3

32.5

2.9

5.0

6.6

99.4

—

$

64.2

$

5.5%

0.6%

EMEA total net revenues for fiscal 2013 increased $19 million, or 2%, over fiscal 2012. Licensed store revenues grew $51 

million, or 36%, due to increased product sales to and higher royalty revenues from licensees, primarily from the opening of 

129 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months and improved comparable store sales. This growth was largely offset by a 

decline of $36 million in company-operated store revenues resulting from our store portfolio optimization activities which 

began in the prior year. 

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 140 basis points, primarily due to lower 

occupancy costs resulting from our store portfolio optimization initiatives in Europe that began in the fourth quarter of fiscal 

2012 (approximately 120 basis points) and a reduction to the estimated asset retirement obligations of our store leases in the 

region in fiscal 2013 (approximately 70 basis points). These improvements were partially offset by the impact of the shift in 

composition of our store portfolio in the region to more licensed stores, which have a lower gross margin.

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 320 basis points. As a percentage of company-

operated store revenues, store operating expenses decreased 190 basis points, primarily from our store portfolio optimization 

initiatives (approximately 120 basis points).

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 40 basis points. As a percentage of non-company-

operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 250 basis points, mainly driven by sales leverage (approximately 

180 basis points).

The above changes contributed to an overall improvement in operating margin of 490 basis points over fiscal 2012. 

China/Asia Pacific

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores
Licensed stores
Total net revenues
Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating income
Store operating expenses as a percentage of company-
operated store revenues

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

 As a % of CAP Total
Net Revenues

$

$

671.7
245.3
917.0

449.5

170.0

46.1

33.8

48.4

747.8

152.0
321.2

$

$

489.2
232.2
721.4

362.8

119.2

47.0

23.2

39.0

591.2

122.4
252.6

73.2 %
26.8
100.0

49.0

18.5

5.0

3.7

5.3

81.5

16.6
35.0%

25.3 %

67.8 %
32.2
100.0

50.3

16.5

6.5

3.2

5.4

82.0

17.0
35.0%

24.4 %

36.4 %

38.3 %

Revenues

China/Asia Pacific total net revenues for fiscal 2013 increased $196 million, or 27%, primarily due to increased revenues from 
company-operated stores (contributing $183 million), driven by the opening of 240 net new stores over the past 12 months 
(approximately $129 million) and a 9% increase in comparable store sales (approximately $43 million). 

Licensed store revenues contributed $13 million to the increase in total net revenues, mainly from increased royalty revenues 
from and product sales to licensees, driven by the opening of 348 net new licensed stores over the past 12 months.

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales including occupancy costs as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 130 basis points, primarily driven by 
company-operated store growth (approximately 170 basis points) as product sales through company-operated stores have 
higher gross margins than product sales to licensees.

Store operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues increased 200 basis points due primarily to new store growth. As 
a percentage of company-operated store revenues, store operating expenses increased 90 basis points due to a change in 
classification of certain operating costs that were included in general and administrative expenses (approximately 50 basis 
points) and other operating expenses (approximately 40 basis points) in the prior year.

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 150 basis points. As a percentage of non-company-
operated store revenues, other operating expenses decreased 140 basis points, primarily driven by a change in classification of 
certain operating costs to store operating expenses in the current year (approximately 110 basis points).

Income from equity investees increased $30 million, primarily due to improved performance of our joint venture operations in 
Japan and China.

The above changes resulted in the operating margin percentage being unchanged year over year.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

35

Channel Development

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

CPG
Foodservice

Total net revenues
Cost of sales

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating income

Revenues

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

As a % of Channel Development
Total Net Revenues

$

$

$

1,056.0
342.9
1,398.9

878.4

179.4

1.1

21.1

1,080.0

96.6
415.5

$

952.1
320.9
1,273.0

827.6

171.9

1.3

17.0

1,017.8

85.2
340.4

75.5 %
24.5
100.0

62.8

12.8

0.1

1.5

77.2

6.9
29.7%

74.8 %
25.2
100.0

65.0

13.5

0.1

1.3

80.0

6.7
26.7%

All Other Segments

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating loss

Channel Development total net revenues for fiscal 2013 increased $126 million, or 10%, primarily due to increased sales of 
premium single-serve products (approximately $116 million).

Operating Expenses

Cost of sales as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 220 basis points, primarily due to lower coffee costs 
(approximately 260 basis points).

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 70 basis points, due primarily to lower marketing 
expenditures (approximately 20 basis points) and increased sales leverage (approximately 20 basis points).

Cash and Investment Overview

The above changes contributed to an increase in operating margin of 300 basis points over fiscal 2012.

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

%

Change

$

150.4

$

9.5

230.2

390.1

239.8

66.5

71.7

11.7

34.9

424.6

—

$

(34.5) $

—

12.8

192.3

205.1

140.1

—

70.9

2.5

19.7

233.2

0.7

(27.4)

nm

(25.8)%

19.7

90.2

71.2

nm

1.1

368.0

77.2

82.1

(100.0)

25.9 %

All Other Segments includes Teavana, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Evolution Fresh, and Digital Ventures.

Total net revenues for All Other Segments increased $185 million, driven by incremental revenues from the acquisition of 

Teavana in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $156 million).

Total operating expenses increased $191 million, largely due to incremental expenses from the acquisition of Teavana.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Starbucks cash and investments were $2.2 billion and $3.3 billion as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, 

respectively. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we paid $2.8 billion for the Kraft arbitration matter that was accrued in the 

fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. We actively manage our cash and investments in order to internally fund operating needs, make 

scheduled interest and principal payments on our borrowings, and return cash to shareholders through common stock cash 

dividend payments and share repurchases. Our investment portfolio primarily includes highly liquid available-for-sale 

securities, including government treasury securities (foreign and domestic), corporate bonds, mortgage and asset-backed 

securities, state and local government obligations, agency obligations and certificates of deposit. During the fourth quarter of 

fiscal 2014, a significant portion of our offshore investment portfolio was liquidated in anticipation of funding the acquisition 

of Starbucks Japan, Ltd ("Starbucks Japan") in fiscal 2015, discussed further in Note 18, Subsequent Event. As of 

September 28, 2014, approximately $1.4 billion of cash and investments were held in foreign subsidiaries. 

Borrowing capacity

In December 2013, we issued $400 million of 3-year 0.875% Senior Notes ("the 2016 notes") due December 2016, and $350 

million of 5-year 2.000% Senior Notes ("the 2018 notes") due December 2018, in an underwritten registered public offering, to 

fund a portion of the payment required by the arbitration award in the Kraft litigation matter. Interest on the notes is payable 

semi-annually on June 5 and December 5 of each year, commencing on June 5, 2014. See Note 9, Debt, to the consolidated 

financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K for details of the components of our long-term debt.

The indentures under which all of our Senior Notes were issued require us to maintain compliance with certain covenants, 

including limits on future liens and sale and leaseback transactions on certain material properties. As of September 28, 2014, 

we were in compliance with all applicable covenants.

Our $750 million unsecured, revolving credit facility with various banks, of which $150 million may be used for issuances of 

letters of credit, is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other corporate purposes, including acquisitions and 

share repurchases, and is currently set to mature on February 5, 2018. We may request, and the banks may grant, at their 

discretion, increases to the credit facility by a total additional amount of up to $750 million. Borrowings under the credit 

facility will bear interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR, and, for US dollar-denominated loans under certain circumstances, 

a Base Rate (as defined in the credit facility), in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is based on the 

36  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

 
 
 
Channel Development

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

CPG

Foodservice

Total net revenues

Cost of sales

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income

Revenues

Operating Expenses

(approximately 260 basis points).

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

$

1,056.0

$

342.9

1,398.9

878.4

179.4

1.1

21.1

1,080.0

96.6

952.1

320.9

1,273.0

827.6

171.9

1.3

17.0

1,017.8

85.2

340.4

As a % of Channel Development

Total Net Revenues

75.5 %

24.5

100.0

74.8 %

25.2

100.0

62.8

12.8

0.1

1.5

77.2

6.9

65.0

13.5

0.1

1.3

80.0

6.7

$

415.5

$

29.7%

26.7%

All Other Segments

Fiscal Year Ended
Net revenues:

Company-operated stores
Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues
Cost of sales

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees
Operating loss

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

%
Change

$

$

$

150.4
9.5

230.2
390.1

239.8

66.5

71.7

11.7

34.9

424.6
—
(34.5) $

—
12.8

192.3
205.1

140.1

—

70.9

2.5

19.7

233.2

0.7
(27.4)

nm
(25.8)%

19.7
90.2

71.2

nm

1.1

368.0

77.2

82.1

(100.0)

25.9 %

Channel Development total net revenues for fiscal 2013 increased $126 million, or 10%, primarily due to increased sales of 

premium single-serve products (approximately $116 million).

All Other Segments includes Teavana, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Evolution Fresh, and Digital Ventures.

Total net revenues for All Other Segments increased $185 million, driven by incremental revenues from the acquisition of 
Teavana in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 (approximately $156 million).

Total operating expenses increased $191 million, largely due to incremental expenses from the acquisition of Teavana.

Cost of sales as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 220 basis points, primarily due to lower coffee costs 

Other operating expenses as a percentage of total net revenues decreased 70 basis points, due primarily to lower marketing 

expenditures (approximately 20 basis points) and increased sales leverage (approximately 20 basis points).

Cash and Investment Overview

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The above changes contributed to an increase in operating margin of 300 basis points over fiscal 2012.

Starbucks cash and investments were $2.2 billion and $3.3 billion as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, 
respectively. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we paid $2.8 billion for the Kraft arbitration matter that was accrued in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2013. We actively manage our cash and investments in order to internally fund operating needs, make 
scheduled interest and principal payments on our borrowings, and return cash to shareholders through common stock cash 
dividend payments and share repurchases. Our investment portfolio primarily includes highly liquid available-for-sale 
securities, including government treasury securities (foreign and domestic), corporate bonds, mortgage and asset-backed 
securities, state and local government obligations, agency obligations and certificates of deposit. During the fourth quarter of 
fiscal 2014, a significant portion of our offshore investment portfolio was liquidated in anticipation of funding the acquisition 
of Starbucks Japan, Ltd ("Starbucks Japan") in fiscal 2015, discussed further in Note 18, Subsequent Event. As of 
September 28, 2014, approximately $1.4 billion of cash and investments were held in foreign subsidiaries. 

Borrowing capacity

In December 2013, we issued $400 million of 3-year 0.875% Senior Notes ("the 2016 notes") due December 2016, and $350 
million of 5-year 2.000% Senior Notes ("the 2018 notes") due December 2018, in an underwritten registered public offering, to 
fund a portion of the payment required by the arbitration award in the Kraft litigation matter. Interest on the notes is payable 
semi-annually on June 5 and December 5 of each year, commencing on June 5, 2014. See Note 9, Debt, to the consolidated 
financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K for details of the components of our long-term debt.

The indentures under which all of our Senior Notes were issued require us to maintain compliance with certain covenants, 
including limits on future liens and sale and leaseback transactions on certain material properties. As of September 28, 2014, 
we were in compliance with all applicable covenants.

Our $750 million unsecured, revolving credit facility with various banks, of which $150 million may be used for issuances of 
letters of credit, is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other corporate purposes, including acquisitions and 
share repurchases, and is currently set to mature on February 5, 2018. We may request, and the banks may grant, at their 
discretion, increases to the credit facility by a total additional amount of up to $750 million. Borrowings under the credit 
facility will bear interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR, and, for US dollar-denominated loans under certain circumstances, 
a Base Rate (as defined in the credit facility), in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is based on the 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

37

 
 
 
better of (i) the Company's long-term credit ratings assigned by Moody's and Standard & Poor's rating agencies, and (ii) the 
Company's fixed charge coverage ratio, pursuant to a pricing grid set forth in the credit facility. The current applicable margin 
is 0.795% for Eurocurrency Rate Loans and 0.00% for Base Rate Loans. The credit facility contains provisions requiring us to 
maintain compliance with certain covenants, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, which measures our ability to 
cover financing expenses. As of September 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants. No amounts were 
outstanding under our credit facility as of September 28, 2014.

Under our commercial paper program, as approved by our Board of Directors, we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes 
up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion, with individual maturities that may vary, but not 
exceed 397 days from the date of issue. Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program are to be backstopped by 
available commitments under our credit facility. Currently, we may issue up to $727 million under our commercial paper 
program (the $750 million committed credit facility amount, less $23 million in outstanding letters of credit). The proceeds 
from borrowings under our commercial paper program may be used for working capital needs, capital expenditures and other 
corporate purposes, including acquisitions and share repurchases. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we issued and subsequently 
repaid commercial paper borrowings of $225 million to fund a portion of the $2.8 billion payment for the Kraft arbitration 
matter. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we issued and subsequently repaid commercial paper borrowings of $25 million to 
fund other corporate purposes. There were no other commercial paper borrowings during fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013.

Use of Cash

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, Starbucks paid all amounts due to Kraft under the arbitration, including prejudgment interest 
and attorneys' fees, and fully extinguished the litigation charge liability. Of the $2,784.1 million litigation charge accrued in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, $2,763.9 million was paid and the remainder was released as a litigation credit in the first quarter 
of fiscal 2014 to reflect a reduction to our estimated prejudgment interest payable as a result of paying our obligation earlier 
than anticipated.

We expect to use additional available cash and investments, including additional potential future borrowings under the credit 
facility and commercial paper program, to invest in our core businesses, including new product innovations and related 
marketing support, as well as other new business opportunities related to our core businesses. Further, we may use our available 
cash resources to make proportionate capital contributions to our equity method and cost method investees. We may also seek 
strategic acquisitions to leverage existing capabilities and further build our business in support of our growth agenda. 
Acquisitions may include increasing our ownership interests in our equity method and cost method investees. Any decisions to 
increase such ownership interests will be driven by valuation and fit with our ownership strategy. 

We believe that future cash flows generated from operations and existing cash and investments both domestically and 
internationally will be sufficient to finance capital requirements for our core businesses in those respective markets as well as 
shareholder distributions for the foreseeable future. Significant new joint ventures, acquisitions and/or other new business 
opportunities may require additional outside funding. 

As described further in Note 18, Subsequent Event, in September 2014, we entered into a tender offer bid agreement with 
Starbucks Japan and our joint venture partner, Sazaby League, Ltd., to acquire the remaining 60.5% ownership interest in 
Starbucks Japan for approximately $893 million, through a two-step tender offer. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we funded 
the first tender offer step with approximately $511 million in offshore cash. We also expect to fund a majority of the second 
tender offer step with offshore cash. We have borrowed funds domestically and continue to believe we have the ability to do so 
at reasonable interest rates; however, additional borrowings would result in increased interest expense in the future.

We consider the majority of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and equity investees as of September 28, 2014 to 
be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no US income and foreign withholding taxes have been provided on such earnings. 
We have not, nor do we anticipate the need to, repatriate funds to the US to satisfy domestic liquidity needs; however, in the 
event that we need to repatriate all or a portion of our foreign cash to the US, we would be subject to additional US income 
taxes, which could be material. We do not believe it is practicable to calculate the potential tax impact of repatriation, as there is 
a significant amount of uncertainty around the calculation, including the availability and amount of foreign tax credits at the 
time of repatriation, tax rates in effect, and other indirect tax consequences associated with repatriation.

Other than normal operating expenses and funding the acquisition of Starbucks Japan for approximately $893 million, cash 
requirements for fiscal 2015 are expected to consist primarily of capital expenditures for new company-operated stores; 
remodeling and refurbishment of, and equipment upgrades for, existing company-operated stores; systems and technology 
investments in the stores and in the support infrastructure; and additional investments in manufacturing capacity. Total capital 
expenditures for fiscal 2015 are expected to be approximately $1.4 billion.

During each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2013, we declared and paid a cash dividend to shareholders of $0.21 per share. 
In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 we declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per 
share. Cash dividends paid in fiscal 2014 and 2013 totaled $783.1 million and $628.9 million, respectively. In the fourth quarter 

38  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

of fiscal 2014, we declared a cash dividend of $0.32 per share to be paid on November 28, 2014 with an expected payout of 

approximately $239.8 million.

During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, we repurchased 10.5 million and 10.8 million shares of common stock, respectively, or 

$769.8 million and $544.1 million, respectively, under share repurchase authorizations. The number of remaining shares 

authorized for repurchase at September 28, 2014 totaled 15.9 million. 

Cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities was $607.8 million for fiscal 2014, compared to $2.9 billion for fiscal 2013. The decrease 

was driven by the first quarter payment of $2.8 billion for the Kraft arbitration matter discussed above. This was partially offset 

by cash provided by operating activities of $3.4 billion primarily resulting from strong earnings and favorable changes in 

working capital accounts in the current year. 

Cash used by investing activities totaled $817.7 million for fiscal 2014, compared to $1.4 billion for fiscal 2013. The change 

was primarily due to cash paid to acquire Teavana in the prior year. Also contributing was an increase in our investments in 

long-term securities during fiscal 2014, more than offset by the subsequent liquidation of a significant portion of our offshore 

investment portfolio in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 in anticipation of funding the acquisition of Starbucks Japan.

Cash used by financing activities for fiscal 2014 totaled $623.3 million, compared to $108.2 million for fiscal 2013. The 

increase was primarily due to an increase in cash returned to shareholders through share repurchases and higher dividend 

payments in fiscal 2014 and decreased proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the related excess tax benefits, resulting 

from fewer stock option exercises during the period.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and borrowings as of September 28, 2014, and the timing and effect that such commitments are 

expected to have on our liquidity and capital requirements in future periods (in millions):

Contractual Obligations (1)

Operating lease obligations(2)

Total

Less than 1

Year

1 - 3

Years

3 - 5

Years

More than

5 Years

$

4,957.9

$

925.6

$

1,522.9

$

1,007.1

$

1,502.3

Payments Due by Period

Debt obligations

Principal payments

Interest payments(3)

Purchase obligations(4)

Other obligations(5)

Total

(1) 

2,050.0

417.7

1,254.7

55.1

—

73.8

848.9

2.7

950.0

145.8

365.7

5.6

350.0

68.2

27.7

5.3

750.0

129.9

12.4

41.5

$

8,735.4

$

1,851.0

$

2,990.0

$

1,458.3

$

2,436.1

Income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions were excluded as we are not able to make a reasonably reliable estimate 

of the amount and period of related future payments. As of September 28, 2014, we had $121.0 million of gross 

unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, which includes accrued interest and penalties.

(2)  Amounts include direct lease obligations, excluding any taxes, insurance and other related expenses.

(3)  Amounts exclude any gain or loss upon settlement of related interest rate swap agreements, which are described further 

in Note 3, Derivative Financial Instruments.

(4)  Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on 

Starbucks and that specify all significant terms. Green coffee purchase commitments comprise 90% of total purchase 

(5)  Other obligations include other long-term liabilities primarily consisting of asset retirement obligations, capital lease 

Starbucks currently expects to fund these commitments primarily with operating cash flows generated in the normal course of 

obligations.

obligations and hedging instruments. 

business.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Off-balance sheet arrangements relate to operating lease and purchase commitments detailed in the footnotes to the 

consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K.

 
better of (i) the Company's long-term credit ratings assigned by Moody's and Standard & Poor's rating agencies, and (ii) the 

Company's fixed charge coverage ratio, pursuant to a pricing grid set forth in the credit facility. The current applicable margin 

is 0.795% for Eurocurrency Rate Loans and 0.00% for Base Rate Loans. The credit facility contains provisions requiring us to 

maintain compliance with certain covenants, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, which measures our ability to 

cover financing expenses. As of September 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants. No amounts were 

outstanding under our credit facility as of September 28, 2014.

Under our commercial paper program, as approved by our Board of Directors, we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes 

up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion, with individual maturities that may vary, but not 

exceed 397 days from the date of issue. Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program are to be backstopped by 

available commitments under our credit facility. Currently, we may issue up to $727 million under our commercial paper 

program (the $750 million committed credit facility amount, less $23 million in outstanding letters of credit). The proceeds 

from borrowings under our commercial paper program may be used for working capital needs, capital expenditures and other 

corporate purposes, including acquisitions and share repurchases. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we issued and subsequently 

repaid commercial paper borrowings of $225 million to fund a portion of the $2.8 billion payment for the Kraft arbitration 

matter. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we issued and subsequently repaid commercial paper borrowings of $25 million to 

fund other corporate purposes. There were no other commercial paper borrowings during fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013.

Use of Cash

than anticipated.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, Starbucks paid all amounts due to Kraft under the arbitration, including prejudgment interest 

and attorneys' fees, and fully extinguished the litigation charge liability. Of the $2,784.1 million litigation charge accrued in the 

fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, $2,763.9 million was paid and the remainder was released as a litigation credit in the first quarter 

of fiscal 2014 to reflect a reduction to our estimated prejudgment interest payable as a result of paying our obligation earlier 

We expect to use additional available cash and investments, including additional potential future borrowings under the credit 

facility and commercial paper program, to invest in our core businesses, including new product innovations and related 

marketing support, as well as other new business opportunities related to our core businesses. Further, we may use our available 

cash resources to make proportionate capital contributions to our equity method and cost method investees. We may also seek 

strategic acquisitions to leverage existing capabilities and further build our business in support of our growth agenda. 

Acquisitions may include increasing our ownership interests in our equity method and cost method investees. Any decisions to 

increase such ownership interests will be driven by valuation and fit with our ownership strategy. 

We believe that future cash flows generated from operations and existing cash and investments both domestically and 

internationally will be sufficient to finance capital requirements for our core businesses in those respective markets as well as 

shareholder distributions for the foreseeable future. Significant new joint ventures, acquisitions and/or other new business 

opportunities may require additional outside funding. 

As described further in Note 18, Subsequent Event, in September 2014, we entered into a tender offer bid agreement with 

Starbucks Japan and our joint venture partner, Sazaby League, Ltd., to acquire the remaining 60.5% ownership interest in 

Starbucks Japan for approximately $893 million, through a two-step tender offer. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we funded 

the first tender offer step with approximately $511 million in offshore cash. We also expect to fund a majority of the second 

tender offer step with offshore cash. We have borrowed funds domestically and continue to believe we have the ability to do so 

at reasonable interest rates; however, additional borrowings would result in increased interest expense in the future.

We consider the majority of undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries and equity investees as of September 28, 2014 to 

be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no US income and foreign withholding taxes have been provided on such earnings. 

We have not, nor do we anticipate the need to, repatriate funds to the US to satisfy domestic liquidity needs; however, in the 

event that we need to repatriate all or a portion of our foreign cash to the US, we would be subject to additional US income 

taxes, which could be material. We do not believe it is practicable to calculate the potential tax impact of repatriation, as there is 

a significant amount of uncertainty around the calculation, including the availability and amount of foreign tax credits at the 

time of repatriation, tax rates in effect, and other indirect tax consequences associated with repatriation.

Other than normal operating expenses and funding the acquisition of Starbucks Japan for approximately $893 million, cash 

requirements for fiscal 2015 are expected to consist primarily of capital expenditures for new company-operated stores; 

remodeling and refurbishment of, and equipment upgrades for, existing company-operated stores; systems and technology 

investments in the stores and in the support infrastructure; and additional investments in manufacturing capacity. Total capital 

expenditures for fiscal 2015 are expected to be approximately $1.4 billion.

During each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2013, we declared and paid a cash dividend to shareholders of $0.21 per share. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 and each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 we declared a cash dividend of $0.26 per 

share. Cash dividends paid in fiscal 2014 and 2013 totaled $783.1 million and $628.9 million, respectively. In the fourth quarter 

of fiscal 2014, we declared a cash dividend of $0.32 per share to be paid on November 28, 2014 with an expected payout of 
approximately $239.8 million.

During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, we repurchased 10.5 million and 10.8 million shares of common stock, respectively, or 
$769.8 million and $544.1 million, respectively, under share repurchase authorizations. The number of remaining shares 
authorized for repurchase at September 28, 2014 totaled 15.9 million. 

Cash Flows

Cash provided by operating activities was $607.8 million for fiscal 2014, compared to $2.9 billion for fiscal 2013. The decrease 
was driven by the first quarter payment of $2.8 billion for the Kraft arbitration matter discussed above. This was partially offset 
by cash provided by operating activities of $3.4 billion primarily resulting from strong earnings and favorable changes in 
working capital accounts in the current year. 

Cash used by investing activities totaled $817.7 million for fiscal 2014, compared to $1.4 billion for fiscal 2013. The change 
was primarily due to cash paid to acquire Teavana in the prior year. Also contributing was an increase in our investments in 
long-term securities during fiscal 2014, more than offset by the subsequent liquidation of a significant portion of our offshore 
investment portfolio in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 in anticipation of funding the acquisition of Starbucks Japan.

Cash used by financing activities for fiscal 2014 totaled $623.3 million, compared to $108.2 million for fiscal 2013. The 
increase was primarily due to an increase in cash returned to shareholders through share repurchases and higher dividend 
payments in fiscal 2014 and decreased proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the related excess tax benefits, resulting 
from fewer stock option exercises during the period.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations and borrowings as of September 28, 2014, and the timing and effect that such commitments are 
expected to have on our liquidity and capital requirements in future periods (in millions):

Contractual Obligations (1)
Operating lease obligations(2)
Debt obligations

Principal payments
Interest payments(3)
Purchase obligations(4)
Other obligations(5)
Total

Payments Due by Period

Total

Less than 1
Year

1 - 3
Years

3 - 5
Years

More than
5 Years

$

4,957.9

$

925.6

$

1,522.9

$

1,007.1

$

1,502.3

2,050.0

417.7

1,254.7

55.1

—

73.8

848.9

2.7

950.0

145.8

365.7

5.6

350.0

68.2

27.7

5.3

750.0

129.9

12.4

41.5

$

8,735.4

$

1,851.0

$

2,990.0

$

1,458.3

$

2,436.1

(1) 

Income tax liabilities for uncertain tax positions were excluded as we are not able to make a reasonably reliable estimate 
of the amount and period of related future payments. As of September 28, 2014, we had $121.0 million of gross 
unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions, which includes accrued interest and penalties.
(2)  Amounts include direct lease obligations, excluding any taxes, insurance and other related expenses.
(3)  Amounts exclude any gain or loss upon settlement of related interest rate swap agreements, which are described further 

in Note 3, Derivative Financial Instruments.

(4)  Purchase obligations include agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on 

Starbucks and that specify all significant terms. Green coffee purchase commitments comprise 90% of total purchase 
obligations.

(5)  Other obligations include other long-term liabilities primarily consisting of asset retirement obligations, capital lease 

obligations and hedging instruments. 

Starbucks currently expects to fund these commitments primarily with operating cash flows generated in the normal course of 
business.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Off-balance sheet arrangements relate to operating lease and purchase commitments detailed in the footnotes to the 
consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

39

 
COMMODITY PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND GENERAL RISK CONDITIONS

Equity Security Price Risk

Commodity price risk represents Starbucks primary market risk, generated by our purchases of green coffee and dairy products, 
among other items. We purchase, roast and sell high-quality whole-bean arabica coffee and related products and risk arises 
from the price volatility of green coffee. In addition to coffee, we also purchase significant amounts of dairy products to 
support the needs of our company-operated stores. The price and availability of these commodities directly impacts our results 
of operations and we expect commodity prices, particularly coffee, to impact future results of operations. For additional details 
see Product Supply in Item 1, as well as Risk Factors in Item 1A of this 10-K.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Market risk is defined as the risk of losses due to changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, equity 
security prices, and interest rates. We manage our exposure to various market-based risks according to a market price risk 
management policy. Under this policy, market-based risks are quantified and evaluated for potential mitigation strategies, such 
as entering into hedging transactions. The market price risk management policy governs how hedging instruments may be used 
to mitigate risk. Risk limits are set annually and prohibit speculative trading activity. We also monitor and limit the amount of 
associated counterparty credit risk. In general, hedging instruments do not have maturities in excess of three years.

The sensitivity analyses disclosed below provide only a limited, point-in-time view of the market risk of the financial 
instruments discussed. The actual impact of the respective underlying rates and price changes on the financial instruments may 
differ significantly from those shown in the sensitivity analyses.

Commodity Price Risk

We purchase commodity inputs, including coffee, dairy products and diesel that are used in our operations and are subject to 
price fluctuations that impact our financial results. We use a combination of pricing features embedded within supply contracts 
and financial derivatives to manage our commodity price risk exposure, such as fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed contracts for 
coffee purchases.

The following table summarizes the potential impact as of September 28, 2014 to Starbucks future net earnings and other 
comprehensive income ("OCI") from changes in commodity prices. The information provided below relates only to the 
hedging instruments and does not represent the corresponding changes in the underlying hedged items (in millions): 

Increase/(Decrease) to Net Earnings

Increase/(Decrease) to OCI

10% Increase in
Underlying Rate

10% Decrease in
Underlying Rate

10% Increase in
Underlying Rate

10% Decrease in
Underlying Rate

Available-for-Sale Securities

Commodity hedges

$

4

$

(4) $

3

$

(3)

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The majority of our revenue, expense and capital purchasing activities are transacted in US dollars. However, because a portion 
of our operations consists of activities outside of the US, we have transactions in other currencies, primarily the Canadian 
dollar, Japanese yen, Chinese renminbi, British pound, and euro. To reduce cash flow volatility from foreign currency 
fluctuations, we enter into derivative instruments to hedge portions of cash flows of anticipated revenue streams and inventory 
purchases in currencies other than our functional currency, the US dollar, as well as the translation risk of certain balance sheet 
items. See Note 3, Derivative Financial Instruments, for further discussion.

The following table summarizes the potential impact as of September 28, 2014 to Starbucks future net earnings and other 
comprehensive income ("OCI") from changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments due to a change in the 
value of the US dollar as compared to foreign exchange rates. The information provided below relates only to the hedging 
instruments and does not represent the corresponding changes in the underlying hedged items (in millions):

Foreign currency hedges

$

7

$

(7) $

47

$

(47)

otherwise.

Increase/(Decrease) to Net Earnings

Increase/(Decrease) to OCI

10% Increase in
Underlying Rate

10% Decrease in
Underlying Rate

10% Increase in
Underlying Rate

10% Decrease in
Underlying Rate

40  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

We have minimal exposure to price fluctuations on equity mutual funds and equity exchange-traded funds within our trading 

securities portfolio. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses recorded in net 

interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. Our trading securities portfolio approximates a portion of 

our liability under our Management Deferred Compensation Plan ("MDCP"), which is included in accrued compensation and 

related costs, within accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in our MDCP liability are recorded in 

general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.

We performed a sensitivity analysis based on a 10% change in the underlying equity prices of our investments as of 

September 28, 2014 and determined that such a change would not have a significant impact on the fair value of these 

instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

Long-term Debt

outstanding.

debt (in millions): 

2016 notes

2017 notes

2018 notes

2023 notes

We utilize short-term and long-term financing and may use interest rate hedges to manage our overall interest expense related 

to our existing fixed-rate debt, as well as to hedge the variability in cash flows due to changes in the benchmark interest rate 

related to anticipated debt issuances. As of September 28, 2014, we did not have any interest rate hedge agreements 

The following table summarizes the impact of a change in interest rates as of September 28, 2014 on the fair value of Starbucks 

Stated Interest

Rate

Fair Value

Underlying Rate

Underlying Rate

100 Basis Point Increase in

100 Basis Point Decrease in

Change in Fair Value

0.875% $

6.250% $

2.000% $

3.850% $

400

625

353

786

$

$

$

$

(9) $

(17) $

(14) $

(58) $

9

17

14

58

Our available-for-sale securities comprise a diversified portfolio consisting mainly of fixed-income instruments. The primary 

objective of these investments is to preserve capital and liquidity. Available-for-sale securities are recorded on the consolidated 

balance sheets at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive 

income. We do not hedge the interest rate exposure on our available-for-sale securities. We performed a sensitivity analysis 

based on a 100 basis point change in the underlying interest rate of our available-for-sale securities as of September 28, 2014, 

and determined that such a change would not have a significant impact on the fair value of these instruments.

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies are those that management believes are both most important to the portrayal of our financial 

condition and results and require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make 

estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those 

policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated 

financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the 

following policies involve a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity.

We consider financial reporting and disclosure practices and accounting policies quarterly to ensure that they provide accurate 

and transparent information relative to the current economic and business environment. During the past three fiscal years, we 

have not made any material changes to the accounting methodologies used to assess the areas discussed below, unless noted 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMODITY PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND GENERAL RISK CONDITIONS

Equity Security Price Risk

Commodity price risk represents Starbucks primary market risk, generated by our purchases of green coffee and dairy products, 

among other items. We purchase, roast and sell high-quality whole-bean arabica coffee and related products and risk arises 

from the price volatility of green coffee. In addition to coffee, we also purchase significant amounts of dairy products to 

support the needs of our company-operated stores. The price and availability of these commodities directly impacts our results 

of operations and we expect commodity prices, particularly coffee, to impact future results of operations. For additional details 

see Product Supply in Item 1, as well as Risk Factors in Item 1A of this 10-K.

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Market risk is defined as the risk of losses due to changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, equity 

security prices, and interest rates. We manage our exposure to various market-based risks according to a market price risk 

management policy. Under this policy, market-based risks are quantified and evaluated for potential mitigation strategies, such 

as entering into hedging transactions. The market price risk management policy governs how hedging instruments may be used 

to mitigate risk. Risk limits are set annually and prohibit speculative trading activity. We also monitor and limit the amount of 

associated counterparty credit risk. In general, hedging instruments do not have maturities in excess of three years.

The sensitivity analyses disclosed below provide only a limited, point-in-time view of the market risk of the financial 

instruments discussed. The actual impact of the respective underlying rates and price changes on the financial instruments may 

differ significantly from those shown in the sensitivity analyses.

Commodity Price Risk

coffee purchases.

We purchase commodity inputs, including coffee, dairy products and diesel that are used in our operations and are subject to 

price fluctuations that impact our financial results. We use a combination of pricing features embedded within supply contracts 

and financial derivatives to manage our commodity price risk exposure, such as fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed contracts for 

The following table summarizes the potential impact as of September 28, 2014 to Starbucks future net earnings and other 

comprehensive income ("OCI") from changes in commodity prices. The information provided below relates only to the 

hedging instruments and does not represent the corresponding changes in the underlying hedged items (in millions): 

Commodity hedges

$

4

$

(4) $

3

$

(3)

Increase/(Decrease) to Net Earnings

Increase/(Decrease) to OCI

10% Increase in

Underlying Rate

10% Decrease in

Underlying Rate

10% Increase in

Underlying Rate

10% Decrease in

Underlying Rate

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

The majority of our revenue, expense and capital purchasing activities are transacted in US dollars. However, because a portion 

of our operations consists of activities outside of the US, we have transactions in other currencies, primarily the Canadian 

dollar, Japanese yen, Chinese renminbi, British pound, and euro. To reduce cash flow volatility from foreign currency 

fluctuations, we enter into derivative instruments to hedge portions of cash flows of anticipated revenue streams and inventory 

purchases in currencies other than our functional currency, the US dollar, as well as the translation risk of certain balance sheet 

items. See Note 3, Derivative Financial Instruments, for further discussion.

The following table summarizes the potential impact as of September 28, 2014 to Starbucks future net earnings and other 

comprehensive income ("OCI") from changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments due to a change in the 

value of the US dollar as compared to foreign exchange rates. The information provided below relates only to the hedging 

instruments and does not represent the corresponding changes in the underlying hedged items (in millions):

Foreign currency hedges

$

7

$

(7) $

47

$

(47)

Increase/(Decrease) to Net Earnings

Increase/(Decrease) to OCI

10% Increase in

Underlying Rate

10% Decrease in

Underlying Rate

10% Increase in

Underlying Rate

10% Decrease in

Underlying Rate

We have minimal exposure to price fluctuations on equity mutual funds and equity exchange-traded funds within our trading 
securities portfolio. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses recorded in net 
interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. Our trading securities portfolio approximates a portion of 
our liability under our Management Deferred Compensation Plan ("MDCP"), which is included in accrued compensation and 
related costs, within accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in our MDCP liability are recorded in 
general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.

We performed a sensitivity analysis based on a 10% change in the underlying equity prices of our investments as of 
September 28, 2014 and determined that such a change would not have a significant impact on the fair value of these 
instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

Long-term Debt

We utilize short-term and long-term financing and may use interest rate hedges to manage our overall interest expense related 
to our existing fixed-rate debt, as well as to hedge the variability in cash flows due to changes in the benchmark interest rate 
related to anticipated debt issuances. As of September 28, 2014, we did not have any interest rate hedge agreements 
outstanding.

The following table summarizes the impact of a change in interest rates as of September 28, 2014 on the fair value of Starbucks 
debt (in millions): 

Stated Interest
Rate

Fair Value

100 Basis Point Increase in
Underlying Rate

100 Basis Point Decrease in
Underlying Rate

Change in Fair Value

0.875% $

6.250% $

2.000% $

3.850% $

400

625

353

786

$

$

$

$

(9) $
(17) $
(14) $
(58) $

9

17

14

58

2016 notes

2017 notes

2018 notes

2023 notes

Available-for-Sale Securities

Our available-for-sale securities comprise a diversified portfolio consisting mainly of fixed-income instruments. The primary 
objective of these investments is to preserve capital and liquidity. Available-for-sale securities are recorded on the consolidated 
balance sheets at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive 
income. We do not hedge the interest rate exposure on our available-for-sale securities. We performed a sensitivity analysis 
based on a 100 basis point change in the underlying interest rate of our available-for-sale securities as of September 28, 2014, 
and determined that such a change would not have a significant impact on the fair value of these instruments.

APPLICATION OF CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies are those that management believes are both most important to the portrayal of our financial 
condition and results and require the most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make 
estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those 
policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions.

Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated 
financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this 10-K. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the 
following policies involve a higher degree of judgment and/or complexity.

We consider financial reporting and disclosure practices and accounting policies quarterly to ensure that they provide accurate 
and transparent information relative to the current economic and business environment. During the past three fiscal years, we 
have not made any material changes to the accounting methodologies used to assess the areas discussed below, unless noted 
otherwise.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Definite-Lived Assets

We evaluate property, plant and equipment and other definite-lived assets for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate 
that the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. When evaluating for impairment, we first compare the carrying 
value of the asset to the asset’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are 
less than the carrying value of the asset, we determine if we have an impairment loss by comparing the carrying value of the 
asset to the asset's estimated fair value and recognize an impairment charge when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its 
estimated fair value. The adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis and is depreciated over the asset's 
remaining useful life. 

Long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely 
independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For company-operated store assets, the impairment test is 
performed at the individual store asset group level. The fair value of a store’s assets is estimated using a discounted cash flow 
model. For other long-lived assets, fair value is determined using an approach that is appropriate based on the relevant facts and 
circumstances, which may include discounted cash flows, comparable transactions, or comparable company analyses.

Our impairment calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply 
judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values. Key assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset 
fair values include projected revenue growth and operating expenses, as well as forecasting asset useful lives and selecting an 
appropriate discount rate. For company-operated stores, estimates of revenue growth and operating expenses are based on 
internal projections and consider the store’s historical performance, the local market economics and the business environment 
impacting the store’s performance. The discount rate is selected based on what we believe a buyer would assume when 
determining a purchase price for the store. These estimates are subjective and our ability to realize future cash flows and asset 
fair values is affected by factors such as ongoing maintenance and improvement of the assets, changes in economic conditions, 
and changes in operating performance. 

During fiscal 2014, there were no significant changes in any of our estimates or assumptions that had a material impact on the 
outcome of our impairment calculations. However, as we periodically reassess estimated future cash flows and asset fair values, 
changes in our estimates and assumptions may cause us to realize material impairment charges in the future.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets 

We evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily trade names and trademarks) for impairment annually 
during our third fiscal quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that 
impairment may exist. When evaluating for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it 
is more likely than not that a reporting unit or intangible asset group is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, 
or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit or intangible asset group exceeds its 
carrying amount, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit or intangible asset group. Fair value is the price a 
market participant would pay for the reporting unit or intangible asset and is typically calculated using an income approach, 
such as a discounted cash flow or relief-from-royalty method. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit or intangible asset 
group exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair 
value. 

Our decision to perform a qualitative impairment assessment for an individual reporting unit in a given year is influenced by a 
number of factors, inclusive of the size of the reporting unit's goodwill, the significance of the excess of the reporting unit's 
estimated fair value over carrying value at the last quantitative assessment date, and the amount of time in between quantitative 
fair value assessments. During fiscal 2014, as part of our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we performed the qualitative 
assessment for approximately $104 million, or 12%, of our total goodwill balance of $856.2 million, the majority of which 
resides in our China retail, US licensed and US consumer packaged goods reporting units. 

As part of our ongoing operations, we may close certain stores within a reporting unit containing goodwill due to 
underperformance of the store or inability to renew our lease, among other reasons. We may abandon certain assets associated 
with a closed store, including leasehold improvements and other non-transferable assets. When a portion of a reporting unit that 
constitutes a business is to be disposed of, the associated goodwill is included in the carrying amount when determining any 
loss on disposal. Our evaluation of whether the portion of a reporting unit being disposed of constitutes a business occurs on 
the date of abandonment. Although an operating store meets the accounting definition of a business prior to abandonment, it 
does not constitute a business on the closure date because the remaining assets on that date do not constitute an integrated set of 
assets that are capable of being managed for the purpose of providing a return to investors. As a result, when closing individual 
stores, we do not include goodwill in the calculation of any loss on disposal of the related assets. If store closures are indicative 
of potential impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level, we perform an evaluation of our reporting unit goodwill when 
such closures occur.

42  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Our impairment calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply 

judgment when performing a qualitative assessment or when estimating future cash flows and asset fair values. Key 

assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values typically include projected revenue growth and operating 

expenses related to existing businesses, product innovation and new store concepts, as well as selecting an appropriate discount 

rate. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, management also makes assumptions around the royalty rate that could 

hypothetically be charged by a licensor of the asset to an unrelated licensee. For a goodwill reporting unit, estimates of revenue 

growth and operating expenses are based on internal projections considering the reporting unit’s past performance and 

forecasted growth, strategic initiatives, local market economics and the local business environment impacting the reporting 

unit’s performance. The discount rate is selected based on the estimated cost of capital for a retail operator to operate the 

reporting unit in the region. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, estimates of revenue growth are based on internal projections 

considering the intangible asset group's past performance and forecasted growth, and the royalty rate used is based on observed 

market royalty rates for similar licensing arrangements, adjusted for our particular facts and circumstances. The discount rate is 

selected based on the estimated cost of capital that reflects the risk profile of the related business. These estimates are highly 

subjective judgments and our ability to realize the future cash flows used in our fair value calculations is affected by factors 

such as the success of strategic initiatives, changes in economic conditions, changes in our operating performance, and changes 

in our business strategies.

For fiscal 2014, we determined the fair value of our material reporting units and intangible asset groups were significantly in 

excess of their carrying values. Accordingly, we did not recognize any material impairment charges during the current fiscal 

year. During fiscal 2014, there were no significant changes in any of our estimates or assumptions that had a material impact on 

the outcome of our impairment calculations. However, as we periodically reassess estimated future cash flows and asset fair 

values, changes in our estimates and assumptions may cause us to realize material impairment charges in the future.

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and 

the respective tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax 

rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which we expect the temporary differences to reverse. We routinely 

evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all 

available evidence, we determine that some portion of the tax benefit will not be realized. Changes in tax laws and rates may 

affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities and our effective tax rate in the future; however, we do not expect changes 

from recently enacted tax laws to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all 

available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable 

income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In projecting future taxable income, we consider historical 

results and incorporate assumptions about the amount of future state, federal, and foreign pretax operating income adjusted for 

items that do not have tax consequences. Our assumptions regarding future taxable income are consistent with the plans and 

estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, 

we consider three years of cumulative operating income/(loss). 

In addition, our income tax returns are periodically audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These audits include review 

of our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions taken and the allocation of income between tax 

jurisdictions. We evaluate our exposures associated with our various tax filing positions and recognize a tax benefit only if it is 

more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities, including 

resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of our position. For uncertain tax 

positions that do not meet this threshold, we record a related liability. We adjust our unrecognized tax benefit liability and 

income tax expense in the period in which the uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for 

the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when new information becomes available. There is a reasonable 

possibility that our unrecognized tax benefit liability will be adjusted within 12 months due to the expiration of a statute of 

limitations; however, we do not expect this change to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

We have generated income in certain foreign jurisdictions that has not been subject to US income taxes. We intend to reinvest 

these earnings for the foreseeable future. While we do not expect to repatriate cash to the US to satisfy domestic liquidity 

needs, if these amounts were distributed to the US, in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to additional US 

income taxes, which could be material. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on these 

earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s 

best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. Deferred tax asset valuation allowances and our liabilities for 

unrecognized tax benefits require significant management judgment regarding applicable statutes and their related 

interpretation, the status of various income tax audits, and our particular facts and circumstances. Although we believe that the 

Property, Plant and Equipment and Other Definite-Lived Assets

We evaluate property, plant and equipment and other definite-lived assets for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate 

that the carrying values of such assets may not be recoverable. When evaluating for impairment, we first compare the carrying 

value of the asset to the asset’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are 

less than the carrying value of the asset, we determine if we have an impairment loss by comparing the carrying value of the 

asset to the asset's estimated fair value and recognize an impairment charge when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its 

estimated fair value. The adjusted carrying amount of the asset becomes its new cost basis and is depreciated over the asset's 

remaining useful life. 

Long-lived assets are grouped with other assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely 

independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For company-operated store assets, the impairment test is 

performed at the individual store asset group level. The fair value of a store’s assets is estimated using a discounted cash flow 

model. For other long-lived assets, fair value is determined using an approach that is appropriate based on the relevant facts and 

circumstances, which may include discounted cash flows, comparable transactions, or comparable company analyses.

Our impairment calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply 

judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values. Key assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset 

fair values include projected revenue growth and operating expenses, as well as forecasting asset useful lives and selecting an 

appropriate discount rate. For company-operated stores, estimates of revenue growth and operating expenses are based on 

internal projections and consider the store’s historical performance, the local market economics and the business environment 

impacting the store’s performance. The discount rate is selected based on what we believe a buyer would assume when 

determining a purchase price for the store. These estimates are subjective and our ability to realize future cash flows and asset 

fair values is affected by factors such as ongoing maintenance and improvement of the assets, changes in economic conditions, 

and changes in operating performance. 

During fiscal 2014, there were no significant changes in any of our estimates or assumptions that had a material impact on the 

outcome of our impairment calculations. However, as we periodically reassess estimated future cash flows and asset fair values, 

changes in our estimates and assumptions may cause us to realize material impairment charges in the future.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets 

We evaluate goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets (primarily trade names and trademarks) for impairment annually 

during our third fiscal quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that 

impairment may exist. When evaluating for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it 

is more likely than not that a reporting unit or intangible asset group is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, 

or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit or intangible asset group exceeds its 

carrying amount, we calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit or intangible asset group. Fair value is the price a 

market participant would pay for the reporting unit or intangible asset and is typically calculated using an income approach, 

such as a discounted cash flow or relief-from-royalty method. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit or intangible asset 

group exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair 

value. 

Our decision to perform a qualitative impairment assessment for an individual reporting unit in a given year is influenced by a 

number of factors, inclusive of the size of the reporting unit's goodwill, the significance of the excess of the reporting unit's 

estimated fair value over carrying value at the last quantitative assessment date, and the amount of time in between quantitative 

fair value assessments. During fiscal 2014, as part of our annual goodwill impairment analysis, we performed the qualitative 

assessment for approximately $104 million, or 12%, of our total goodwill balance of $856.2 million, the majority of which 

resides in our China retail, US licensed and US consumer packaged goods reporting units. 

As part of our ongoing operations, we may close certain stores within a reporting unit containing goodwill due to 

underperformance of the store or inability to renew our lease, among other reasons. We may abandon certain assets associated 

with a closed store, including leasehold improvements and other non-transferable assets. When a portion of a reporting unit that 

constitutes a business is to be disposed of, the associated goodwill is included in the carrying amount when determining any 

loss on disposal. Our evaluation of whether the portion of a reporting unit being disposed of constitutes a business occurs on 

the date of abandonment. Although an operating store meets the accounting definition of a business prior to abandonment, it 

does not constitute a business on the closure date because the remaining assets on that date do not constitute an integrated set of 

assets that are capable of being managed for the purpose of providing a return to investors. As a result, when closing individual 

stores, we do not include goodwill in the calculation of any loss on disposal of the related assets. If store closures are indicative 

of potential impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level, we perform an evaluation of our reporting unit goodwill when 

such closures occur.

Our impairment calculations contain uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply 
judgment when performing a qualitative assessment or when estimating future cash flows and asset fair values. Key 
assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values typically include projected revenue growth and operating 
expenses related to existing businesses, product innovation and new store concepts, as well as selecting an appropriate discount 
rate. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, management also makes assumptions around the royalty rate that could 
hypothetically be charged by a licensor of the asset to an unrelated licensee. For a goodwill reporting unit, estimates of revenue 
growth and operating expenses are based on internal projections considering the reporting unit’s past performance and 
forecasted growth, strategic initiatives, local market economics and the local business environment impacting the reporting 
unit’s performance. The discount rate is selected based on the estimated cost of capital for a retail operator to operate the 
reporting unit in the region. For indefinite-lived intangible assets, estimates of revenue growth are based on internal projections 
considering the intangible asset group's past performance and forecasted growth, and the royalty rate used is based on observed 
market royalty rates for similar licensing arrangements, adjusted for our particular facts and circumstances. The discount rate is 
selected based on the estimated cost of capital that reflects the risk profile of the related business. These estimates are highly 
subjective judgments and our ability to realize the future cash flows used in our fair value calculations is affected by factors 
such as the success of strategic initiatives, changes in economic conditions, changes in our operating performance, and changes 
in our business strategies.

For fiscal 2014, we determined the fair value of our material reporting units and intangible asset groups were significantly in 
excess of their carrying values. Accordingly, we did not recognize any material impairment charges during the current fiscal 
year. During fiscal 2014, there were no significant changes in any of our estimates or assumptions that had a material impact on 
the outcome of our impairment calculations. However, as we periodically reassess estimated future cash flows and asset fair 
values, changes in our estimates and assumptions may cause us to realize material impairment charges in the future.

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and 
the respective tax bases of our assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax 
rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which we expect the temporary differences to reverse. We routinely 
evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all 
available evidence, we determine that some portion of the tax benefit will not be realized. Changes in tax laws and rates may 
affect recorded deferred tax assets and liabilities and our effective tax rate in the future; however, we do not expect changes 
from recently enacted tax laws to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all 
available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable 
income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In projecting future taxable income, we consider historical 
results and incorporate assumptions about the amount of future state, federal, and foreign pretax operating income adjusted for 
items that do not have tax consequences. Our assumptions regarding future taxable income are consistent with the plans and 
estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that historical results provide, 
we consider three years of cumulative operating income/(loss). 

In addition, our income tax returns are periodically audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These audits include review 
of our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions taken and the allocation of income between tax 
jurisdictions. We evaluate our exposures associated with our various tax filing positions and recognize a tax benefit only if it is 
more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities, including 
resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of our position. For uncertain tax 
positions that do not meet this threshold, we record a related liability. We adjust our unrecognized tax benefit liability and 
income tax expense in the period in which the uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for 
the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position, or when new information becomes available. There is a reasonable 
possibility that our unrecognized tax benefit liability will be adjusted within 12 months due to the expiration of a statute of 
limitations; however, we do not expect this change to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

We have generated income in certain foreign jurisdictions that has not been subject to US income taxes. We intend to reinvest 
these earnings for the foreseeable future. While we do not expect to repatriate cash to the US to satisfy domestic liquidity 
needs, if these amounts were distributed to the US, in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to additional US 
income taxes, which could be material. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on these 
earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management’s 
best assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. Deferred tax asset valuation allowances and our liabilities for 
unrecognized tax benefits require significant management judgment regarding applicable statutes and their related 
interpretation, the status of various income tax audits, and our particular facts and circumstances. Although we believe that the 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

43

judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we may be exposed to losses or gains 
that could be material. To the extent we prevail in matters for which a liability has been established, or are required to pay 
amounts in excess of our established liability, our effective income tax rate in a given financial statement period could be 
materially affected.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II 
of this 10-K for a detailed description of recent accounting pronouncements. We do not expect any of these recently issued 
accounting pronouncements to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity in future 
periods. 

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Commodity Prices, Availability and General Risk Conditions" 
and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Risk Management" 
in Item 7 of this Report.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in millions, except per share data)

Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Litigation charge/(credit)

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense/(benefit)

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

Net earnings/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to Starbucks

Earnings per share — basic

Earnings per share — diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

$

12,977.9

$

11,793.2

$

10,534.5

1,588.6

1,881.3

16,447.8

6,858.8

4,638.2

457.3

709.6

991.3

(20.2)

13,635.0

268.3

3,081.1

142.7

(64.1)

3,159.7

1,092.0

2,067.7

(0.4)

2,068.1

2.75

2.71

753.1

763.1

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,360.5

1,713.1

14,866.8

6,382.3

4,286.1

431.8

621.4

937.9

2,784.1

15,443.6

251.4

(325.4)

123.6

(28.1)

(229.9)

(238.7)

8.8

0.5

8.3

0.01

0.01

749.3

762.3

$

$

$

1,210.3

1,532.0

13,276.8

5,813.3

3,918.1

407.2

550.3

801.2

—

11,490.1

210.7

1,997.4

94.4

(32.7)

2,059.1

674.4

1,384.7

0.9

1,383.8

1.83

1.79

754.4

773.0

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

44  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

 
that could be material. To the extent we prevail in matters for which a liability has been established, or are required to pay 

amounts in excess of our established liability, our effective income tax rate in a given financial statement period could be 

materially affected.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II 

of this 10-K for a detailed description of recent accounting pronouncements. We do not expect any of these recently issued 

accounting pronouncements to have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity in future 

periods. 

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Management’s Discussion and 

Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Commodity Prices, Availability and General Risk Conditions" 

and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Financial Risk Management" 

in Item 7 of this Report.

judgments and estimates discussed herein are reasonable, actual results could differ, and we may be exposed to losses or gains 

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

STARBUCKS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(in millions, except per share data)

Fiscal Year Ended
Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Litigation charge/(credit)

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense/(benefit)

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

Net earnings/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net earnings attributable to Starbucks

Earnings per share — basic

Earnings per share — diluted

Weighted average shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

$

$

$

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

$

12,977.9

$

11,793.2

$

10,534.5

1,588.6

1,881.3

16,447.8

6,858.8

4,638.2

457.3

709.6

991.3
(20.2)
13,635.0

268.3

3,081.1

142.7
(64.1)
3,159.7

1,092.0

2,067.7
(0.4)
2,068.1

2.75

2.71

753.1

763.1

$

$

$

1,360.5

1,713.1

14,866.8

6,382.3

4,286.1

431.8

621.4

937.9

2,784.1

15,443.6

251.4
(325.4)
123.6
(28.1)
(229.9)
(238.7)
8.8

0.5

8.3

0.01

0.01

$

$

$

749.3

762.3

1,210.3

1,532.0

13,276.8

5,813.3

3,918.1

407.2

550.3

801.2

—

11,490.1

210.7

1,997.4

94.4
(32.7)
2,059.1

674.4

1,384.7

0.9

1,383.8

1.83

1.79

754.4

773.0

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

45

 
STARBUCKS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except per share data)

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:

Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities

Tax (expense)/benefit

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedging instruments

Tax (expense)/benefit

Unrealized gains/(losses) on net investment hedging instruments

Tax (expense)/benefit

Reclassification adjustment for net (gains)/losses realized in net
earnings for cash flow hedges and available-for-sale securities

Tax expense/(benefit)

Translation adjustment

Tax (expense)/benefit
Other comprehensive income/(loss)

Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests

Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Comprehensive income attributable to Starbucks

$

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

$

2,067.7

$

8.8

$

1,384.7

ASSETS

1.6
(0.6)
24.1
(7.8)
25.5
(9.4)

(1.5)
3.8
(75.8)
(1.6)
(41.7)
2,026.0
(0.4)
2,026.4

(0.6)
0.2

47.1
(24.6)
32.8
(12.1)

46.3
(3.5)
(41.6)
0.3
44.3

53.1

0.5

0.7
(0.3)
(42.2)
4.3

1.0
(0.4)

14.8
(4.3)
6.1
(3.3)
(23.6)
1,361.1

0.9

$

52.6

$

1,360.2

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

46  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term investments

Accounts receivable, net

Inventories

Deferred income taxes, net

Total current assets

Long-term investments

Equity and cost investments

Property, plant and equipment, net

Deferred income taxes, net

Other assets

Other intangible assets

Goodwill

TOTAL ASSETS

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued litigation charge

Accrued liabilities

Insurance reserves

Deferred revenue

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt

Other long-term liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ equity:

Common stock ($0.001 par value) — authorized, 1,200.0 shares; issued and

outstanding, 749.5 and 753.2 shares, respectively

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interest

Total equity

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$

10,752.9

$

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

$

1,708.4

$

10,752.9

$

11,516.7

$

$

533.7

$

135.4

631.0

1,090.9

285.6

317.4

4,168.7

318.4

514.9

3,519.0

903.3

198.9

273.5

856.2

—

1,514.4

196.1

794.5

3,038.7

2,048.3

392.2

5,479.2

0.7

39.4

5,206.6

25.3

5,272.0

1.7

5,273.7

2,575.7

658.1

561.4

1,111.2

287.7

277.3

5,471.4

58.3

496.5

3,200.5

967.0

185.3

274.8

862.9

491.7

2,784.1

1,269.3

178.5

653.7

5,377.3

1,299.4

357.7

7,034.4

0.8

282.1

4,130.3

67.0

4,480.2

2.1

4,482.3

11,516.7

 
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:

Unrealized holding gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities

Unrealized gains/(losses) on cash flow hedging instruments

Unrealized gains/(losses) on net investment hedging instruments

Reclassification adjustment for net (gains)/losses realized in net

earnings for cash flow hedges and available-for-sale securities

Tax (expense)/benefit

Tax (expense)/benefit

Tax (expense)/benefit

Tax expense/(benefit)

Translation adjustment

Tax (expense)/benefit

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

Comprehensive income including noncontrolling interests

Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

$

2,067.7

$

8.8

$

1,384.7

1.6

(0.6)

24.1

(7.8)

25.5

(9.4)

(1.5)

3.8

(75.8)

(1.6)

(41.7)

2,026.0

(0.4)

(0.6)

0.2

47.1

(24.6)

32.8

(12.1)

46.3

(3.5)

(41.6)

0.3

44.3

53.1

0.5

0.7

(0.3)

(42.2)

4.3

1.0

(0.4)

14.8

(4.3)

6.1

(3.3)

(23.6)

1,361.1

0.9

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

(in millions)

STARBUCKS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except per share data)

Current assets:

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments
Accounts receivable, net
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
Deferred income taxes, net
Total current assets

Long-term investments
Equity and cost investments
Property, plant and equipment, net
Deferred income taxes, net
Other assets
Other intangible assets
Goodwill
TOTAL ASSETS

Comprehensive income attributable to Starbucks

$

2,026.4

$

52.6

$

1,360.2

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Accounts payable
Accrued litigation charge
Accrued liabilities
Insurance reserves
Deferred revenue

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt
Other long-term liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ equity:

Common stock ($0.001 par value) — authorized, 1,200.0 shares; issued and
outstanding, 749.5 and 753.2 shares, respectively

Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income

Total shareholders’ equity

Noncontrolling interest
Total equity

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

$

$

$

$

1,708.4
135.4
631.0
1,090.9
285.6
317.4
4,168.7
318.4
514.9
3,519.0
903.3
198.9
273.5
856.2
10,752.9

533.7
—
1,514.4
196.1
794.5
3,038.7
2,048.3
392.2
5,479.2

0.7
39.4
5,206.6
25.3
5,272.0
1.7
5,273.7
10,752.9

$

$

$

$

2,575.7
658.1
561.4
1,111.2
287.7
277.3
5,471.4
58.3
496.5
3,200.5
967.0
185.3
274.8
862.9
11,516.7

491.7
2,784.1
1,269.3
178.5
653.7
5,377.3
1,299.4
357.7
7,034.4

0.8
282.1
4,130.3
67.0
4,480.2
2.1
4,482.3
11,516.7

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

47

 
STARBUCKS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)

Fiscal Year Ended
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net earnings including noncontrolling interests
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization
Litigation charge
Deferred income taxes, net
Income earned from equity method investees
Distributions received from equity method investees
Gain resulting from sale of equity in joint ventures and certain retail
operations
Stock-based compensation
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards
Other
Cash (used)/provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable
Inventories
Accounts payable
Accrued litigation charge
Income taxes payable, net
Accrued liabilities and insurance reserves
Deferred revenue
Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets

Net cash provided by operating activities
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of investments
Sales of investments
Maturities and calls of investments
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of equity in joint ventures and certain retail operations
Other
Net cash used by investing activities
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Principal payments on long-term debt
Payments on short-term borrowings
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Excess tax benefit on share-based awards
Cash dividends paid
Repurchase of common stock
Minimum tax withholdings on share-based awards
Other
Net cash used by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of period
End of period
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest
Income taxes, net of refunds

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

$

2,067.7

$

8.8

$

1,384.7

4

.

2

9

.

0

—

—

—

—

—

—

2

.

2

5

.

5

5

.

0

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

748.4
—
10.2
(182.7)
139.2

(70.2)
183.2
(114.4)
36.2

(79.7)
14.3
60.4
(2,763.9)
309.8
103.9
140.8
4.6
607.8

(1,652.5)
1,454.8
456.1
—
(1,160.9)
103.9
(19.1)
(817.7)

748.5
—
—
139.7
114.4
(783.1)
(758.6)
(77.3)
(6.9)
(623.3)
(34.1)
(867.3)

2,575.7
1,708.4

56.2
766.3

$

$
$

$

$
$

655.6
2,784.1
(1,045.9)
(171.8)
115.6

(80.1)
142.3
(258.1)
23.0

(68.3)
152.5
88.7
—
298.4
47.3
139.9
76.3
2,908.3

(785.9)
60.2
980.0
(610.4)
(1,151.2)
108.0
(11.9)
(1,411.2)

749.7
(35.2)
—
247.2
258.1
(628.9)
(588.1)
(121.4)
10.4
(108.2)
(1.8)
1,387.1

1,188.6
2,575.7

34.4
539.1

580.6
—
61.1
(136.0)
86.7

—
153.6
(169.8)
23.6

(90.3)
(273.3)
(105.2)
—
201.6
(8.1)
60.8
(19.7)
1,750.3

(1,748.6)
—
1,796.4
(129.1)
(856.2)
—
(36.5)
(974.0)

—
—
(30.8)
236.6
169.8
(513.0)
(549.1)
(58.5)
(0.5)
(745.5)
9.7
40.5

1,148.1
1,188.6

34.4
416.9

$

$
$

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48  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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STARBUCKS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

Net earnings including noncontrolling interests

$

2,067.7

$

8.8

$

1,384.7

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

Fiscal Year Ended

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Depreciation and amortization

Litigation charge

Deferred income taxes, net

Income earned from equity method investees

Distributions received from equity method investees

Gain resulting from sale of equity in joint ventures and certain retail

operations

Stock-based compensation

Excess tax benefit on share-based awards

Other

Cash (used)/provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Accounts payable

Accrued litigation charge

Income taxes payable, net

Accrued liabilities and insurance reserves

Deferred revenue

Prepaid expenses, other current assets and other assets

Proceeds from sale of equity in joint ventures and certain retail operations

Net cash provided by operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchase of investments

Sales of investments

Maturities and calls of investments

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Additions to property, plant and equipment

Other

Net cash used by investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

Principal payments on long-term debt

Payments on short-term borrowings

Proceeds from issuance of common stock

Excess tax benefit on share-based awards

Cash dividends paid

Repurchase of common stock

Minimum tax withholdings on share-based awards

Other

Net cash used by financing activities

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Beginning of period

End of period

Cash paid during the period for:

Interest, net of capitalized interest

Income taxes, net of refunds

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

748.4

—

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(182.7)

139.2

(70.2)

183.2

(114.4)

36.2

(79.7)

14.3

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309.8

103.9

140.8

4.6

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1,454.8

456.1

—

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103.9

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(817.7)

748.5

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(758.6)

(77.3)

(6.9)

(623.3)

(34.1)

(867.3)

2,575.7

1,708.4

2,908.3

1,750.3

655.6

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(171.8)

115.6

(80.1)

142.3

(258.1)

23.0

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152.5

88.7

—

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139.9

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60.2

980.0

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(1,151.2)

108.0

(11.9)

(1,411.2)

749.7

(35.2)

—

247.2

258.1

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(588.1)

(121.4)

10.4

(108.2)

(1.8)

1,387.1

1,188.6

2,575.7

580.6

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86.7

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23.6

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(273.3)

(105.2)

—

201.6

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60.8

(19.7)

(1,748.6)

—

1,796.4

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(856.2)

—

(36.5)

(974.0)

—

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236.6

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(549.1)

(58.5)

(0.5)

(745.5)

9.7

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1,148.1

1,188.6

$

$

$

$

$

$

56.2

766.3

34.4

539.1

34.4

416.9

$

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Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

49

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S

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STARBUCKS CORPORATION
INDEX FOR NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Fiscal Years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012 

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

Note 1

Note 2

Note 3

Note 4

Note 5

Note 6

Note 7

Note 8

Note 9

Note 10

Note 11

Note 12

Note 13

Note 14

Note 15

Note 16

Note 17

Note 18

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Derivative Financial Instruments

Fair Value Measurements

Inventories

Equity and Cost Investments

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Debt

Leases

Equity

Employee Stock and Benefit Plans

Income Taxes

Earnings per Share

Commitments and Contingencies

Segment Reporting

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

Subsequent Event

51

60

61

63

65

66

67

67

69

70

70

72

74

77

77

78

81

81

Note 1:    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

We purchase and roast high-quality coffees that we sell, along with handcrafted coffee and tea beverages and a variety of fresh 

food items, through our company-operated stores. We also sell a variety of coffee and tea products and license our trademarks 

through other channels such as licensed stores, grocery and national foodservice accounts. 

In this 10-K, Starbucks Corporation (together with its subsidiaries) is referred to as "Starbucks," the "Company," "we," "us" or 

"our."

We have four reportable operating segments: 1) Americas, which is inclusive of the US, Canada, and Latin America; 2) Europe, 

Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA"); 3) China/Asia Pacific ("CAP") and 4) Channel Development. We also have several non-

reportable operating segments, including Teavana, Seattle's Best Coffee, Evolution Fresh, and our Digital Ventures business, 

which are combined and referred to as All Other Segments. Unallocated corporate operating expenses, which pertain primarily 

to corporate administrative functions that support the operating segments but are not specifically attributable to or managed by 

any segment, are presented as a reconciling item between total segment operating results and consolidated financial results. 

Additional details on the nature of our business and our reportable operating segments are included in Note 16, Segment 

Reporting, of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements reflect the financial position and operating results of Starbucks, including wholly-owned 

subsidiaries and investees that we control. Investments in entities that we do not control, but have the ability to exercise 

significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. Investments in entities in 

which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. Intercompany 

transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year End

Estimates and Assumptions

Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to September 30. Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 included 52 weeks.

Preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 

("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, 

revenues and expenses. Examples include, but are not limited to, estimates for inventory reserves, asset and goodwill 

impairments, assumptions underlying self-insurance reserves, income from unredeemed stored value cards, stock-based 

compensation forfeiture rates, future asset retirement obligations, and the potential outcome of future tax consequences of 

events that have been recognized in the financial statements. Actual results and outcomes may differ from these estimates and 

We consider all highly liquid instruments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase, as well as credit card 

receivables for sales to customers in our company-operated stores that generally settle within two to five days, to be cash 

equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions that exceed federally-insured limits. We 

have not experienced any losses related to these balances and we believe credit risk to be minimal.

Our cash management system provides for the funding of all major bank disbursement accounts on a daily basis as checks are 

presented for payment. Under this system, outstanding checks are in excess of the cash balances at certain banks, which creates 

book overdrafts. Book overdrafts are presented as a current liability in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheets.

assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Investments

Available-for-sale Securities

Our short-term and long-term investments consist primarily of investment-grade debt securities, all of which are classified as 

available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded, 

50  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

INDEX FOR NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

STARBUCKS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fiscal Years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013 and September 30, 2012 

Note 1

Note 2

Note 3

Note 4

Note 5

Note 6

Note 7

Note 8

Note 9

Note 10

Note 11

Note 12

Note 13

Note 14

Note 15

Note 16

Note 17

Note 18

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Acquisitions and Divestitures

Derivative Financial Instruments

Fair Value Measurements

Inventories

Equity and Cost Investments

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Debt

Leases

Equity

Employee Stock and Benefit Plans

Income Taxes

Earnings per Share

Commitments and Contingencies

Segment Reporting

Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)

Subsequent Event

51

60

61

63

65

66

67

67

69

70

70

72

74

77

77

78

81

81

Note 1:    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

We purchase and roast high-quality coffees that we sell, along with handcrafted coffee and tea beverages and a variety of fresh 
food items, through our company-operated stores. We also sell a variety of coffee and tea products and license our trademarks 
through other channels such as licensed stores, grocery and national foodservice accounts. 

In this 10-K, Starbucks Corporation (together with its subsidiaries) is referred to as "Starbucks," the "Company," "we," "us" or 
"our."

We have four reportable operating segments: 1) Americas, which is inclusive of the US, Canada, and Latin America; 2) Europe, 
Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA"); 3) China/Asia Pacific ("CAP") and 4) Channel Development. We also have several non-
reportable operating segments, including Teavana, Seattle's Best Coffee, Evolution Fresh, and our Digital Ventures business, 
which are combined and referred to as All Other Segments. Unallocated corporate operating expenses, which pertain primarily 
to corporate administrative functions that support the operating segments but are not specifically attributable to or managed by 
any segment, are presented as a reconciling item between total segment operating results and consolidated financial results. 

Additional details on the nature of our business and our reportable operating segments are included in Note 16, Segment 
Reporting, of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements reflect the financial position and operating results of Starbucks, including wholly-owned 
subsidiaries and investees that we control. Investments in entities that we do not control, but have the ability to exercise 
significant influence over operating and financial policies, are accounted for under the equity method. Investments in entities in 
which we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for under the cost method. Intercompany 
transactions and balances have been eliminated.

Fiscal Year End

Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to September 30. Fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 included 52 weeks.

Estimates and Assumptions

Preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 
("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, 
revenues and expenses. Examples include, but are not limited to, estimates for inventory reserves, asset and goodwill 
impairments, assumptions underlying self-insurance reserves, income from unredeemed stored value cards, stock-based 
compensation forfeiture rates, future asset retirement obligations, and the potential outcome of future tax consequences of 
events that have been recognized in the financial statements. Actual results and outcomes may differ from these estimates and 
assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid instruments with maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase, as well as credit card 
receivables for sales to customers in our company-operated stores that generally settle within two to five days, to be cash 
equivalents. We maintain cash and cash equivalent balances with financial institutions that exceed federally-insured limits. We 
have not experienced any losses related to these balances and we believe credit risk to be minimal.

Our cash management system provides for the funding of all major bank disbursement accounts on a daily basis as checks are 
presented for payment. Under this system, outstanding checks are in excess of the cash balances at certain banks, which creates 
book overdrafts. Book overdrafts are presented as a current liability in accounts payable on the consolidated balance sheets.

Investments

Available-for-sale Securities

Our short-term and long-term investments consist primarily of investment-grade debt securities, all of which are classified as 
available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded, 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

51

net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Available-for-sale securities with remaining maturities 
of less than one year and those identified by management at the time of purchase to be used to fund operations within one year 
are classified as short-term. All other available-for-sale securities, including all of our auction rate securities, are classified as 
long-term. We evaluate our available-for-sale securities for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. Unrealized 
losses are charged against net earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. We review several 
factors to determine whether a loss is other than temporary, such as the length and extent of the fair value decline, the financial 
condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and whether we have the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required 
to sell before the securities' anticipated recovery, which may be at maturity. Realized gains and losses are accounted for using 
the specific identification method. Purchases and sales are recorded on a trade date basis.

Trading Securities

We also have a trading securities portfolio, which is comprised of marketable equity mutual funds and equity exchange-traded 
funds. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses recorded in net interest income and 
other in the consolidated statements of earnings. Our trading securities portfolio approximates a portion of our liability under 
our Management Deferred Compensation Plan ("MDCP"), which is included in accrued compensation and related costs, within 
accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in our MDCP liability are recorded in general and administrative 
expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Equity and Cost Method Investments 

We evaluate our equity and cost method investments for impairment annually, and when facts and circumstances indicate that 
the carrying value of such investments may not be recoverable. We review several factors to determine whether the loss is other 
than temporary, such as the length and extent of the fair value decline, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the 
investee, and whether we have the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell before the investment’s 
anticipated recovery. If a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in net 
earnings. 

Fair Value

Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction 
between market participants. For assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, we determine fair 
value based on the following:

Level 1: The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these 
instruments. For trading and US government treasury securities and commodity futures contracts, we use quoted prices in 
active markets for identical assets to determine fair value. 

Level 2: When quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available, we determine the fair value of our 
available-for-sale securities and our over-the-counter forward contracts, collars, and swaps based upon factors such as the 
quoted market price of similar assets or a discounted cash flow model using readily observable market data, which may include 
interest rate curves and forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities, depending on the nature of the investment. The 
fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current 
rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities.

Level 3: We determine the fair value of our auction rate securities using an internally-developed valuation model, using inputs 
that include interest rate curves, credit and liquidity spreads, and effective maturity. 

Assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as property, plant and 
equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, equity and cost method investments, and other assets. We determine the fair 
value of these items using Level 3 inputs, as described in the related sections below. 

Derivative Instruments

We manage our exposure to various risks within the consolidated financial statements according to a market price risk 
management policy. Under this policy, we may engage in transactions involving various derivative instruments to hedge 
interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency denominated revenue streams, inventory purchases, assets and liabilities, 
and investments in certain foreign operations. We record all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. We 
generally do not offset derivative assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets or enter into derivative instruments 
with maturities longer than three years. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading purposes.

We use various types of derivative instruments including forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, collars and swaps. 
Forward contracts and commodity futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell a quantity of a currency or commodity at a 
predetermined future date, and at a predetermined rate or price. A collar is a strategy that uses a combination of a purchased call 

52  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

option and a sold put option with equal premiums to hedge a portion of anticipated cash flows, or to limit the range of possible 

gains or losses on an underlying asset or liability to a specific range. A swap agreement is a contract between two parties to 

exchange cash flows based on specified underlying notional amounts, assets and/or indices. 

Cash Flow Hedges

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative's gain or 

loss is reported as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") and recorded in accumulated other comprehensive 

income ("AOCI") on the consolidated balance sheets. The gain or loss is subsequently reclassified into net earnings when the 

hedged exposure affects net earnings. 

To the extent that the change in the fair value of the contract corresponds to the change in the value of the anticipated 

transaction using forward rates on a monthly basis, the hedge is considered effective and is recognized as described above. The 

remaining change in fair value of the contract represents the ineffective portion, which is immediately recorded in net interest 

income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. 

Cash flow hedges related to anticipated transactions are designated and documented at the inception of each hedge by matching 

the terms of the contract to the underlying transaction. Cash flows from hedging transactions are classified in the same 

categories as the cash flows from the respective hedged items, which is discussed further at Note 3, Derivative Financial 

Instruments. Once established, cash flow hedges are generally not removed until maturity unless an anticipated transaction is 

no longer likely to occur. For dedesignated cash flow hedges or for transactions that are no longer likely to occur, the related 

accumulated derivative gains or losses are recognized in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of 

earnings. 

Net Investment Hedges

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the derivative's 

gain or loss is reported as a component of OCI and recorded in AOCI. The gain or loss will be subsequently reclassified into net 

earnings when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated. 

To the extent that the change in the fair value of the forward contract corresponds to the change in value of the anticipated 

transactions using spot rates on a monthly basis, the hedge is considered effective and is recognized as described above. The 

remaining change in fair value of the forward contract represents the ineffective portion, which is immediately recognized in 

net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. 

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments

We also enter into certain foreign currency forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, collars and swaps that are not 

designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The change in the fair value of these contracts is immediately 

recognized in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. 

Normal Purchase Normal Sale

We enter into fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed green coffee purchase commitments, which are described further at Note 5, 

Inventories. For both fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed purchase commitments, we expect to take delivery of and to utilize the 

coffee in a reasonable period of time and in the conduct of normal business. Accordingly, these purchase commitments qualify 

as normal purchases and are not recorded at fair value on our balance sheets.

Receivables, net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Our receivables are mainly comprised of receivables for product and equipment sales to and royalties from our licensees, as 

well as receivables from our CPG and foodservice business customers. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated based 

on historical experience, customer credit risk and application of the specific identification method. As of September 28, 2014 

and September 29, 2013, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $6.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (primarily moving average cost) or market. We record inventory reserves for obsolete 

and slow-moving inventory and for estimated shrinkage between physical inventory counts. Inventory reserves are based on 

inventory obsolescence trends, historical experience and application of the specific identification method. As of September 28, 

2014 and September 29, 2013, inventory reserves were $31.2 million and $52.0 million, respectively.

net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Available-for-sale securities with remaining maturities 

of less than one year and those identified by management at the time of purchase to be used to fund operations within one year 

are classified as short-term. All other available-for-sale securities, including all of our auction rate securities, are classified as 

long-term. We evaluate our available-for-sale securities for other than temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. Unrealized 

losses are charged against net earnings when a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary. We review several 

factors to determine whether a loss is other than temporary, such as the length and extent of the fair value decline, the financial 

condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and whether we have the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required 

to sell before the securities' anticipated recovery, which may be at maturity. Realized gains and losses are accounted for using 

the specific identification method. Purchases and sales are recorded on a trade date basis.

Trading Securities

We also have a trading securities portfolio, which is comprised of marketable equity mutual funds and equity exchange-traded 

funds. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses recorded in net interest income and 

other in the consolidated statements of earnings. Our trading securities portfolio approximates a portion of our liability under 

our Management Deferred Compensation Plan ("MDCP"), which is included in accrued compensation and related costs, within 

accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in our MDCP liability are recorded in general and administrative 

expenses in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Equity and Cost Method Investments 

We evaluate our equity and cost method investments for impairment annually, and when facts and circumstances indicate that 

the carrying value of such investments may not be recoverable. We review several factors to determine whether the loss is other 

than temporary, such as the length and extent of the fair value decline, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the 

investee, and whether we have the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell before the investment’s 

anticipated recovery. If a decline in fair value is determined to be other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded in net 

earnings. 

Fair Value

Fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset or pay to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction 

between market participants. For assets and liabilities recorded or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, we determine fair 

value based on the following:

Level 1: The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these 

instruments. For trading and US government treasury securities and commodity futures contracts, we use quoted prices in 

active markets for identical assets to determine fair value. 

Level 2: When quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are not available, we determine the fair value of our 

available-for-sale securities and our over-the-counter forward contracts, collars, and swaps based upon factors such as the 

quoted market price of similar assets or a discounted cash flow model using readily observable market data, which may include 

interest rate curves and forward and spot prices for currencies and commodities, depending on the nature of the investment. The 

fair value of our long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current 

rates offered to us for debt of the same remaining maturities.

Level 3: We determine the fair value of our auction rate securities using an internally-developed valuation model, using inputs 

that include interest rate curves, credit and liquidity spreads, and effective maturity. 

Assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as property, plant and 

equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, equity and cost method investments, and other assets. We determine the fair 

value of these items using Level 3 inputs, as described in the related sections below. 

Derivative Instruments

We manage our exposure to various risks within the consolidated financial statements according to a market price risk 

management policy. Under this policy, we may engage in transactions involving various derivative instruments to hedge 

interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency denominated revenue streams, inventory purchases, assets and liabilities, 

and investments in certain foreign operations. We record all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. We 

generally do not offset derivative assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets or enter into derivative instruments 

with maturities longer than three years. We do not enter into derivative instruments for trading purposes.

We use various types of derivative instruments including forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, collars and swaps. 

Forward contracts and commodity futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell a quantity of a currency or commodity at a 

predetermined future date, and at a predetermined rate or price. A collar is a strategy that uses a combination of a purchased call 

option and a sold put option with equal premiums to hedge a portion of anticipated cash flows, or to limit the range of possible 
gains or losses on an underlying asset or liability to a specific range. A swap agreement is a contract between two parties to 
exchange cash flows based on specified underlying notional amounts, assets and/or indices. 

Cash Flow Hedges

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative's gain or 
loss is reported as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") and recorded in accumulated other comprehensive 
income ("AOCI") on the consolidated balance sheets. The gain or loss is subsequently reclassified into net earnings when the 
hedged exposure affects net earnings. 

To the extent that the change in the fair value of the contract corresponds to the change in the value of the anticipated 
transaction using forward rates on a monthly basis, the hedge is considered effective and is recognized as described above. The 
remaining change in fair value of the contract represents the ineffective portion, which is immediately recorded in net interest 
income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. 

Cash flow hedges related to anticipated transactions are designated and documented at the inception of each hedge by matching 
the terms of the contract to the underlying transaction. Cash flows from hedging transactions are classified in the same 
categories as the cash flows from the respective hedged items, which is discussed further at Note 3, Derivative Financial 
Instruments. Once established, cash flow hedges are generally not removed until maturity unless an anticipated transaction is 
no longer likely to occur. For dedesignated cash flow hedges or for transactions that are no longer likely to occur, the related 
accumulated derivative gains or losses are recognized in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of 
earnings. 

Net Investment Hedges

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the derivative's 
gain or loss is reported as a component of OCI and recorded in AOCI. The gain or loss will be subsequently reclassified into net 
earnings when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated. 

To the extent that the change in the fair value of the forward contract corresponds to the change in value of the anticipated 
transactions using spot rates on a monthly basis, the hedge is considered effective and is recognized as described above. The 
remaining change in fair value of the forward contract represents the ineffective portion, which is immediately recognized in 
net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. 

Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments

We also enter into certain foreign currency forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, collars and swaps that are not 
designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The change in the fair value of these contracts is immediately 
recognized in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. 

Normal Purchase Normal Sale

We enter into fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed green coffee purchase commitments, which are described further at Note 5, 
Inventories. For both fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed purchase commitments, we expect to take delivery of and to utilize the 
coffee in a reasonable period of time and in the conduct of normal business. Accordingly, these purchase commitments qualify 
as normal purchases and are not recorded at fair value on our balance sheets.

Receivables, net of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Our receivables are mainly comprised of receivables for product and equipment sales to and royalties from our licensees, as 
well as receivables from our CPG and foodservice business customers. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is calculated based 
on historical experience, customer credit risk and application of the specific identification method. As of September 28, 2014 
and September 29, 2013, the allowance for doubtful accounts was $6.7 million and $5.7 million, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (primarily moving average cost) or market. We record inventory reserves for obsolete 
and slow-moving inventory and for estimated shrinkage between physical inventory counts. Inventory reserves are based on 
inventory obsolescence trends, historical experience and application of the specific identification method. As of September 28, 
2014 and September 29, 2013, inventory reserves were $31.2 million and $52.0 million, respectively.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

53

Property, Plant and Equipment

Other Intangible Assets

Property, plant and equipment, which includes assets under capital leases, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. 
Cost includes all direct costs necessary to acquire and prepare assets for use, including internal labor and overhead in some 
cases. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging from 
2 to 15 years for equipment and 30 to 40 years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their 
estimated useful lives or the related lease life, generally 10 years. For leases with renewal periods at our option, we generally 
use the original lease term, excluding renewal option periods, to determine estimated useful lives. If failure to exercise a 
renewal option imposes an economic penalty to us, we may determine at the inception of the lease that renewal is reasonably 
assured and include the renewal option period in the determination of the appropriate estimated useful lives. 

The portion of depreciation expense related to production and distribution facilities is included in cost of sales including 
occupancy costs in the consolidated statements of earnings. The costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred, 
while expenditures for refurbishments and improvements that significantly add to the productive capacity or extend the useful 
life of an asset are capitalized. When assets are disposed of, whether through retirement or sale, the net gain or loss is 
recognized in net earnings. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value 
less estimated costs to sell.

We evaluate property, plant and equipment for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying values of 
such assets may not be recoverable. When evaluating for impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the 
asset’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying 
value of the asset, we determine if we have an impairment loss by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the asset's 
estimated fair value and recognize an impairment charge when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. The 
fair value of the asset is estimated using a discounted cash flow model based on forecasted future revenues and operating costs, 
using internal projections. Property, plant and equipment assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows 
are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For company-operated store assets, the impairment test 
is performed at the individual store asset group level.

We recognized net disposition charges of $14.7 million, $17.4 million, and $16.5 million and net impairment charges of $19.0 
million, $12.7 million, and $15.2 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The nature of the underlying asset that is 
impaired or disposed of will determine the operating expense line on which the related impact is recorded in the consolidated 
statements of earnings. For assets within our retail operations, net impairment and disposition charges are recorded in store 
operating expenses. For all other assets, these charges are recorded in cost of sales including occupancy costs, other operating 
expenses, or general and administrative expenses.

Goodwill

We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually during our third fiscal quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or 
circumstances change, such as material deterioration in performance or a significant number of store closures, that would 
indicate that impairment may exist. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to 
determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or 
if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, we 
calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. Fair value is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit 
and is typically calculated using a discounted cash flow model. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the 
estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair value.

As part of our ongoing operations, we may close certain stores within a reporting unit containing goodwill due to 
underperformance of the store or inability to renew our lease, among other reasons. We may abandon certain assets associated 
with a closed store, including leasehold improvements and other non-transferable assets. When a portion of a reporting unit that 
constitutes a business is to be disposed of, goodwill associated with the business is included in the carrying amount of the 
business in determining any loss on disposal. Our evaluation of whether the portion of a reporting unit being disposed of 
constitutes a business occurs on the date of abandonment. Although an operating store meets the accounting definition of a 
business prior to abandonment, it does not constitute a business on the closure date because the remaining assets on that date do 
not constitute an integrated set of assets that are capable of being managed for the purpose of providing a return to investors. As 
a result, when closing individual stores, we do not include goodwill in the calculation of any loss on disposal of the related 
assets. As noted above, if store closures are indicative of potential impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level, we 
perform an evaluation of our reporting unit goodwill when such closures occur. There were no material goodwill impairment 
charges recorded during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012. 

54  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Other intangible assets consist primarily of trade names and trademarks with indefinite lives, which are tested for impairment 

annually during the third fiscal quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that 

impairment may exist. When evaluating other intangible assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment 

to determine whether it is more likely than not that an intangible asset group is impaired. If we do not perform the qualitative 

assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset group exceeds its 

carrying amount, we calculate the estimated fair value of the intangible asset group. Fair value is the price a willing buyer 

would pay for the reporting unit and is typically calculated using an income approach, such as a relief-from-royalty model. If 

the carrying amount of the intangible asset group exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce 

the carrying value to the estimated fair value. In addition, we continuously monitor and may revise our intangible asset useful 

lives if and when facts and circumstances change.

Definite-lived intangible assets, which mainly consist of acquired rights, trade secrets, contract-based patents and copyrights, 

are amortized over their estimated useful lives, and are tested for impairment using a similar methodology to our property, plant 

and equipment, as described above. 

There were no other intangible asset impairment charges recorded during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Insurance Reserves

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms, including a wholly-owned captive insurance entity and 

participation in a reinsurance treaty, to provide for the potential liabilities for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, 

healthcare benefits, general liability, property insurance, and director and officers’ liability insurance. Liabilities associated with 

the risks that are retained by us are not discounted and are estimated, in part, by considering historical claims experience, 

demographics, exposure and severity factors, and other actuarial assumptions.

Consolidated revenues are presented net of intercompany eliminations for wholly-owned subsidiaries and investees controlled 

by us and for product sales to and royalty and other fees from licensees accounted for under the equity method. Additionally, 

consolidated revenues are recognized net of any discounts, returns, allowances and sales incentives, including coupon 

Company-operated store revenues are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale. Company-operated store 

revenues are reported net of sales, use or other transaction taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to taxing 

Licensed store revenues consist of product and equipment sales to licensees, as well as royalties and other fees paid by 

licensees to use the Starbucks brand. Sales of coffee, tea and related products are generally recognized upon shipment to 

licensees, depending on contract terms. Shipping charges billed to licensees are also recognized as revenue, and the related 

shipping costs are included in cost of sales including occupancy costs in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Initial nonrefundable development fees for licensed stores are recognized upon substantial performance of services for new 

market business development activities, such as initial business, real estate and store development planning, as well as 

providing operational materials and functional training courses for opening new licensed retail markets. Additional store 

licensing fees are recognized when new licensed stores are opened. Royalty revenues based upon a percentage of reported 

sales, and other continuing fees, such as marketing and service fees, are recognized on a monthly basis when earned.

CPG, Foodservice and Other Revenues

CPG, foodservice and other revenues primarily include sales of packaged coffee and tea as well as a variety of ready-to-drink 

beverages and single-serve coffee and tea products to grocery, warehouse clubs and specialty retail stores, sales to our national 

foodservice accounts, and revenues from sales of products to and license fee revenues from manufacturers that produce and 

market Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee branded products through licensing agreements. Sales of coffee, tea, ready-to-drink 

beverages and related products to grocery and warehouse club stores are generally recognized when received by the customer 

or distributor, depending on contract terms. Revenues are recorded net of sales discounts given to customers for trade 

promotions and other incentives and for sales return allowances, which are determined based on historical patterns.

Revenues from sales of products to manufacturers that produce and market Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee branded 

products through licensing agreements are generally recognized when the product is received by the manufacturer or 

Revenue Recognition

redemptions and rebates.

Company-operated Store Revenues

authorities.

Licensed Store Revenues

Property, Plant and Equipment

Other Intangible Assets

Property, plant and equipment, which includes assets under capital leases, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. 

Cost includes all direct costs necessary to acquire and prepare assets for use, including internal labor and overhead in some 

cases. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the assets, generally ranging from 

2 to 15 years for equipment and 30 to 40 years for buildings. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of their 

estimated useful lives or the related lease life, generally 10 years. For leases with renewal periods at our option, we generally 

use the original lease term, excluding renewal option periods, to determine estimated useful lives. If failure to exercise a 

renewal option imposes an economic penalty to us, we may determine at the inception of the lease that renewal is reasonably 

assured and include the renewal option period in the determination of the appropriate estimated useful lives. 

The portion of depreciation expense related to production and distribution facilities is included in cost of sales including 

occupancy costs in the consolidated statements of earnings. The costs of repairs and maintenance are expensed when incurred, 

while expenditures for refurbishments and improvements that significantly add to the productive capacity or extend the useful 

life of an asset are capitalized. When assets are disposed of, whether through retirement or sale, the net gain or loss is 

recognized in net earnings. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value 

less estimated costs to sell.

We evaluate property, plant and equipment for impairment when facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying values of 

such assets may not be recoverable. When evaluating for impairment, we first compare the carrying value of the asset to the 

asset’s estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows are less than the carrying 

value of the asset, we determine if we have an impairment loss by comparing the carrying value of the asset to the asset's 

estimated fair value and recognize an impairment charge when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. The 

fair value of the asset is estimated using a discounted cash flow model based on forecasted future revenues and operating costs, 

using internal projections. Property, plant and equipment assets are grouped at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows 

are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. For company-operated store assets, the impairment test 

is performed at the individual store asset group level.

We recognized net disposition charges of $14.7 million, $17.4 million, and $16.5 million and net impairment charges of $19.0 

million, $12.7 million, and $15.2 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The nature of the underlying asset that is 

impaired or disposed of will determine the operating expense line on which the related impact is recorded in the consolidated 

statements of earnings. For assets within our retail operations, net impairment and disposition charges are recorded in store 

operating expenses. For all other assets, these charges are recorded in cost of sales including occupancy costs, other operating 

Goodwill

We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually during our third fiscal quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or 

circumstances change, such as material deterioration in performance or a significant number of store closures, that would 

indicate that impairment may exist. When evaluating goodwill for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to 

determine whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit is impaired. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or 

if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, we 

calculate the estimated fair value of the reporting unit. Fair value is the price a willing buyer would pay for the reporting unit 

and is typically calculated using a discounted cash flow model. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the 

estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce the carrying value to the estimated fair value.

As part of our ongoing operations, we may close certain stores within a reporting unit containing goodwill due to 

underperformance of the store or inability to renew our lease, among other reasons. We may abandon certain assets associated 

with a closed store, including leasehold improvements and other non-transferable assets. When a portion of a reporting unit that 

constitutes a business is to be disposed of, goodwill associated with the business is included in the carrying amount of the 

business in determining any loss on disposal. Our evaluation of whether the portion of a reporting unit being disposed of 

constitutes a business occurs on the date of abandonment. Although an operating store meets the accounting definition of a 

business prior to abandonment, it does not constitute a business on the closure date because the remaining assets on that date do 

not constitute an integrated set of assets that are capable of being managed for the purpose of providing a return to investors. As 

a result, when closing individual stores, we do not include goodwill in the calculation of any loss on disposal of the related 

assets. As noted above, if store closures are indicative of potential impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level, we 

perform an evaluation of our reporting unit goodwill when such closures occur. There were no material goodwill impairment 

charges recorded during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012. 

Other intangible assets consist primarily of trade names and trademarks with indefinite lives, which are tested for impairment 
annually during the third fiscal quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that 
impairment may exist. When evaluating other intangible assets for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment 
to determine whether it is more likely than not that an intangible asset group is impaired. If we do not perform the qualitative 
assessment, or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset group exceeds its 
carrying amount, we calculate the estimated fair value of the intangible asset group. Fair value is the price a willing buyer 
would pay for the reporting unit and is typically calculated using an income approach, such as a relief-from-royalty model. If 
the carrying amount of the intangible asset group exceeds the estimated fair value, an impairment charge is recorded to reduce 
the carrying value to the estimated fair value. In addition, we continuously monitor and may revise our intangible asset useful 
lives if and when facts and circumstances change.

Definite-lived intangible assets, which mainly consist of acquired rights, trade secrets, contract-based patents and copyrights, 
are amortized over their estimated useful lives, and are tested for impairment using a similar methodology to our property, plant 
and equipment, as described above. 

There were no other intangible asset impairment charges recorded during fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012.

Insurance Reserves

We use a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms, including a wholly-owned captive insurance entity and 
participation in a reinsurance treaty, to provide for the potential liabilities for certain risks, including workers’ compensation, 
healthcare benefits, general liability, property insurance, and director and officers’ liability insurance. Liabilities associated with 
the risks that are retained by us are not discounted and are estimated, in part, by considering historical claims experience, 
demographics, exposure and severity factors, and other actuarial assumptions.

Revenue Recognition

Consolidated revenues are presented net of intercompany eliminations for wholly-owned subsidiaries and investees controlled 
by us and for product sales to and royalty and other fees from licensees accounted for under the equity method. Additionally, 
consolidated revenues are recognized net of any discounts, returns, allowances and sales incentives, including coupon 
redemptions and rebates.

expenses, or general and administrative expenses.

Company-operated Store Revenues

Company-operated store revenues are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale. Company-operated store 
revenues are reported net of sales, use or other transaction taxes that are collected from customers and remitted to taxing 
authorities.

Licensed Store Revenues

Licensed store revenues consist of product and equipment sales to licensees, as well as royalties and other fees paid by 
licensees to use the Starbucks brand. Sales of coffee, tea and related products are generally recognized upon shipment to 
licensees, depending on contract terms. Shipping charges billed to licensees are also recognized as revenue, and the related 
shipping costs are included in cost of sales including occupancy costs in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Initial nonrefundable development fees for licensed stores are recognized upon substantial performance of services for new 
market business development activities, such as initial business, real estate and store development planning, as well as 
providing operational materials and functional training courses for opening new licensed retail markets. Additional store 
licensing fees are recognized when new licensed stores are opened. Royalty revenues based upon a percentage of reported 
sales, and other continuing fees, such as marketing and service fees, are recognized on a monthly basis when earned.

CPG, Foodservice and Other Revenues

CPG, foodservice and other revenues primarily include sales of packaged coffee and tea as well as a variety of ready-to-drink 
beverages and single-serve coffee and tea products to grocery, warehouse clubs and specialty retail stores, sales to our national 
foodservice accounts, and revenues from sales of products to and license fee revenues from manufacturers that produce and 
market Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee branded products through licensing agreements. Sales of coffee, tea, ready-to-drink 
beverages and related products to grocery and warehouse club stores are generally recognized when received by the customer 
or distributor, depending on contract terms. Revenues are recorded net of sales discounts given to customers for trade 
promotions and other incentives and for sales return allowances, which are determined based on historical patterns.

Revenues from sales of products to manufacturers that produce and market Starbucks and Seattle’s Best Coffee branded 
products through licensing agreements are generally recognized when the product is received by the manufacturer or 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

55

distributor. License fee revenues from manufacturers are based on a percentage of sales and are recognized on a monthly basis 
when earned. National foodservice account revenues are recognized, when the product is received by the customer or 
distributor.

Certain leases provide for contingent rent, which is determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. We 

record a contingent rent liability on the consolidated balance sheets and the corresponding rent expense when specified levels 

have been achieved or when we determine that achieving the specified levels during the fiscal year is probable.

Sales to customers through CPG channels and national foodservice accounts, including sales to national distributors, are 
recognized net of certain fees paid to the customer. We characterize these fees as a reduction of revenue unless we are able to 
identify a sufficiently separable benefit from the customer's purchase of our products such that we could have entered into an 
exchange transaction with a party other than the customer in order to receive such benefit, and we can reasonably estimate the 
fair value of such benefit.

Stored Value Cards

Revenues from our stored value cards, primarily Starbucks Cards, are recognized when redeemed or when we recognize 
breakage income, which occurs when the likelihood of redemption, based on historical experience, is deemed to be remote. 
Outstanding customer balances are included in deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets. There are no expiration 
dates on our stored value cards, and we do not charge any service fees that cause a decrement to customer balances. While we 
will continue to honor all stored value cards presented for payment, management may determine the likelihood of redemption 
to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, if management also determines there is 
no requirement for remitting balances to government agencies under unclaimed property laws, card balances may then be 
recognized as breakage income in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. In fiscal 2014, 2013, 
and 2012, we recognized breakage income of $38.3 million, $33.0 million, and $65.8 million, respectively. 

Customers in the US, Canada, and certain other countries who register their Starbucks Card are automatically enrolled in the 
My Starbucks Rewards® loyalty program and earn reward points ("Stars") with each purchase at participating Starbucks®, 
Teavana®, Evolution Fresh™ and La Boulange® stores, as well as on certain packaged coffee products purchased in select 
Starbucks® stores, at StarbucksStore.com, and through CPG channels. Reward program members receive various benefits 
depending on factors such as the number of Stars earned in a 12-month period. The value of Stars earned by our program 
members towards free product is included in deferred revenue and recorded as a reduction in revenue at the time the Stars are 
earned, based on the value of Stars that are projected to be redeemed.

Marketing & Advertising

Our annual marketing expenses include many components, one of which is advertising costs. We expense most advertising 
costs as they are incurred, except for certain production costs that are expensed the first time the advertising takes place.

Marketing expenses totaled $315.5 million, $306.8 million and $277.9 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. 
Included in these costs were advertising expenses, which totaled $198.9 million, $205.8 million and $182.4 million in fiscal 
2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Store Preopening Expenses

Costs incurred in connection with the start-up and promotion of new store openings are expensed as incurred.

Operating Leases

We lease retail stores, roasting, distribution and warehouse facilities, and office space for corporate administrative purposes 
under operating leases. Most lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, lease premiums, rent 
escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. We recognize amortization of lease incentives, premiums and minimum 
rent expenses on a straight-line basis beginning on the date of initial possession, which is generally when we enter the space 
and begin to make improvements in preparation for intended use. 

For tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays, we record a deferred rent liability within accrued liabilities, or other 
long-term liabilities, on the consolidated balance sheets and amortize the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as reductions 
to rent expense in the consolidated statements of earnings.

For premiums paid upfront to enter a lease agreement, we record a prepaid rent asset in prepaid expenses and other current 
assets on the consolidated balance sheets and amortize the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as additional rent expense 
in the consolidated statements of earnings.

For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of 
initial possession, we record minimum rent expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases in the consolidated 
statements of earnings.

56  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

When ceasing operations of company-operated stores under operating leases, in cases where the lease contract specifies a 

termination fee due to the landlord, we record such expense at the time written notice is given to the landlord. In cases where 

terms, including termination fees, are yet to be negotiated with the landlord, we will record the expense upon signing of an 

agreement with the landlord. In cases where the landlord does not allow us to prematurely exit the lease, but allows for 

subleasing, we estimate the fair value of any sublease income that can be generated from the location and recognize an expense 

equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments to the landlord less any projected sublease income at the cease-use 

date.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We recognize a liability for the fair value of required asset retirement obligations ("ARO") when such obligations are incurred. 

Our AROs are primarily associated with leasehold improvements, which, at the end of a lease, we are contractually obligated to 

remove in order to comply with the lease agreement. At the inception of a lease with such conditions, we record an ARO 

liability and a corresponding capital asset in an amount equal to the estimated fair value of the obligation. We estimate the 

liability using a number of assumptions, including store closing costs, cost inflation rates and discount rates, and accrete it to its 

projected future value over time. The capitalized asset is depreciated using the same depreciation convention as leasehold 

improvement assets. Upon satisfaction of the ARO conditions, any difference between the recorded ARO liability and the 

actual retirement costs incurred is recognized as a gain or loss in cost of sales including occupancy costs in the consolidated 

statements of earnings. As of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, our net ARO assets included in property, plant and 

equipment were $4.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively, and our net ARO liabilities included in other long-term liabilities 

were $28.4 million and $27.7 million, respectively.

Stock-based Compensation

We maintain several equity incentive plans under which we may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, 

restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs") or stock appreciation rights to employees, non-employee directors and 

consultants. We also have an employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"). RSUs issued by us are equivalent to nonvested shares 

under the applicable accounting guidance. We record stock-based compensation expense based on the fair value of stock 

awards at the grant date and recognize the expense over the related service period following a graded vesting expense schedule. 

Expense for performance-based RSUs is recognized when it is probable the performance goal will be achieved. Performance 

goals are determined by the Board of Directors and may include measures such as earnings per share, operating income and 

return on invested capital. The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-

Merton option valuation model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated and revised, 

as necessary, to reflect market conditions and our historical experience. Options granted are valued using the multiple option 

valuation approach, and the resulting expense is recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion 

of the award. Compensation expense is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the date 

of grant based on our historical experience and future expectations. The fair value of RSUs is based on the closing price of 

Starbucks common stock on the award date, less the present value of expected dividends not received during the vesting period. 

Our international operations generally use their local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated 

at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average monthly 

exchange rates during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of OCI and recorded in AOCI on 

Foreign Currency Translation

the consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes

We compute income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred income taxes are recognized based on the 

differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the respective tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Deferred 

tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which 

we expect the temporary differences to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in income in 

the period that includes the enactment date.

We routinely evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, 

based on all available evidence, we determine that some portion of the tax benefit will not be realized. In evaluating our ability 

to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative 

evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and 

distributor. License fee revenues from manufacturers are based on a percentage of sales and are recognized on a monthly basis 

when earned. National foodservice account revenues are recognized, when the product is received by the customer or 

distributor.

Sales to customers through CPG channels and national foodservice accounts, including sales to national distributors, are 

recognized net of certain fees paid to the customer. We characterize these fees as a reduction of revenue unless we are able to 

identify a sufficiently separable benefit from the customer's purchase of our products such that we could have entered into an 

exchange transaction with a party other than the customer in order to receive such benefit, and we can reasonably estimate the 

fair value of such benefit.

Stored Value Cards

Revenues from our stored value cards, primarily Starbucks Cards, are recognized when redeemed or when we recognize 

breakage income, which occurs when the likelihood of redemption, based on historical experience, is deemed to be remote. 

Outstanding customer balances are included in deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets. There are no expiration 

dates on our stored value cards, and we do not charge any service fees that cause a decrement to customer balances. While we 

will continue to honor all stored value cards presented for payment, management may determine the likelihood of redemption 

to be remote for certain cards due to long periods of inactivity. In these circumstances, if management also determines there is 

no requirement for remitting balances to government agencies under unclaimed property laws, card balances may then be 

recognized as breakage income in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. In fiscal 2014, 2013, 

and 2012, we recognized breakage income of $38.3 million, $33.0 million, and $65.8 million, respectively. 

Customers in the US, Canada, and certain other countries who register their Starbucks Card are automatically enrolled in the 

My Starbucks Rewards® loyalty program and earn reward points ("Stars") with each purchase at participating Starbucks®, 

Teavana®, Evolution Fresh™ and La Boulange® stores, as well as on certain packaged coffee products purchased in select 

Starbucks® stores, at StarbucksStore.com, and through CPG channels. Reward program members receive various benefits 

depending on factors such as the number of Stars earned in a 12-month period. The value of Stars earned by our program 

earned, based on the value of Stars that are projected to be redeemed.

Marketing & Advertising

Our annual marketing expenses include many components, one of which is advertising costs. We expense most advertising 

costs as they are incurred, except for certain production costs that are expensed the first time the advertising takes place.

Marketing expenses totaled $315.5 million, $306.8 million and $277.9 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. 

Included in these costs were advertising expenses, which totaled $198.9 million, $205.8 million and $182.4 million in fiscal 

2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Store Preopening Expenses

Operating Leases

Costs incurred in connection with the start-up and promotion of new store openings are expensed as incurred.

We lease retail stores, roasting, distribution and warehouse facilities, and office space for corporate administrative purposes 

under operating leases. Most lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, lease premiums, rent 

escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. We recognize amortization of lease incentives, premiums and minimum 

rent expenses on a straight-line basis beginning on the date of initial possession, which is generally when we enter the space 

and begin to make improvements in preparation for intended use. 

For tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays, we record a deferred rent liability within accrued liabilities, or other 

long-term liabilities, on the consolidated balance sheets and amortize the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as reductions 

to rent expense in the consolidated statements of earnings.

For premiums paid upfront to enter a lease agreement, we record a prepaid rent asset in prepaid expenses and other current 

assets on the consolidated balance sheets and amortize the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as additional rent expense 

in the consolidated statements of earnings.

For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of 

initial possession, we record minimum rent expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases in the consolidated 

statements of earnings.

Certain leases provide for contingent rent, which is determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. We 
record a contingent rent liability on the consolidated balance sheets and the corresponding rent expense when specified levels 
have been achieved or when we determine that achieving the specified levels during the fiscal year is probable.

When ceasing operations of company-operated stores under operating leases, in cases where the lease contract specifies a 
termination fee due to the landlord, we record such expense at the time written notice is given to the landlord. In cases where 
terms, including termination fees, are yet to be negotiated with the landlord, we will record the expense upon signing of an 
agreement with the landlord. In cases where the landlord does not allow us to prematurely exit the lease, but allows for 
subleasing, we estimate the fair value of any sublease income that can be generated from the location and recognize an expense 
equal to the present value of the remaining lease payments to the landlord less any projected sublease income at the cease-use 
date.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We recognize a liability for the fair value of required asset retirement obligations ("ARO") when such obligations are incurred. 
Our AROs are primarily associated with leasehold improvements, which, at the end of a lease, we are contractually obligated to 
remove in order to comply with the lease agreement. At the inception of a lease with such conditions, we record an ARO 
liability and a corresponding capital asset in an amount equal to the estimated fair value of the obligation. We estimate the 
liability using a number of assumptions, including store closing costs, cost inflation rates and discount rates, and accrete it to its 
projected future value over time. The capitalized asset is depreciated using the same depreciation convention as leasehold 
improvement assets. Upon satisfaction of the ARO conditions, any difference between the recorded ARO liability and the 
actual retirement costs incurred is recognized as a gain or loss in cost of sales including occupancy costs in the consolidated 
statements of earnings. As of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, our net ARO assets included in property, plant and 
equipment were $4.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively, and our net ARO liabilities included in other long-term liabilities 
were $28.4 million and $27.7 million, respectively.

members towards free product is included in deferred revenue and recorded as a reduction in revenue at the time the Stars are 

Stock-based Compensation

We maintain several equity incentive plans under which we may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, 
restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs") or stock appreciation rights to employees, non-employee directors and 
consultants. We also have an employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"). RSUs issued by us are equivalent to nonvested shares 
under the applicable accounting guidance. We record stock-based compensation expense based on the fair value of stock 
awards at the grant date and recognize the expense over the related service period following a graded vesting expense schedule. 
Expense for performance-based RSUs is recognized when it is probable the performance goal will be achieved. Performance 
goals are determined by the Board of Directors and may include measures such as earnings per share, operating income and 
return on invested capital. The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes-
Merton option valuation model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated and revised, 
as necessary, to reflect market conditions and our historical experience. Options granted are valued using the multiple option 
valuation approach, and the resulting expense is recognized over the requisite service period for each separately vesting portion 
of the award. Compensation expense is recognized only for those options expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated at the date 
of grant based on our historical experience and future expectations. The fair value of RSUs is based on the closing price of 
Starbucks common stock on the award date, less the present value of expected dividends not received during the vesting period. 

Foreign Currency Translation

Our international operations generally use their local currency as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated 
at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Income and expense accounts are translated at the average monthly 
exchange rates during the year. Resulting translation adjustments are reported as a component of OCI and recorded in AOCI on 
the consolidated balance sheets.

Income Taxes

We compute income taxes using the asset and liability method, under which deferred income taxes are recognized based on the 
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the respective tax basis of our assets and liabilities. Deferred 
tax assets and liabilities are measured using current enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which 
we expect the temporary differences to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred taxes is recognized in income in 
the period that includes the enactment date.

We routinely evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, 
based on all available evidence, we determine that some portion of the tax benefit will not be realized. In evaluating our ability 
to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative 
evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

57

results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of 
their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the 
provision for income taxes. 

results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had 

resided. The guidance will become effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2015. We do not expect the 

adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In addition, our income tax returns are periodically audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These audits include review 
of our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions taken and the allocation of income between tax 
jurisdictions. We evaluate our exposures associated with our various tax filing positions and recognize a tax benefit from an 
uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant 
taxing authorities, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of our 
position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit 
that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. For uncertain tax positions that do not meet 
this threshold, we record a related liability. We adjust our unrecognized tax benefit liability and income tax expense in the 
period in which the uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing 
authority to examine the tax position, or when new information becomes available.

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance that adds additional disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of 

accumulated other comprehensive income. This guidance requires the disclosure of significant amounts reclassified from each 

component of accumulated other comprehensive income and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. 

The guidance became effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the additional disclosures are 

provided in Note 11, Equity, of these consolidated financial statements.

In January 2013, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the scope of disclosure requirements for offsetting assets and liabilities. 

The amended guidance limits the scope of balance sheet offsetting disclosures to derivatives, repurchase agreements, and 

securities lending transactions to the extent that they are offset in the financial statements or subject to an enforceable master 

netting arrangement or similar agreement. The guidance became effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 

2014 and did not have a material impact on our financial statements. 

Starbucks recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense in the consolidated statements 
of earnings. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability on the consolidated balance sheets.

Correction of an Immaterial Error

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the 
period. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and the 
effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period, calculated using the treasury stock method. Dilutive 
potential common shares include outstanding stock options and RSUs. Performance-based RSUs are considered dilutive when 
the related performance criterion has been met.

Common Stock Share Repurchases

We may repurchase shares of Starbucks common stock under a program authorized by our Board of Directors, including 
pursuant to a contract, instruction or written plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act 
of 1934. Under applicable Washington State law, shares repurchased are retired and not displayed separately as treasury stock 
on the financial statements. Instead, the par value of repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess 
repurchase price over par value is deducted from additional paid-in capital and from retained earnings, once additional paid-in 
capital is depleted.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance outlining a single comprehensive model for 
entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers that supersedes most current revenue recognition 
guidance. This guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an 
amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. 
Additionally, this guidance expands related disclosure requirements. The guidance will become effective for us at the beginning 
of our first quarter of fiscal 2018 and will require full or modified retrospective application. We are currently evaluating the 
impact this guidance will have on our financial statements as well as the expected adoption method.

In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. To qualify as a 
discontinued operation under the amended guidance, a component or group of components of an entity that has been disposed 
of or is classified as held for sale must represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the entity's operations 
and financial results. This guidance also expands related disclosure requirements. The guidance will become effective for us at 
the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on 
our financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net 
operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance requires the unrecognized tax 
benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset. When a deferred tax asset is not 
available, or the asset is not intended to be used for this purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the 
financial statements as a liability and not netted with a deferred tax asset. The guidance will become effective for us at the 
beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our 
financial statements. 

In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance on a parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon 
derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. This 
guidance requires a parent to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer 

58  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Effective at the beginning of fiscal 2014, we reclassified certain fees related to our US and Seattle's Best Coffee foodservice 

operations in our Channel Development segment and All Other Segments, respectively, from other operating expenses to 

foodservice revenues included in CPG, foodservice and other net revenues in our consolidated statements of earnings. This 

reclassification results from a correction of an error in our prior period financial statements which we have determined to be 

immaterial. In order to align prior period classifications with the current period presentation, the historical consolidated 

financial statements have been corrected, resulting in reclassifications of $25.4 million and $22.7 million for fiscal years 2013 

and 2012, respectively. The consolidated statements of earnings as corrected are presented below (in millions): 

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Litigation charge

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense/(benefit)

Net earnings/(loss) including

noncontrolling interests

Net earnings/(loss) attributable to

noncontrolling interests

Net earnings/(loss) attributable to

Starbucks

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Full Year

Full Year

Fiscal 2013

Fiscal 2012

$ 2,989.6

$ 2,807.7

$ 2,986.3

$ 3,009.6

$ 11,793.2

$ 10,534.5

14,866.8

13,276.8

3,217.1

3,058.0

3,183.5

15,443.6

11,490.1

350.2

453.4

3,793.2

1,620.7

1,089.5

126.1

148.9

231.9

—

54.5

630.6

(2.9)

(6.6)

621.1

188.7

322.1

419.8

3,549.6

1,530.4

1,038.4

105.8

153.1

230.3

—

52.5

544.1

50.8

(6.1)

588.8

198.1

342.0

407.0

3,735.3

1,597.6

1,084.1

98.9

153.3

249.6

—

63.4

615.2

3.5

(6.3)

612.4

194.6

346.3

432.9

3,788.8

1,633.7

1,073.9

101.1

166.1

226.1

2,784.1

5,985.0

81.0

(2,115.2)

72.1

(9.1)

(2,052.2)

(820.1)

432.4

390.7

417.8

(1,232.1)

0.2

0.3

—

(0.1)

1,360.5

1,713.1

6,382.3

4,286.1

431.8

621.4

937.9

2,784.1

251.4

(325.4)

123.6

(28.1)

(229.9)

(238.7)

8.8

0.5

1,210.3

1,532.0

5,813.3

3,918.1

407.2

550.3

801.2

—

210.7

1,997.4

94.4

(32.7)

2,059.1

674.4

1,384.7

0.9

$

432.2

$

390.4

$

417.8

$ (1,232.0) $

8.3

$

1,383.8

There was no impact on operating income or net earnings as a result of the error correction, nor any impact on our consolidated 

statements of comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of cash flows. Additional 

disclosure regarding this change as it relates to our segment results is included at Note 16, Segment Reporting.

results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of 

their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the 

provision for income taxes. 

In addition, our income tax returns are periodically audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These audits include review 

of our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions taken and the allocation of income between tax 

jurisdictions. We evaluate our exposures associated with our various tax filing positions and recognize a tax benefit from an 

uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the relevant 

taxing authorities, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of our 

position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit 

that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. For uncertain tax positions that do not meet 

this threshold, we record a related liability. We adjust our unrecognized tax benefit liability and income tax expense in the 

period in which the uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing 

authority to examine the tax position, or when new information becomes available.

results in the complete or substantially complete liquidation of the foreign entity in which the subsidiary or group of assets had 
resided. The guidance will become effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2015. We do not expect the 
adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance that adds additional disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of 
accumulated other comprehensive income. This guidance requires the disclosure of significant amounts reclassified from each 
component of accumulated other comprehensive income and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. 
The guidance became effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2014 and the additional disclosures are 
provided in Note 11, Equity, of these consolidated financial statements.

In January 2013, the FASB issued guidance clarifying the scope of disclosure requirements for offsetting assets and liabilities. 
The amended guidance limits the scope of balance sheet offsetting disclosures to derivatives, repurchase agreements, and 
securities lending transactions to the extent that they are offset in the financial statements or subject to an enforceable master 
netting arrangement or similar agreement. The guidance became effective for us at the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 
2014 and did not have a material impact on our financial statements. 

Starbucks recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense in the consolidated statements 

of earnings. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability on the consolidated balance sheets.

Correction of an Immaterial Error

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the 

period. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock and the 

effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period, calculated using the treasury stock method. Dilutive 

potential common shares include outstanding stock options and RSUs. Performance-based RSUs are considered dilutive when 

the related performance criterion has been met.

Common Stock Share Repurchases

We may repurchase shares of Starbucks common stock under a program authorized by our Board of Directors, including 

pursuant to a contract, instruction or written plan meeting the requirements of Rule 10b5-1(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act 

of 1934. Under applicable Washington State law, shares repurchased are retired and not displayed separately as treasury stock 

on the financial statements. Instead, the par value of repurchased shares is deducted from common stock and the excess 

repurchase price over par value is deducted from additional paid-in capital and from retained earnings, once additional paid-in 

capital is depleted.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued guidance outlining a single comprehensive model for 

entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers that supersedes most current revenue recognition 

guidance. This guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an 

amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. 

Additionally, this guidance expands related disclosure requirements. The guidance will become effective for us at the beginning 

of our first quarter of fiscal 2018 and will require full or modified retrospective application. We are currently evaluating the 

impact this guidance will have on our financial statements as well as the expected adoption method.

In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance that changes the criteria for reporting discontinued operations. To qualify as a 

discontinued operation under the amended guidance, a component or group of components of an entity that has been disposed 

of or is classified as held for sale must represent a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the entity's operations 

and financial results. This guidance also expands related disclosure requirements. The guidance will become effective for us at 

the beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2016. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on 

our financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net 

operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This guidance requires the unrecognized tax 

benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset. When a deferred tax asset is not 

available, or the asset is not intended to be used for this purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the 

financial statements as a liability and not netted with a deferred tax asset. The guidance will become effective for us at the 

beginning of our first quarter of fiscal 2015. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on our 

financial statements. 

In March 2013, the FASB issued guidance on a parent's accounting for the cumulative translation adjustment upon 

derecognition of certain subsidiaries or groups of assets within a foreign entity or of an investment in a foreign entity. This 

guidance requires a parent to release any related cumulative translation adjustment into net income only if the sale or transfer 

Effective at the beginning of fiscal 2014, we reclassified certain fees related to our US and Seattle's Best Coffee foodservice 
operations in our Channel Development segment and All Other Segments, respectively, from other operating expenses to 
foodservice revenues included in CPG, foodservice and other net revenues in our consolidated statements of earnings. This 
reclassification results from a correction of an error in our prior period financial statements which we have determined to be 
immaterial. In order to align prior period classifications with the current period presentation, the historical consolidated 
financial statements have been corrected, resulting in reclassifications of $25.4 million and $22.7 million for fiscal years 2013 
and 2012, respectively. The consolidated statements of earnings as corrected are presented below (in millions): 

Net revenues:

Company-operated stores

Licensed stores

CPG, foodservice and other

Total net revenues

Cost of sales including occupancy costs

Store operating expenses

Other operating expenses

Depreciation and amortization expenses

General and administrative expenses

Litigation charge

Total operating expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Income tax expense/(benefit)

Net earnings/(loss) including
noncontrolling interests

Net earnings/(loss) attributable to
noncontrolling interests

Net earnings/(loss) attributable to
Starbucks

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

Full Year

Full Year

Fiscal 2013

Fiscal 2012

$ 2,989.6

$ 2,807.7

$ 2,986.3

$ 3,009.6

$ 11,793.2

$ 10,534.5

350.2

453.4

3,793.2

1,620.7

1,089.5

126.1

148.9

231.9

—

322.1

419.8

3,549.6

1,530.4

1,038.4

105.8

153.1

230.3

—

342.0

407.0

3,735.3

1,597.6

1,084.1

98.9

153.3

249.6

—

3,217.1

3,058.0

3,183.5

54.5

630.6

(2.9)

(6.6)

621.1

188.7

52.5

544.1

50.8
(6.1)
588.8

198.1

63.4

615.2

3.5
(6.3)
612.4

194.6

346.3

432.9

3,788.8

1,633.7

1,073.9

101.1

166.1

226.1

2,784.1

5,985.0

81.0
(2,115.2)
72.1
(9.1)
(2,052.2)
(820.1)

432.4

390.7

417.8

(1,232.1)

0.2

0.3

—

(0.1)

1,360.5

1,713.1

1,210.3

1,532.0

14,866.8

13,276.8

6,382.3

4,286.1

431.8

621.4

937.9

2,784.1

5,813.3

3,918.1

407.2

550.3

801.2

—

15,443.6

11,490.1

251.4
(325.4)
123.6
(28.1)
(229.9)
(238.7)

8.8

0.5

210.7

1,997.4

94.4
(32.7)
2,059.1

674.4

1,384.7

0.9

$

432.2

$

390.4

$

417.8

$ (1,232.0) $

8.3

$

1,383.8

There was no impact on operating income or net earnings as a result of the error correction, nor any impact on our consolidated 
statements of comprehensive income, consolidated balance sheets or consolidated statements of cash flows. Additional 
disclosure regarding this change as it relates to our segment results is included at Note 16, Segment Reporting.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

59

Note 2:    Acquisitions and Divestitures

Fiscal 2014

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we sold our Australian company-operated retail store assets and operations to the 
Withers Group, converting these operations to a fully licensed market, for a total of $15.9 million. This transaction resulted in a 
pre-tax gain of $2.4 million, which was included in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. On 
an after-tax basis, this transaction resulted in a loss that was not material to our financial statements.

Fiscal 2013

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we sold our 82% interest in Starbucks Coffee Chile S.A. to our joint venture partner 
Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V., converting this market to a 100% licensed market, for a total purchase price of $68.6 million, which 
includes final working capital adjustments. This transaction resulted in a gain of $45.9 million, which was included in net 
interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we acquired 100% ownership of a coffee farm in Costa Rica for $8.1 million in cash. The fair 
value of the net assets acquired on the acquisition date primarily comprised property, plant and equipment.

On December 31, 2012, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Teavana Holdings, Inc. ("Teavana"), a specialty retailer 
of premium loose-leaf teas, authentic artisanal teawares and other tea-related merchandise, to elevate our tea offerings as well 
as expand our domestic and global tea footprint. We acquired Teavana for $615.8 million in cash. Of the total cash paid, $12.2 
million was excluded from the purchase price allocation below as it represented contingent consideration receivable, all of 
which has been settled. At closing, we also repaid $35.2 million for long term debt outstanding on Teavana's balance sheet, 
which was recognized separately from the business combination. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase 
price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents
Inventories
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Other current and noncurrent assets
Current liabilities
Long-term deferred tax liability
Long-term debt
Other long-term liabilities
Total purchase price

$

$

Fair Value at
 Dec 31, 2012

47.0
21.3
59.7
120.8
467.5
19.8
(36.0)
(54.3)
(35.2)
(7.0)
603.6

The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are reported within All Other Segments. Other current and noncurrent assets 
acquired primarily include prepaid expenses, trade receivables, and deferred tax assets. In addition, we assumed various current 
liabilities primarily consisting of accounts payable, accrued payroll related liabilities and other accrued operating expenses. The 
intangible assets acquired as part of the transaction include the Teavana trade name, tea blends and non-compete agreements. 
The Teavana trade name was valued at $105.5 million and determined to have an indefinite life, based on our expectation that 
the brand will be used indefinitely and has no contractual limitations. The intangible asset related to the tea blends was valued 
at $13.0 million and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 10 years, and the intangible asset related to the 
non-compete agreements was valued at $2.3 million and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 3 years. The 
$467.5 million of goodwill represents the intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, primarily including 
Teavana's established global store presence in high traffic mall locations and other high-sales-volume retail venues, Teavana's 
global customer base, and Teavana's "Heaven of tea" retail experience in which store employees engage and educate customers 
about the ritual and enjoyment of tea. The goodwill was allocated to All Other Segments and is not deductible for income tax 
purposes.

60  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Fiscal 2012

On July 3, 2012, we acquired 100% ownership interest in Bay Bread, LLC and its La Boulange bakery brand (collectively "La 

Boulange") to elevate our core food offerings and build a premium, artisanal bakery brand. We acquired La Boulange for a 

purchase price of approximately $100 million in cash. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to 

the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date (in millions):

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Current liabilities

Total cash paid

Other current and noncurrent assets

$

$

Fair Value at

 July 3, 2012

18.1

24.3

58.7

5.1

(6.4)

99.8

The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in our Americas operating segment. Other current assets acquired 

primarily include cash, trade receivables, and inventory. In addition, we assumed various current liabilities primarily consisting 

of accounts payable and accrued payroll related liabilities. The intangible assets acquired as part of the transaction include the 

La Boulange trade name and proprietary recipes and processes. The La Boulange trade name was valued at $9.7 million and 

determined to have an indefinite life while the intangible asset relating to the proprietary recipes and processes was valued at 

$14.6 million and will be amortized over a period of 10 years. The $58.7 million of goodwill is deductible for income tax 

purposes and was allocated to our Americas operating segment.

On November 10, 2011, we acquired the outstanding shares of Evolution Fresh, Inc., a super-premium juice company, to 

expand our portfolio of product offerings and enter into the super-premium juice market. We acquired Evolution Fresh for a 

purchase price of $30 million in cash. The fair value of the net assets acquired on the acquisition date included $18 million of 

goodwill. Evolution Fresh is reported within All Other Segments.

Note 3:    Derivative Financial Instruments

Interest Rates

Depending on market conditions, we enter into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the variability in cash flows due to 

changes in the benchmark interest rate related to anticipated debt issuances. These agreements are cash settled at the time of the 

pricing of the related debt. The effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive 

income ("AOCI") and is subsequently reclassified to interest expense over the life of the related debt.

Foreign Currency 

To reduce cash flow volatility from foreign currency fluctuations, we enter into forward and swap contracts to hedge portions 

of cash flows of anticipated revenue streams and inventory purchases in currencies other than the entity's functional currency. 

The effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recorded in AOCI and is subsequently reclassified to revenue or cost of 

sales when the hedged exposure affects net earnings.

We also enter into forward contracts to hedge the foreign currency exposure of our net investment in certain foreign operations. 

The effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recorded in AOCI and will be subsequently reclassified to net earnings 

when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated.

To mitigate the translation risk of certain balance sheet items, we enter into foreign currency swap contracts that are not 

designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses from these derivatives are largely offset by the financial impact of 

translating foreign currency denominated payables and receivables; both are recorded in net interest income and other.

Commodities

Depending on market conditions, we enter into coffee futures contracts and collars (the combination of a purchased call option 

and a sold put option) to hedge a portion of anticipated cash flows under our price-to-be-fixed green coffee contracts, which are 

described further in Note 5, Inventories. The effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recorded in AOCI and is 

subsequently reclassified to cost of sales when the hedged exposure affects net earnings.

Note 2:    Acquisitions and Divestitures

Fiscal 2014

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we sold our Australian company-operated retail store assets and operations to the 

Withers Group, converting these operations to a fully licensed market, for a total of $15.9 million. This transaction resulted in a 

pre-tax gain of $2.4 million, which was included in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings. On 

an after-tax basis, this transaction resulted in a loss that was not material to our financial statements.

Fiscal 2013

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we sold our 82% interest in Starbucks Coffee Chile S.A. to our joint venture partner 

Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V., converting this market to a 100% licensed market, for a total purchase price of $68.6 million, which 

includes final working capital adjustments. This transaction resulted in a gain of $45.9 million, which was included in net 

interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2013, we acquired 100% ownership of a coffee farm in Costa Rica for $8.1 million in cash. The fair 

value of the net assets acquired on the acquisition date primarily comprised property, plant and equipment.

On December 31, 2012, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Teavana Holdings, Inc. ("Teavana"), a specialty retailer 

of premium loose-leaf teas, authentic artisanal teawares and other tea-related merchandise, to elevate our tea offerings as well 

as expand our domestic and global tea footprint. We acquired Teavana for $615.8 million in cash. Of the total cash paid, $12.2 

million was excluded from the purchase price allocation below as it represented contingent consideration receivable, all of 

which has been settled. At closing, we also repaid $35.2 million for long term debt outstanding on Teavana's balance sheet, 

which was recognized separately from the business combination. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase 

price to the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents

$

Inventories

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Other current and noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Long-term deferred tax liability

Long-term debt

Other long-term liabilities

Total purchase price

$

Fair Value at

 Dec 31, 2012

47.0

21.3

59.7

120.8

467.5

19.8

(36.0)

(54.3)

(35.2)

(7.0)

603.6

The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are reported within All Other Segments. Other current and noncurrent assets 

acquired primarily include prepaid expenses, trade receivables, and deferred tax assets. In addition, we assumed various current 

liabilities primarily consisting of accounts payable, accrued payroll related liabilities and other accrued operating expenses. The 

intangible assets acquired as part of the transaction include the Teavana trade name, tea blends and non-compete agreements. 

The Teavana trade name was valued at $105.5 million and determined to have an indefinite life, based on our expectation that 

the brand will be used indefinitely and has no contractual limitations. The intangible asset related to the tea blends was valued 

at $13.0 million and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 10 years, and the intangible asset related to the 

non-compete agreements was valued at $2.3 million and will be amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 3 years. The 

$467.5 million of goodwill represents the intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition, primarily including 

Teavana's established global store presence in high traffic mall locations and other high-sales-volume retail venues, Teavana's 

global customer base, and Teavana's "Heaven of tea" retail experience in which store employees engage and educate customers 

about the ritual and enjoyment of tea. The goodwill was allocated to All Other Segments and is not deductible for income tax 

purposes.

Fiscal 2012

On July 3, 2012, we acquired 100% ownership interest in Bay Bread, LLC and its La Boulange bakery brand (collectively "La 
Boulange") to elevate our core food offerings and build a premium, artisanal bakery brand. We acquired La Boulange for a 
purchase price of approximately $100 million in cash. The following table summarizes the allocation of the purchase price to 
the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the closing date (in millions):

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets

Goodwill

Other current and noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Total cash paid

$

$

Fair Value at
 July 3, 2012

18.1

24.3

58.7

5.1

(6.4)

99.8

The assets acquired and liabilities assumed are included in our Americas operating segment. Other current assets acquired 
primarily include cash, trade receivables, and inventory. In addition, we assumed various current liabilities primarily consisting 
of accounts payable and accrued payroll related liabilities. The intangible assets acquired as part of the transaction include the 
La Boulange trade name and proprietary recipes and processes. The La Boulange trade name was valued at $9.7 million and 
determined to have an indefinite life while the intangible asset relating to the proprietary recipes and processes was valued at 
$14.6 million and will be amortized over a period of 10 years. The $58.7 million of goodwill is deductible for income tax 
purposes and was allocated to our Americas operating segment.

On November 10, 2011, we acquired the outstanding shares of Evolution Fresh, Inc., a super-premium juice company, to 
expand our portfolio of product offerings and enter into the super-premium juice market. We acquired Evolution Fresh for a 
purchase price of $30 million in cash. The fair value of the net assets acquired on the acquisition date included $18 million of 
goodwill. Evolution Fresh is reported within All Other Segments.

Note 3:    Derivative Financial Instruments

Interest Rates

Depending on market conditions, we enter into interest rate swap agreements to hedge the variability in cash flows due to 
changes in the benchmark interest rate related to anticipated debt issuances. These agreements are cash settled at the time of the 
pricing of the related debt. The effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive 
income ("AOCI") and is subsequently reclassified to interest expense over the life of the related debt.

Foreign Currency 

To reduce cash flow volatility from foreign currency fluctuations, we enter into forward and swap contracts to hedge portions 
of cash flows of anticipated revenue streams and inventory purchases in currencies other than the entity's functional currency. 
The effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recorded in AOCI and is subsequently reclassified to revenue or cost of 
sales when the hedged exposure affects net earnings.

We also enter into forward contracts to hedge the foreign currency exposure of our net investment in certain foreign operations. 
The effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recorded in AOCI and will be subsequently reclassified to net earnings 
when the hedged net investment is either sold or substantially liquidated.

To mitigate the translation risk of certain balance sheet items, we enter into foreign currency swap contracts that are not 
designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses from these derivatives are largely offset by the financial impact of 
translating foreign currency denominated payables and receivables; both are recorded in net interest income and other.

Commodities

Depending on market conditions, we enter into coffee futures contracts and collars (the combination of a purchased call option 
and a sold put option) to hedge a portion of anticipated cash flows under our price-to-be-fixed green coffee contracts, which are 
described further in Note 5, Inventories. The effective portion of the derivative's gain or loss is recorded in AOCI and is 
subsequently reclassified to cost of sales when the hedged exposure affects net earnings.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

61

To mitigate the price uncertainty of a portion of our future purchases of dairy products and diesel fuel, we enter into dairy and 
diesel fuel swap contracts, as well as dairy futures and collars that are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses 
from these derivatives are recorded in net interest income and other. Gains and losses from dairy swaps, futures and collars 
largely offset price fluctuations on our dairy purchases, which are included in cost of sales. Gains and losses from diesel fuel 
swaps largely offset the financial impact of diesel fuel fluctuations on our shipping costs, which are included in operating 
expenses.

Gains and losses on derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments included in AOCI and expected to be reclassified 
into earnings within 12 months, net of tax (in millions):

Notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts (in millions):

Foreign currency

$

542

$

Coffee

Dairy

Diesel fuel

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

45

24

17

452

—

38

17

Cash Flow Hedges:

Interest rates

Foreign currency

Coffee

Net Investment Hedges:

Foreign currency

Net Gains/(Losses)
Included in AOCI

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Net Gains/(Losses)
Expected to be
Reclassified from
AOCI into Earnings
within 12 Months

Contract
Remaining
Maturity
(Months)

$

36.4

$

41.4

$

10.6
(0.7)

(0.3)

(12.2)

3.2

(12.9)

3.3

7.0
(1.3)

1.8

34

14

36

Pretax gains and losses on derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments recognized in other comprehensive income 
("OCI") and reclassifications from AOCI to earnings (in millions):

Year Ended

Gains/(Losses) Recognized in
OCI Before Reclassifications

Gains/(Losses) Reclassified from
AOCI to Earnings

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Cash Flow Hedges:

Interest rates

Foreign currency

Coffee

Net Investment Hedges:

Foreign currency

$

0.5

$

66.2

$

5.0

$

24.0
(0.4)

25.5

7.4
(26.5)

32.8

8.0
(13.1)

0.5

3.5
(49.4)

—

—

Pretax gains and losses on derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments recognized in earnings (in millions):

Gains/(Losses) Recognized in
Earnings

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Foreign currency

$

1.7

$

Coffee
Dairy

Diesel fuel

—
12.6

(1.0)

(1.8)
(2.1)
(4.7)

0.3

62  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

The fair values of our derivative assets and liabilities are included in Note 4, Fair Value Measurements, and additional 

disclosures related to cash flow hedge gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income, as well as 

subsequent reclassifications to earnings, are included in Note 11, Equity.

Note 4:    Fair Value Measurements

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (in millions):

Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term investments:

Available-for-sale securities

Corporate debt securities

Foreign government obligations

US government treasury securities

State and local government obligations

Certificates of deposit

Total available-for-sale securities

Trading securities

Total short-term investments

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Derivative assets

Long-term investments:

Available-for-sale securities

Agency obligations

Corporate debt securities

Auction rate securities

Foreign government obligations

US government treasury securities

State and local government obligations

Mortgage and asset-backed securities

Total long-term investments

Other assets:

Derivative assets

Total

Liabilities:

Accrued liabilities:

Derivative liabilities

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

Quoted Prices

in Active

Markets for 

Identical Assets

(Level 1)

Significant 

Other 

Observable 

Inputs

(Level 2)

Significant

Unobservable  

Inputs

(Level 3)

Balance at

Sep 28, 2014

$

1,708.4

$

1,708.4

$

— $

4.9

33.7

10.9

12.7

1.0

63.2

72.2

135.4

28.7

8.9

130.9

13.8

17.4

94.8

6.7

45.9

318.4

18.0

10.9

—

—

—

—

10.9

72.2

83.1

0.9

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

94.8

94.8

4.9

33.7

—

12.7

1.0

52.3

—

52.3

27.8

8.9

130.9

—

17.4

—

6.7

45.9

209.8

18.0

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

13.8

13.8

—

13.8

$

$

2,208.9

$

1,887.2

$

307.9

$

2.4

$

0.4

$

2.0

$

—

 
 
 
 
diesel fuel swap contracts, as well as dairy futures and collars that are not designated as hedging instruments. Gains and losses 

from these derivatives are recorded in net interest income and other. Gains and losses from dairy swaps, futures and collars 

largely offset price fluctuations on our dairy purchases, which are included in cost of sales. Gains and losses from diesel fuel 

swaps largely offset the financial impact of diesel fuel fluctuations on our shipping costs, which are included in operating 

expenses.

Gains and losses on derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments included in AOCI and expected to be reclassified 

into earnings within 12 months, net of tax (in millions):

Pretax gains and losses on derivative contracts designated as hedging instruments recognized in other comprehensive income 

("OCI") and reclassifications from AOCI to earnings (in millions):

Cash Flow Hedges:

Interest rates

Foreign currency

Coffee

Net Investment Hedges:

Foreign currency

Cash Flow Hedges:

Interest rates

Foreign currency

Coffee

Net Investment Hedges:

Foreign currency

Net Gains/(Losses)

Included in AOCI

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Net Gains/(Losses)

Expected to be

Reclassified from

AOCI into Earnings

within 12 Months

Contract

Remaining

Maturity

(Months)

$

36.4

$

41.4

$

10.6

(0.7)

(0.3)

(12.2)

3.2

(12.9)

3.3

7.0

(1.3)

1.8

34

14

36

Year Ended

Gains/(Losses) Recognized in

OCI Before Reclassifications

Gains/(Losses) Reclassified from

AOCI to Earnings

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

$

0.5

$

66.2

$

24.0

(0.4)

25.5

7.4

(26.5)

32.8

$

5.0

8.0

(13.1)

0.5

3.5

(49.4)

—

—

Pretax gains and losses on derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments recognized in earnings (in millions):

Foreign currency

$

Coffee

Dairy

Diesel fuel

Gains/(Losses) Recognized in

Earnings

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

$

1.7

—

12.6

(1.0)

(1.8)

(2.1)

(4.7)

0.3

To mitigate the price uncertainty of a portion of our future purchases of dairy products and diesel fuel, we enter into dairy and 

Notional amounts of outstanding derivative contracts (in millions):

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Foreign currency

$

542

$

Coffee

Dairy

Diesel fuel

45

24

17

452

—

38

17

The fair values of our derivative assets and liabilities are included in Note 4, Fair Value Measurements, and additional 
disclosures related to cash flow hedge gains and losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income, as well as 
subsequent reclassifications to earnings, are included in Note 11, Equity.

Note 4:    Fair Value Measurements

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (in millions):

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for 
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant 
Other 
Observable 
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable  
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at
Sep 28, 2014

Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments:

Available-for-sale securities
Corporate debt securities
Foreign government obligations
US government treasury securities
State and local government obligations
Certificates of deposit
Total available-for-sale securities
Trading securities
Total short-term investments
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Derivative assets
Long-term investments:

Available-for-sale securities
Agency obligations
Corporate debt securities
Auction rate securities
Foreign government obligations
US government treasury securities
State and local government obligations
Mortgage and asset-backed securities

Total long-term investments
Other assets:

Derivative assets

Total
Liabilities:
Accrued liabilities:

Derivative liabilities

$

1,708.4

$

1,708.4

$

— $

4.9
33.7
10.9
12.7
1.0
63.2
72.2
135.4

28.7

8.9
130.9
13.8
17.4
94.8
6.7
45.9
318.4

—
—
10.9
—
—
10.9
72.2
83.1

0.9

—
—
—
—
94.8
—
—
94.8

4.9
33.7
—
12.7
1.0
52.3
—
52.3

27.8

8.9
130.9
—
17.4
—
6.7
45.9
209.8

18.0
2,208.9

$

—
1,887.2

$

18.0
307.9

$

—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—
13.8
—
—
—
—
13.8

—
13.8

$

$

2.4

$

0.4

$

2.0

$

—

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

63

 
 
 
 
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Short-term investments:

Available-for-sale securities
Agency obligations
Commercial paper
Corporate debt securities
US government treasury securities
Certificates of deposit
Total available-for-sale securities
Trading securities
Total short-term investments
Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Derivative assets
Long-term investments:

Available-for-sale securities
Agency obligations
Corporate debt securities
Auction rate securities

Total long-term investments
Other assets:

Derivative assets

Total
Liabilities:
Accrued liabilities:

Derivative liabilities

Other long-term liabilities:

Derivative liabilities

Total

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for 
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant 
Other
Observable 
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable 
Inputs
(Level 3)

Balance at
Sep 29, 2013

$

2,575.7

$

2,575.7

$

— $

20.0
127.0
57.5
352.9
34.1
591.5
66.6
658.1

12.5

8.1
36.8
13.4
58.3

—
—
—
352.9
—
352.9
66.6
419.5

—

—
—
—
—

20.0
127.0
57.5
—
34.1
238.6
—
238.6

12.5

8.1
36.8
—
44.9

11.4
3,316.0

$

—
2,995.2

$

11.4
307.4

$

3.5

$

— $

3.5

$

0.5
4.0

$

—
— $

0.5
4.0

$

$

$

$

—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

—

—
—
13.4
13.4

—
13.4

—

—
—

There were no material transfers between levels and there was no significant activity within Level 3 instruments during the 
periods presented. The fair values of any financial instruments presented above exclude the impact of netting assets and 
liabilities when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists.

Available-for-sale Securities

Long-term investments (except for auction rate securities, "ARS") generally mature within 7 years. ARS have contractual 
maturities ranging from 16 to 29 years and are collateralized by portfolios of student loans, substantially all of which are 
guaranteed by the United States Department of Education. 

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were $1.5 billion and $60.2 million for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, 
respectively. Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were not material in fiscal 2012. The increase in fiscal 2014 
was due to the liquidation of a significant portion of our offshore investment portfolio in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 in 
anticipation of funding the acquisition of Starbucks Japan. Realized gains and losses on sales and maturities of available-for-
sale securities were not material for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012. Gross unrealized holding gains and losses on available-
for-sale securities were not material as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013.

64  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Trading Securities

Trading securities include equity mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. Our trading securities portfolio approximates a 

portion of our liability under our Management Deferred Compensation Plan ("MDCP"), a defined contribution plan. Our 

MDCP liability was $106.4 million and $101.6 million as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively, which 

is included in accrued compensation and related costs within accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The changes 

in net unrealized holding gains and losses in the trading securities portfolio included in earnings for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 

2012 were net gains of $1.2 million, $11.7 million, and $10.9 million, respectively. Gross unrealized holding gains and losses 

on trading securities were not material as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities

Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign currency forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, collars (the 

combination of a purchased call option and a sold put option) and swaps, which are described further in Note 3, Derivative 

Financial Instruments. During fiscal 2014, we revised the classification of coffee and dairy futures from Level 2 to Level 1, as 

we use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets to determine fair value. 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as property, plant and 

equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, equity and cost method investments, and other assets. These assets are 

measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. Impairment of property, plant, and equipment is included at Note 1, 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, there were no other material fair value adjustments.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of our long-term debt based on the quoted market price (Level 2) is included at Note 9, Debt.

Note 5:    Inventories (in millions)

Coffee:

Unroasted

Roasted

Other merchandise held for sale

Packaging and other supplies

Total

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

$

$

432.3

$

238.9

265.7

154.0

493.0

235.4

243.3

139.5

1,090.9

$

1,111.2

Other merchandise held for sale includes, among other items, tea and serveware. Inventory levels vary due to seasonality, 

commodity market supply and price fluctuations. 

As of September 28, 2014, we had committed to purchasing green coffee totaling $417 million under fixed-price contracts and 

an estimated $718 million under price-to-be-fixed contracts. As of September 28, 2014, approximately $29 million of our price-

to-be-fixed contracts were effectively fixed through the use of futures contracts and approximately $16 million were price-

protected through the use of collar instruments. Price-to-be-fixed contracts are purchase commitments whereby the quality, 

quantity, delivery period, and other negotiated terms are agreed upon, but the date, and therefore the price, at which the base 

"C" coffee commodity price component will be fixed has not yet been established. For these types of contracts, either Starbucks 

or the seller has the option to "fix" the base "C" coffee commodity price prior to the delivery date. Until prices are fixed, we 

estimate the total cost of these purchase commitments. We believe, based on relationships established with our suppliers in the 

past, the risk of non-delivery on such purchase commitments is remote.

 
 
 
 
Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Short-term investments:

Available-for-sale securities

Agency obligations

Commercial paper

Corporate debt securities

US government treasury securities

Certificates of deposit

Total available-for-sale securities

Trading securities

Total short-term investments

Prepaid expenses and other current assets:

Derivative assets

Long-term investments:

Available-for-sale securities

Agency obligations

Corporate debt securities

Auction rate securities

Total long-term investments

Other assets:

Derivative assets

Total

Liabilities:

Accrued liabilities:

Derivative liabilities

Other long-term liabilities:

Derivative liabilities

Total

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

Quoted Prices

in Active

Markets for 

Identical Assets

(Level 1)

Significant 

Other

Observable 

Inputs

(Level 2)

Significant

Unobservable 

Inputs

(Level 3)

Balance at

Sep 29, 2013

$

2,575.7

$

2,575.7

$

— $

20.0

127.0

57.5

352.9

34.1

591.5

66.6

658.1

12.5

8.1

36.8

13.4

58.3

11.4

—

—

—

—

352.9

352.9

66.6

419.5

—

—

—

—

—

—

20.0

127.0

57.5

—

34.1

238.6

—

238.6

12.5

8.1

36.8

—

44.9

11.4

$

$

$

3,316.0

$

2,995.2

$

307.4

$

3.5

$

— $

3.5

$

0.5

4.0

$

—

— $

0.5

4.0

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

13.4

13.4

—

13.4

—

—

—

There were no material transfers between levels and there was no significant activity within Level 3 instruments during the 

periods presented. The fair values of any financial instruments presented above exclude the impact of netting assets and 

liabilities when a legally enforceable master netting agreement exists.

Available-for-sale Securities

Long-term investments (except for auction rate securities, "ARS") generally mature within 7 years. ARS have contractual 

maturities ranging from 16 to 29 years and are collateralized by portfolios of student loans, substantially all of which are 

guaranteed by the United States Department of Education. 

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were $1.5 billion and $60.2 million for fiscal years 2014 and 2013, 

respectively. Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities were not material in fiscal 2012. The increase in fiscal 2014 

was due to the liquidation of a significant portion of our offshore investment portfolio in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014 in 

anticipation of funding the acquisition of Starbucks Japan. Realized gains and losses on sales and maturities of available-for-

sale securities were not material for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012. Gross unrealized holding gains and losses on available-

for-sale securities were not material as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013.

Trading Securities

Trading securities include equity mutual funds and exchange-traded funds. Our trading securities portfolio approximates a 
portion of our liability under our Management Deferred Compensation Plan ("MDCP"), a defined contribution plan. Our 
MDCP liability was $106.4 million and $101.6 million as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively, which 
is included in accrued compensation and related costs within accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The changes 
in net unrealized holding gains and losses in the trading securities portfolio included in earnings for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 
2012 were net gains of $1.2 million, $11.7 million, and $10.9 million, respectively. Gross unrealized holding gains and losses 
on trading securities were not material as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013.

Derivative Assets and Liabilities

Derivative assets and liabilities include foreign currency forward contracts, commodity futures contracts, collars (the 
combination of a purchased call option and a sold put option) and swaps, which are described further in Note 3, Derivative 
Financial Instruments. During fiscal 2014, we revised the classification of coffee and dairy futures from Level 2 to Level 1, as 
we use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets to determine fair value. 

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include items such as property, plant and 
equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets, equity and cost method investments, and other assets. These assets are 
measured at fair value if determined to be impaired. Impairment of property, plant, and equipment is included at Note 1, 
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, there were no other material fair value adjustments.

Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments

The estimated fair value of our long-term debt based on the quoted market price (Level 2) is included at Note 9, Debt.

Note 5:    Inventories (in millions)

Coffee:

Unroasted

Roasted

Other merchandise held for sale

Packaging and other supplies

Total

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

$

$

432.3

$

238.9

265.7

154.0

493.0

235.4

243.3

139.5

1,090.9

$

1,111.2

Other merchandise held for sale includes, among other items, tea and serveware. Inventory levels vary due to seasonality, 
commodity market supply and price fluctuations. 

As of September 28, 2014, we had committed to purchasing green coffee totaling $417 million under fixed-price contracts and 
an estimated $718 million under price-to-be-fixed contracts. As of September 28, 2014, approximately $29 million of our price-
to-be-fixed contracts were effectively fixed through the use of futures contracts and approximately $16 million were price-
protected through the use of collar instruments. Price-to-be-fixed contracts are purchase commitments whereby the quality, 
quantity, delivery period, and other negotiated terms are agreed upon, but the date, and therefore the price, at which the base 
"C" coffee commodity price component will be fixed has not yet been established. For these types of contracts, either Starbucks 
or the seller has the option to "fix" the base "C" coffee commodity price prior to the delivery date. Until prices are fixed, we 
estimate the total cost of these purchase commitments. We believe, based on relationships established with our suppliers in the 
past, the risk of non-delivery on such purchase commitments is remote.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

65

 
 
 
 
Note 6:    Equity and Cost Investments (in millions)

Cost Method Investments

Equity method investments

Cost method investments

Total

Equity Method Investments

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

$

$

469.3

45.6

514.9

$

$

450.9

45.6

496.5

As of September 28, 2014, we had a 50% ownership interest in each of the following international equity method investees: 
Starbucks Coffee Korea Co., Ltd.; President Starbucks Coffee Corporation (Taiwan); President Starbucks Coffee (Shanghai) 
Company Limited; and Tata Starbucks Limited (India). In addition, we had a 49% ownership interest in Starbucks Coffee 
España, S.L. ("Starbucks Spain") and a 39.5% ownership interest in Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. ("Starbucks Japan"). These 
international entities operate licensed Starbucks® retail stores. 

We also license the rights to produce and distribute Starbucks-branded products to our 50% owned joint venture, The North 
American Coffee Partnership with the Pepsi-Cola Company, which develops and distributes bottled Starbucks® beverages, 
including Frappuccino® coffee drinks, Starbucks Doubleshot® espresso drinks, Starbucks Refreshers® beverages, and Starbucks 
Discoveries Iced Café Favorites®.

As of September 28, 2014, the aggregate market value of our investment in Starbucks Japan was approximately $762 million, 
determined based on its available quoted market price, which exceeds its carrying value of $181 million. On October 31, 2014, 
we acquired an additional 39.5% ownership interest in Starbucks Japan, converting it to a consolidated company-operated 
market. See further discussion at Note 18, Subsequent Event.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we sold our 50% equity method ownership interest in our Malaysian joint venture, Berjaya 
Starbucks Coffee Company Sdn. Bhd., to our joint venture partner, Berjaya Food Berhad, for a total purchase price of $88.0 
million. This transaction resulted in a gain of $67.8 million, which was included in net interest income and other in the 
consolidated statements of earnings. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we acquired a 49% equity method ownership interest in Starbucks Spain from our licensee 
partner Sigla S.A. (Grupo Vips) for approximately $33 million in cash.

Our share of income and losses from our equity method investments is included in income from equity investees in the 
consolidated statements of earnings. Also included in this line item is our proportionate share of gross profit resulting from 
coffee and other product sales to, and royalty and license fee revenues generated from, equity investees. Revenues generated 
from these related parties were $219.2 million, $205.1 million, and $190.3 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, 
respectively. Related costs of sales were $121.2 million, $115.4 million, and $111.0 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 
2012, respectively. As of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, there were $54.9 million and $48.3 million of accounts 
receivable from equity investees, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets, primarily related to product sales and royalty 
revenues.

Summarized combined financial information of our equity method investees, which represent 100% of the investees’ financial 
information (in millions):

Financial Position as of
Current assets

Noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

Results of Operations for Fiscal Year Ended
Net revenues

Operating income

Net earnings

66  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

$

701.3

$

873.9

615.6

79.1

675.8

783.3

466.6

148.9

Sep 28,
2014

Sep 29,
2013

Sep 30,
2012

$

3,461.3

$

3,018.7

$

467.7

382.6

434.8

358.0

2,796.7

353.5

286.7

As of September 28, 2014, we had $19 million invested in equity interests of entities that develop and operate Starbucks® 

licensed stores in several global markets. We have the ability to acquire additional interests in some of these cost method 

investees at certain intervals. Depending on our total percentage ownership interest and our ability to exercise significant 

influence over financial and operating policies, additional investments may require a retroactive application of the equity 

method of accounting. We also have a $25 million investment in the preferred stock of Square, Inc.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we sold our 18% interest in Starbucks Coffee Argentina S.R.L. to our joint venture 

partner Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V., for a total purchase price of $4.4 million. This transaction resulted in a loss of $1.0 million, 

which was included in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we sold our 18% interest in Cafe Sirena S. de R.L. de CV (a Mexican limited liability 

company), to our controlling joint venture partner, SC de Mexico, S.A. de CV, owned by Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V., for a total 

purchase price of $50.3 million, which included final working capital adjustments. This transaction resulted in a gain of $35.2 

million, which was included in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Note 7:    Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (in millions)

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Land

Buildings

Leasehold improvements

Store equipment

Roasting equipment

Furniture, fixtures and other

Work in progress

Property, plant and equipment, gross

Accumulated depreciation

Property, plant and equipment, net

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued compensation and related costs

Accrued occupancy costs

Accrued taxes

Accrued dividend payable

Other

Total accrued liabilities

Note 8:    Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets 

(in millions)

Trade names, trademarks and patents

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets

Total indefinite-lived intangible assets

Divestitures.

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

$

46.7

$

278.1

4,858.4

1,493.3

410.9

1,078.1

415.6

8,581.1

(5,062.1)

3,519.0

$

437.9

$

119.8

272.0

239.8

444.9

47.0

259.6

4,431.6

1,353.9

397.9

949.7

342.4

7,782.1

(4,581.6)

3,200.5

420.2

120.7

125.0

195.8

407.6

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

1,514.4

$

1,269.3

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

197.5

15.1

212.6

$

$

190.5

15.1

205.6

$

$

$

$

$

Additional disclosure regarding changes in our intangible assets due to acquisitions is included at Note 2, Acquisitions and 

 
Note 6:    Equity and Cost Investments (in millions)

Equity method investments

Cost method investments

Total

Equity Method Investments

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

$

$

469.3

45.6

514.9

$

$

450.9

45.6

496.5

As of September 28, 2014, we had a 50% ownership interest in each of the following international equity method investees: 

Starbucks Coffee Korea Co., Ltd.; President Starbucks Coffee Corporation (Taiwan); President Starbucks Coffee (Shanghai) 

Company Limited; and Tata Starbucks Limited (India). In addition, we had a 49% ownership interest in Starbucks Coffee 

España, S.L. ("Starbucks Spain") and a 39.5% ownership interest in Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. ("Starbucks Japan"). These 

international entities operate licensed Starbucks® retail stores. 

We also license the rights to produce and distribute Starbucks-branded products to our 50% owned joint venture, The North 

American Coffee Partnership with the Pepsi-Cola Company, which develops and distributes bottled Starbucks® beverages, 

including Frappuccino® coffee drinks, Starbucks Doubleshot® espresso drinks, Starbucks Refreshers® beverages, and Starbucks 

Discoveries Iced Café Favorites®.

As of September 28, 2014, the aggregate market value of our investment in Starbucks Japan was approximately $762 million, 

determined based on its available quoted market price, which exceeds its carrying value of $181 million. On October 31, 2014, 

we acquired an additional 39.5% ownership interest in Starbucks Japan, converting it to a consolidated company-operated 

market. See further discussion at Note 18, Subsequent Event.

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we sold our 50% equity method ownership interest in our Malaysian joint venture, Berjaya 

Starbucks Coffee Company Sdn. Bhd., to our joint venture partner, Berjaya Food Berhad, for a total purchase price of $88.0 

million. This transaction resulted in a gain of $67.8 million, which was included in net interest income and other in the 

consolidated statements of earnings. 

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we acquired a 49% equity method ownership interest in Starbucks Spain from our licensee 

partner Sigla S.A. (Grupo Vips) for approximately $33 million in cash.

Our share of income and losses from our equity method investments is included in income from equity investees in the 

consolidated statements of earnings. Also included in this line item is our proportionate share of gross profit resulting from 

coffee and other product sales to, and royalty and license fee revenues generated from, equity investees. Revenues generated 

from these related parties were $219.2 million, $205.1 million, and $190.3 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, 

respectively. Related costs of sales were $121.2 million, $115.4 million, and $111.0 million in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 

2012, respectively. As of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, there were $54.9 million and $48.3 million of accounts 

receivable from equity investees, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets, primarily related to product sales and royalty 

Summarized combined financial information of our equity method investees, which represent 100% of the investees’ financial 

revenues.

information (in millions):

Financial Position as of

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

Results of Operations for Fiscal Year Ended

Net revenues

Operating income

Net earnings

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

Sep 30,

2012

$

3,461.3

$

3,018.7

$

467.7

382.6

Sep 28,

2014

Sep 29,

2013

$

701.3

$

873.9

615.6

79.1

434.8

358.0

675.8

783.3

466.6

148.9

2,796.7

353.5

286.7

Cost Method Investments
As of September 28, 2014, we had $19 million invested in equity interests of entities that develop and operate Starbucks® 
licensed stores in several global markets. We have the ability to acquire additional interests in some of these cost method 
investees at certain intervals. Depending on our total percentage ownership interest and our ability to exercise significant 
influence over financial and operating policies, additional investments may require a retroactive application of the equity 
method of accounting. We also have a $25 million investment in the preferred stock of Square, Inc.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we sold our 18% interest in Starbucks Coffee Argentina S.R.L. to our joint venture 
partner Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V., for a total purchase price of $4.4 million. This transaction resulted in a loss of $1.0 million, 
which was included in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we sold our 18% interest in Cafe Sirena S. de R.L. de CV (a Mexican limited liability 
company), to our controlling joint venture partner, SC de Mexico, S.A. de CV, owned by Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V., for a total 
purchase price of $50.3 million, which included final working capital adjustments. This transaction resulted in a gain of $35.2 
million, which was included in net interest income and other in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Note 7:    Supplemental Balance Sheet Information (in millions)

Property, Plant and Equipment, net

Land

Buildings

Leasehold improvements

Store equipment

Roasting equipment

Furniture, fixtures and other

Work in progress

Property, plant and equipment, gross

Accumulated depreciation

Property, plant and equipment, net

Accrued Liabilities

Accrued compensation and related costs

Accrued occupancy costs

Accrued taxes

Accrued dividend payable

Other

Total accrued liabilities

Note 8:    Other Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets 

(in millions)
Trade names, trademarks and patents

Other indefinite-lived intangible assets

Total indefinite-lived intangible assets

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

$

46.7

$

278.1

4,858.4

1,493.3

410.9

1,078.1

415.6

8,581.1
(5,062.1)
3,519.0

$

47.0

259.6

4,431.6

1,353.9

397.9

949.7

342.4

7,782.1
(4,581.6)
3,200.5

$

$

$

$

$

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

437.9

$

119.8

272.0

239.8

444.9

420.2

120.7

125.0

195.8

407.6

1,514.4

$

1,269.3

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

197.5

15.1

212.6

$

$

190.5

15.1

205.6

Additional disclosure regarding changes in our intangible assets due to acquisitions is included at Note 2, Acquisitions and 
Divestitures.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

67

 
Goodwill

Note 9:    Debt 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment (in millions):

Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program

Balance at September 30, 2012

Goodwill prior to impairment

Accumulated impairment charges

Goodwill

Acquisitions/(divestitures)
Other(1) 
Balance at September 29, 2013

Goodwill prior to impairment

Accumulated impairment charges

Goodwill

Impairment
Other(1) 
Balance at September 28, 2014

Goodwill prior to impairment

Accumulated impairment charges

Goodwill

$

$

$

$

$

$

Americas

EMEA

China /
Asia Pacific

Channel
Development

All Other
Segments

Total

235.9

$

60.0

$

75.3

$

23.8

$

12.7

$

407.7

(8.6)

—

—

—

—

(8.6)

227.3

$

60.0

$

75.3

$

23.8

$

12.7

$

399.1

(3.7)

(2.0)

—

2.2

—

(0.2)

—

—

467.5

—

463.8

—

230.2

$

62.2

$

75.1

$

23.8

$

480.2

$

871.5

(8.6)

—

—

—

—

(8.6)

facility as of September 28, 2014.

221.6

$

62.2

$

75.1

$

23.8

$

480.2

$

862.9

—

(2.6)

—

(3.1)

—

(0.2)

—

—

(0.8)

—

(0.8)

(5.9)

227.6

$

59.1

$

74.9

$

23.8

$

480.2

$

865.6

(8.6)

—

—

—

(0.8)

(9.4)

219.0

$

59.1

$

74.9

$

23.8

$

479.4

$

856.2

(1)  Other is primarily comprised of changes in the goodwill balance as a result of foreign exchange fluctuations.

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets 

(in millions)

Acquired rights

Acquired trade secrets and processes

Trade names, trademarks and patents

Other definite-lived intangible assets

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net Carrying
Amount

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net Carrying
Amount

$

$

36.8

27.6

21.6

3.8

(10.1) $
(5.4)
(11.6)
(1.8)
(28.9) $

$

26.7

22.2

10.0

2.0

$

38.8

27.6

19.5

3.8

60.9

$

89.7

$

(7.1) $
(2.7)
(9.8)
(0.9)
(20.5) $

31.7

24.9

9.7

2.9

69.2

Total definite-lived intangible assets

$

89.8

$

Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets was $8.7 million, $7.7 million, and $4.5 million during fiscal 2014, 
2013, and 2012, respectively. 

Estimated future amortization expense as of September 28, 2014 (in millions): 

Fiscal Year Ending

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

Total estimated future amortization expense

68  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

$

$

9.3

8.7

8.4

6.8

6.5

21.2

60.9

Our $750 million unsecured, revolving credit facility with various banks, of which $150 million may be used for issuances of 

letters of credit, is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other corporate purposes, including acquisitions and 

share repurchases, and is currently set to mature in February 2018. We may request, and the banks may grant, at their 

discretion, increases to the credit facility by a total additional amount of up to $750 million. Borrowings under the credit 

facility will bear interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR, and, for US dollar-denominated loans under certain circumstances, 

a Base Rate (as defined in the credit facility), in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is based on the 

better of (i) the Company's long-term credit ratings assigned by Moody's and Standard & Poor's rating agencies, and (ii) the 

Company's fixed charge coverage ratio, pursuant to a pricing grid set forth in the credit facility. The current applicable margin 

is 0.795% for Eurocurrency Rate Loans and 0.00% for Base Rate Loans. The credit facility contains provisions requiring us to 

maintain compliance with certain covenants, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, which measures our ability to 

cover financing expenses. As a result of the arbitrator’s ruling on the Kraft litigation, the credit facility was amended on 

November 15, 2013 to exclude the impact of the litigation charge, including the impact on our fixed charge coverage ratio. As 

of September 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants. No amounts were outstanding under our credit 

Under our commercial paper program, as approved by our Board of Directors, we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes 

up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion, with individual maturities that may vary, but not 

exceed 397 days from the date of issue. Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program are to be backstopped by 

available commitments under our credit facility. Currently, we may issue up to $727 million under our commercial paper 

program (the $750 million committed credit facility amount, less $23 million in outstanding letters of credit). The proceeds 

from borrowings under our commercial paper program may be used for working capital needs, capital expenditures and other 

corporate purposes, including acquisitions and share repurchases. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we issued and subsequently 

repaid commercial paper borrowings of $225 million to fund a portion of the $2.8 billion payment for the Kraft arbitration 

matter. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we issued and subsequently repaid commercial paper borrowings of $25 million to 

fund other corporate purposes. There were no other commercial paper borrowings during fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013. 

Long-term Debt

In December 2013, we issued $400 million of 3-year 0.875% Senior Notes ("the 2016 notes") due December 2016, and $350 

million of 5-year 2.000% Senior Notes ("the 2018 notes") due December 2018, in an underwritten registered public offering. 

Interest on both of these notes is payable semi-annually on June 5 and December 5 of each year, commencing on June 5, 2014. 

In September 2013, we issued $750 million of 10-year 3.85% Senior Notes ("the 2023 notes") due October 2023, in an 

underwritten registered public offering. Interest on the 2023 notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each 

year, commencing April 1, 2014.

In August 2007, we issued $550 million of 6.25% Senior Notes ("the 2017 notes") due in August 2017, in an underwritten 

registered public offering. Interest on the 2017 notes is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year. 

Components of long-term debt including the associated interest rates and related fair values (in millions, except interest rates):

Issuance

2016 notes

2017 notes

2018 notes

2023 notes

   Total

   Total

Aggregate unamortized discount

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Face Value

Estimated Fair

Value

Face Value

Value

Rate

Estimated Fair

Stated Interest

Effective 

Interest Rate (1)

$

400.0 $

$

— $

550.0

350.0

750.0

2,050.0

1.7

400

625

353

786

2,164

550.0

—

750.0

1,300.0

0.6

—

644

—

762

1,406

$

2,048.3

$

1,299.4

0.875%

6.250%

2.000%

3.850%

0.941%

6.292%

2.012%

2.860%

(1)  Includes the effects of the amortization of any premium or discount and any gain or loss upon settlement of related treasury 

locks or forward-starting interest rate swaps utilized to hedge the interest rate risk prior to the debt issuance.

Goodwill

Note 9:    Debt 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable operating segment (in millions):

Revolving Credit Facility and Commercial Paper Program

Americas

EMEA

China /

Asia Pacific

Channel

Development

All Other

Segments

Total

Goodwill prior to impairment

235.9

$

60.0

$

75.3

$

23.8

$

12.7

$

407.7

Goodwill prior to impairment

230.2

$

62.2

$

75.1

$

23.8

$

480.2

$

871.5

227.3

$

60.0

$

75.3

$

23.8

$

12.7

$

399.1

(8.6)

(3.7)

(2.0)

(8.6)

—

(2.6)

—

—

2.2

—

—

(3.1)

—

—

(0.2)

—

—

(0.2)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(8.6)

467.5

—

463.8

—

—

(8.6)

(0.8)

—

(0.8)

(5.9)

221.6

$

62.2

$

75.1

$

23.8

$

480.2

$

862.9

Balance at September 30, 2012

Accumulated impairment charges

Goodwill

Other(1) 

Acquisitions/(divestitures)

Balance at September 29, 2013

Accumulated impairment charges

Goodwill

Impairment

Other(1) 

Balance at September 28, 2014

$

$

$

$

$

$

Goodwill prior to impairment

227.6

$

59.1

$

74.9

$

23.8

$

480.2

$

865.6

Accumulated impairment charges

(8.6)

—

—

—

(0.8)

(9.4)

Goodwill

219.0

$

59.1

$

74.9

$

23.8

$

479.4

$

856.2

(1)  Other is primarily comprised of changes in the goodwill balance as a result of foreign exchange fluctuations.

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets 

(in millions)

Acquired rights

Acquired trade secrets and processes

Trade names, trademarks and patents

Other definite-lived intangible assets

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Gross

Carrying

Amount

Accumulated

Amortization

Net Carrying

Amount

Accumulated

Amortization

Net Carrying

Amount

Gross

Carrying

Amount

$

$

(10.1) $

$

$

(7.1) $

36.8

27.6

21.6

3.8

(5.4)

(11.6)

(1.8)

26.7

22.2

10.0

2.0

38.8

27.6

19.5

3.8

(2.7)

(9.8)

(0.9)

Total definite-lived intangible assets

$

89.8

$

(28.9) $

60.9

$

89.7

$

(20.5) $

Amortization expense for definite-lived intangible assets was $8.7 million, $7.7 million, and $4.5 million during fiscal 2014, 

2013, and 2012, respectively. 

Estimated future amortization expense as of September 28, 2014 (in millions): 

Fiscal Year Ending

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Thereafter

Total estimated future amortization expense

31.7

24.9

9.7

2.9

69.2

9.3

8.7

8.4

6.8

6.5

21.2

60.9

$

$

Our $750 million unsecured, revolving credit facility with various banks, of which $150 million may be used for issuances of 
letters of credit, is available for working capital, capital expenditures and other corporate purposes, including acquisitions and 
share repurchases, and is currently set to mature in February 2018. We may request, and the banks may grant, at their 
discretion, increases to the credit facility by a total additional amount of up to $750 million. Borrowings under the credit 
facility will bear interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR, and, for US dollar-denominated loans under certain circumstances, 
a Base Rate (as defined in the credit facility), in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin is based on the 
better of (i) the Company's long-term credit ratings assigned by Moody's and Standard & Poor's rating agencies, and (ii) the 
Company's fixed charge coverage ratio, pursuant to a pricing grid set forth in the credit facility. The current applicable margin 
is 0.795% for Eurocurrency Rate Loans and 0.00% for Base Rate Loans. The credit facility contains provisions requiring us to 
maintain compliance with certain covenants, including a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio, which measures our ability to 
cover financing expenses. As a result of the arbitrator’s ruling on the Kraft litigation, the credit facility was amended on 
November 15, 2013 to exclude the impact of the litigation charge, including the impact on our fixed charge coverage ratio. As 
of September 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants. No amounts were outstanding under our credit 
facility as of September 28, 2014.

Under our commercial paper program, as approved by our Board of Directors, we may issue unsecured commercial paper notes 
up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion, with individual maturities that may vary, but not 
exceed 397 days from the date of issue. Amounts outstanding under the commercial paper program are to be backstopped by 
available commitments under our credit facility. Currently, we may issue up to $727 million under our commercial paper 
program (the $750 million committed credit facility amount, less $23 million in outstanding letters of credit). The proceeds 
from borrowings under our commercial paper program may be used for working capital needs, capital expenditures and other 
corporate purposes, including acquisitions and share repurchases. In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we issued and subsequently 
repaid commercial paper borrowings of $225 million to fund a portion of the $2.8 billion payment for the Kraft arbitration 
matter. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we issued and subsequently repaid commercial paper borrowings of $25 million to 
fund other corporate purposes. There were no other commercial paper borrowings during fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013. 

Long-term Debt

In December 2013, we issued $400 million of 3-year 0.875% Senior Notes ("the 2016 notes") due December 2016, and $350 
million of 5-year 2.000% Senior Notes ("the 2018 notes") due December 2018, in an underwritten registered public offering. 
Interest on both of these notes is payable semi-annually on June 5 and December 5 of each year, commencing on June 5, 2014. 

In September 2013, we issued $750 million of 10-year 3.85% Senior Notes ("the 2023 notes") due October 2023, in an 
underwritten registered public offering. Interest on the 2023 notes is payable semi-annually on April 1 and October 1 of each 
year, commencing April 1, 2014.

In August 2007, we issued $550 million of 6.25% Senior Notes ("the 2017 notes") due in August 2017, in an underwritten 
registered public offering. Interest on the 2017 notes is payable semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year. 

Components of long-term debt including the associated interest rates and related fair values (in millions, except interest rates):

Issuance

2016 notes

2017 notes

2018 notes

2023 notes

   Total

Aggregate unamortized discount

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Face Value

Estimated Fair
Value

Face Value

Estimated Fair
Value

Stated Interest
Rate

Effective 
Interest Rate (1)

$

400.0 $

550.0

350.0

750.0

2,050.0

1.7

400

625

353

786

2,164

$

— $

550.0

—

750.0

1,300.0

0.6

—

644

—

762

1,406

0.875%

6.250%

2.000%

3.850%

0.941%

6.292%

2.012%

2.860%

   Total

$

2,048.3

$

1,299.4

(1)  Includes the effects of the amortization of any premium or discount and any gain or loss upon settlement of related treasury 

locks or forward-starting interest rate swaps utilized to hedge the interest rate risk prior to the debt issuance.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

69

The indentures under which the above notes were issued also require us to maintain compliance with certain covenants, 
including limits on future liens and sale and leaseback transactions on certain material properties. As of September 28, 2014, 
we were in compliance with each of these covenants. 

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized, was $64.1 million, $28.1 million, and $32.7 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, 
respectively. In fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, $6.2 million, $10.4 million, and $3.2 million, respectively, of interest was 
capitalized for asset construction projects.

Note 10:    Leases

Rent expense under operating lease agreements (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended
Minimum rent

Contingent rent

Total

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

$

$

907.4

66.8

974.2

$

$

838.3

56.4

894.7

$

$

759.0

44.7

803.7

Minimum future rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of September 28, 2014 (in millions):

amounts):

Fiscal Year 2014:

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

Fiscal Year 2013:

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

Comprehensive Income

During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, our Board of Directors declared the following dividends (in millions, except per share 

Dividend Per Share

Record date

Total Amount

Payment Date

$0.26

$0.26

$0.26

$0.32

$0.21

$0.21

$0.21

$0.26

February 6, 2014

May 8, 2014

August 7, 2014

November 13, 2014

February 7, 2013

May 9, 2013

August 8, 2013

November 14, 2013

$196.4

$195.5

$195.3

$239.8

$157.5

$157.3

$158.0

$195.8

February 21, 2014

May 23, 2014

August 22, 2014

November 28, 2014

February 22, 2013

May 24, 2013

August 23, 2013

November 29, 2013

Fiscal Year Ending
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
Thereafter
Total minimum lease payments

$

$

925.6
826.6
696.3
556.3
450.8
1,502.3
4,957.9

We have subleases related to certain of our operating leases. During fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized sublease 
income of $13.3 million, $9.3 million, and $10.0 million, respectively.

Note 11:    Equity

In addition to 1.2 billion shares of authorized common stock with $0.001 par value per share, we have authorized 7.5 million 
shares of preferred stock, none of which was outstanding at September 28, 2014.

Included in additional paid-in capital in our consolidated statements of equity as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 
2013 is $39.4 million related to the increase in value of our share of the net assets of Starbucks Japan at the time of its initial 
public stock offering in fiscal 2002. 

We repurchased 10.5 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $769.8 million, and 10.8 million shares at a total cost of 
$544.1 million for the the years ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. As of September 28, 2014, 
15.9 million shares remained available for repurchase under current authorizations.

70  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during the period, except those resulting from transactions with our 

shareholders. Comprehensive income is comprised of net earnings and other comprehensive income. Accumulated other 

comprehensive income reported on our consolidated balance sheets consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and the 

unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, on available-for-sale securities and on derivative instruments designated 

and qualifying as cash flow and net investment hedges.

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") by component, for the year ended September 28, 2014, net of 

tax:

(in millions)

Net gains/(losses) in AOCI at September 29, 2013

$

(0.5) $

26.8

$

(12.9) $

53.6

$

67.0

 Available-

for-Sale

Securities

 Cash Flow

Hedges

 Net

Investment

Hedges

Translation

Adjustment

Total

Net gains/(losses) recognized in OCI before

reclassifications

Net (gains)/losses reclassified from AOCI to

earnings

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

1.0

(0.9)

0.1

16.3

3.2

19.5

46.3

16.1

—

16.1

(77.4)

(44.0)

—

(77.4)

2.3

(41.7)

25.3

Net gains/(losses) in AOCI at September 28, 2014

$

(0.4) $

$

3.2

$

(23.8) $

Impact of reclassifications from AOCI on the consolidated statements of earnings related to cash flow hedges for the year 

ended September 28, 2014:

AOCI 

Components

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

Interest rate hedges

Foreign currency hedges

Foreign currency/coffee hedges

Amounts Reclassified 

from AOCI

(in millions)

Affected Line Item in 

the Statements of Earnings

$

$

(10.0) Cost of sales including occupancy costs

5.0

Interest expense

5.1 Revenue

0.1 Total before tax

(3.3) Tax (expense)/benefit

(3.2) Net of tax

 
The indentures under which the above notes were issued also require us to maintain compliance with certain covenants, 

including limits on future liens and sale and leaseback transactions on certain material properties. As of September 28, 2014, 

During fiscal years 2014 and 2013, our Board of Directors declared the following dividends (in millions, except per share 
amounts):

Fiscal Year 2014:

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

Fiscal Year 2013:

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

Comprehensive Income

Dividend Per Share

Record date

Total Amount

Payment Date

$0.26

$0.26

$0.26

$0.32

$0.21

$0.21

$0.21

$0.26

February 6, 2014

May 8, 2014

August 7, 2014

November 13, 2014

February 7, 2013

May 9, 2013

August 8, 2013

November 14, 2013

$196.4

$195.5

$195.3

$239.8

$157.5

$157.3

$158.0

$195.8

February 21, 2014

May 23, 2014

August 22, 2014

November 28, 2014

February 22, 2013

May 24, 2013

August 23, 2013

November 29, 2013

Comprehensive income includes all changes in equity during the period, except those resulting from transactions with our 
shareholders. Comprehensive income is comprised of net earnings and other comprehensive income. Accumulated other 
comprehensive income reported on our consolidated balance sheets consists of foreign currency translation adjustments and the 
unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable taxes, on available-for-sale securities and on derivative instruments designated 
and qualifying as cash flow and net investment hedges.

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") by component, for the year ended September 28, 2014, net of 
tax:

Note 10:    Leases

Fiscal Year Ended

Minimum rent

Contingent rent

Total

Fiscal Year Ending

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

Note 11:    Equity

Thereafter

Total minimum lease payments

we were in compliance with each of these covenants. 

Interest Expense

Interest expense, net of interest capitalized, was $64.1 million, $28.1 million, and $32.7 million in fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, 

respectively. In fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, $6.2 million, $10.4 million, and $3.2 million, respectively, of interest was 

capitalized for asset construction projects.

Rent expense under operating lease agreements (in millions):

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

$

$

907.4

66.8

974.2

$

$

838.3

56.4

894.7

$

$

759.0

44.7

803.7

Minimum future rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of September 28, 2014 (in millions):

$

$

925.6

826.6

696.3

556.3

450.8

1,502.3

4,957.9

We have subleases related to certain of our operating leases. During fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized sublease 

income of $13.3 million, $9.3 million, and $10.0 million, respectively.

In addition to 1.2 billion shares of authorized common stock with $0.001 par value per share, we have authorized 7.5 million 

shares of preferred stock, none of which was outstanding at September 28, 2014.

Included in additional paid-in capital in our consolidated statements of equity as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 

2013 is $39.4 million related to the increase in value of our share of the net assets of Starbucks Japan at the time of its initial 

public stock offering in fiscal 2002. 

We repurchased 10.5 million shares of common stock at a total cost of $769.8 million, and 10.8 million shares at a total cost of 

$544.1 million for the the years ended September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, respectively. As of September 28, 2014, 

15.9 million shares remained available for repurchase under current authorizations.

(in millions)
Net gains/(losses) in AOCI at September 29, 2013

Net gains/(losses) recognized in OCI before
reclassifications

Net (gains)/losses reclassified from AOCI to
earnings

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

 Available-
for-Sale
Securities

 Cash Flow
Hedges

 Net
Investment
Hedges

Translation
Adjustment

Total

$

(0.5) $

26.8

$

(12.9) $

53.6

$

67.0

Net gains/(losses) in AOCI at September 28, 2014

$

(0.4) $

$

3.2

$

(23.8) $

16.3

3.2
19.5

46.3

2.3
(41.7)

25.3

1.0

(0.9)
0.1

16.1

—
16.1

(77.4)

(44.0)

—
(77.4)

Impact of reclassifications from AOCI on the consolidated statements of earnings related to cash flow hedges for the year 
ended September 28, 2014:

AOCI 
Components

Gains/(losses) on cash flow hedges

Interest rate hedges

Foreign currency hedges

Foreign currency/coffee hedges

Amounts Reclassified 
from AOCI
(in millions)

Affected Line Item in 
the Statements of Earnings

$

$

5.0

Interest expense

5.1 Revenue

(10.0) Cost of sales including occupancy costs

0.1 Total before tax
(3.3) Tax (expense)/benefit
(3.2) Net of tax

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

71

 
Note 12:    Employee Stock and Benefit Plans

Stock option transactions for the year ended September 28, 2014 (in millions, except per share and contractual life amounts):

We maintain several equity incentive plans under which we may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, 
restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), or stock appreciation rights to employees, non-employee directors and 
consultants. We issue new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options and the vesting of RSUs. We also have an 
employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP").

As of September 28, 2014, there were 56.0 million shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future equity-
based compensation awards and 7.4 million shares available for issuance under our ESPP.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended
Options

RSUs

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the
consolidated statements of earnings

Total related tax benefit

Total capitalized stock-based compensation included in net
property, plant and equipment and inventories on the consolidated
balance sheets

Stock Option Plans

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

41.8

$

141.4

183.2

63.4

$

$

37.1

$

105.2

142.3

49.8

$

$

46.2

107.4

153.6

54.2

1.9

$

1.8

$

2.0

$

$

$

$

Stock options to purchase our common stock are granted at the fair value of the stock on the grant date. The majority of options 
become exercisable in four equal installments beginning a year from the grant date and generally expire 10 years from the grant 
date. Options granted to non-employee directors generally vest over one to three years. Nearly all outstanding stock options are 
non-qualified stock options.

The fair value of stock option awards was estimated at the grant date with the following weighted average assumptions for 
fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012:

Fiscal Year Ended
Expected term (in years)

Expected stock price volatility

Risk-free interest rate

Expected dividend yield

Weighted average grant price

Estimated fair value per option granted

Employee Stock Options
Granted During the Period

2014

2013

2012

4.5

26.8%

1.1%

1.3%

4.8

34.0%

0.7%

1.6%

$

$

80.23

16.72

$

$

51.23

12.88

$

$

4.8

38.2%

1.0%

1.5%

44.26

12.79

The expected term of the options represents the estimated period of time until exercise, and is based on historical experience of 
similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. 
Expected stock price volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of our stock and the one-year implied volatility 
of Starbucks traded options, for the related vesting periods. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on 
US Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term. The dividend yield assumption is based on our anticipated 
cash dividend payouts. The amounts shown above for the estimated fair value per option granted are before the estimated effect 
of forfeitures, which reduce the amount of expense recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings.

72  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Shares

Subject to

Options

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price

per Share

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life (Years)

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

Outstanding, September 29, 2013

22.0

$

6.0

$

1,060

Granted

Exercised

Expired/forfeited

Outstanding, September 28, 2014

Exercisable, September 28, 2014

Vested and expected to vest, September 28, 2014

3.1

(4.8)

(0.5)

19.8

12.7

19.2

29.11

80.23

24.27

51.80

37.86

25.32

36.89

5.8

4.4

5.7

754

631

747

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above, which is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock 

exceeded the exercise price of outstanding options, is before applicable income taxes and represents the amount optionees 

would have realized if all in-the-money options had been exercised on the last business day of the period indicated.

As of September 28, 2014, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to 

nonvested stock options was approximately $35 million, before income taxes, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted 

average period of approximately 2.6 years. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $258 million, $539 million, 

and $440 million during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The total fair value of options vested was $44 million, 

$56 million, and $59 million during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

We have both time-vested and performance-based RSUs. Time-vested RSUs are awarded to eligible employees and non-

employee directors and entitle the grantee to receive shares of common stock at the end of a vesting period, subject solely to the 

employee’s continuing employment or the non-employee director's continuing service. The majority of RSUs vest in two equal 

annual installments beginning a year from the grant date. Our performance-based RSUs are awarded to eligible employees and 

entitle the grantee to receive shares of common stock if we achieve specified performance goals during the performance period 

and the grantee remains employed during the subsequent vesting period. 

RSU transactions for the year ended September 28, 2014 (in millions, except per share and contractual life amounts):

Nonvested, September 29, 2013

Granted

Vested

Forfeited/canceled

Nonvested, September 28, 2014

Number

of

Shares

Weighted

Average

Grant Date

Fair Value

per Share

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life (Years)

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

0.9

$

452

$

5.8

2.9

(2.6)

(0.7)

5.4

44.08

80.13

40.08

65.59

62.34

1.0

407

For fiscal 2013 and 2012, the weighted average fair value per RSU granted was $50.23 and $44.05, respectively. As of 

September 28, 2014, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested RSUs, net of estimated 

forfeitures, was approximately $113 million, before income taxes, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average 

period of approximately 2.0 years. The total fair value of RSUs vested was $103 million, $104 million and $80 million during 

fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Our ESPP allows eligible employees to contribute up to 10% of their base earnings toward the quarterly purchase of our 

common stock, subject to an annual maximum dollar amount. The purchase price is 95% of the fair market value of the stock 

on the last business day of the quarterly offering period. The number of shares issued under our ESPP was 0.4 million in fiscal 

RSUs

ESPP

2014.

Note 12:    Employee Stock and Benefit Plans

Stock option transactions for the year ended September 28, 2014 (in millions, except per share and contractual life amounts):

We maintain several equity incentive plans under which we may grant non-qualified stock options, incentive stock options, 

restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), or stock appreciation rights to employees, non-employee directors and 

consultants. We issue new shares of common stock upon exercise of stock options and the vesting of RSUs. We also have an 

employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP").

As of September 28, 2014, there were 56.0 million shares of common stock available for issuance pursuant to future equity-

based compensation awards and 7.4 million shares available for issuance under our ESPP.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated financial statements (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended

Options

RSUs

balance sheets

Stock Option Plans

Total stock-based compensation expense recognized in the

consolidated statements of earnings

Total related tax benefit

Total capitalized stock-based compensation included in net

property, plant and equipment and inventories on the consolidated

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

41.8

$

141.4

183.2

63.4

$

$

37.1

$

105.2

142.3

49.8

$

$

46.2

107.4

153.6

54.2

1.9

$

1.8

$

2.0

$

$

$

$

Stock options to purchase our common stock are granted at the fair value of the stock on the grant date. The majority of options 

become exercisable in four equal installments beginning a year from the grant date and generally expire 10 years from the grant 

date. Options granted to non-employee directors generally vest over one to three years. Nearly all outstanding stock options are 

The fair value of stock option awards was estimated at the grant date with the following weighted average assumptions for 

non-qualified stock options.

fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012:

Fiscal Year Ended

Expected term (in years)

Expected stock price volatility

Risk-free interest rate

Expected dividend yield

Weighted average grant price

Estimated fair value per option granted

Employee Stock Options

Granted During the Period

2014

2013

2012

4.5

26.8%

1.1%

1.3%

4.8

34.0%

0.7%

1.6%

$

$

80.23

16.72

$

$

51.23

12.88

$

$

4.8

38.2%

1.0%

1.5%

44.26

12.79

The expected term of the options represents the estimated period of time until exercise, and is based on historical experience of 

similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. 

Expected stock price volatility is based on a combination of historical volatility of our stock and the one-year implied volatility 

of Starbucks traded options, for the related vesting periods. The risk-free interest rate is based on the implied yield available on 

US Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equivalent remaining term. The dividend yield assumption is based on our anticipated 

cash dividend payouts. The amounts shown above for the estimated fair value per option granted are before the estimated effect 

of forfeitures, which reduce the amount of expense recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings.

Outstanding, September 29, 2013

Granted

Exercised

Expired/forfeited

Outstanding, September 28, 2014

Exercisable, September 28, 2014

Vested and expected to vest, September 28, 2014

Shares
Subject to
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
per Share

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

22.0

$

3.1
(4.8)
(0.5)
19.8

12.7

19.2

29.11

80.23

24.27

51.80

37.86

25.32

36.89

6.0

$

1,060

5.8

4.4

5.7

754

631

747

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above, which is the amount by which the market value of the underlying stock 
exceeded the exercise price of outstanding options, is before applicable income taxes and represents the amount optionees 
would have realized if all in-the-money options had been exercised on the last business day of the period indicated.

As of September 28, 2014, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, related to 
nonvested stock options was approximately $35 million, before income taxes, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted 
average period of approximately 2.6 years. The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $258 million, $539 million, 
and $440 million during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The total fair value of options vested was $44 million, 
$56 million, and $59 million during fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

RSUs

We have both time-vested and performance-based RSUs. Time-vested RSUs are awarded to eligible employees and non-
employee directors and entitle the grantee to receive shares of common stock at the end of a vesting period, subject solely to the 
employee’s continuing employment or the non-employee director's continuing service. The majority of RSUs vest in two equal 
annual installments beginning a year from the grant date. Our performance-based RSUs are awarded to eligible employees and 
entitle the grantee to receive shares of common stock if we achieve specified performance goals during the performance period 
and the grantee remains employed during the subsequent vesting period. 

RSU transactions for the year ended September 28, 2014 (in millions, except per share and contractual life amounts):

Nonvested, September 29, 2013

Granted

Vested

Forfeited/canceled

Nonvested, September 28, 2014

Number
of
Shares

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
per Share

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (Years)

Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value

5.8

$

2.9
(2.6)
(0.7)
5.4

44.08

80.13

40.08

65.59

62.34

0.9

$

452

1.0

407

For fiscal 2013 and 2012, the weighted average fair value per RSU granted was $50.23 and $44.05, respectively. As of 
September 28, 2014, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested RSUs, net of estimated 
forfeitures, was approximately $113 million, before income taxes, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average 
period of approximately 2.0 years. The total fair value of RSUs vested was $103 million, $104 million and $80 million during 
fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

ESPP

Our ESPP allows eligible employees to contribute up to 10% of their base earnings toward the quarterly purchase of our 
common stock, subject to an annual maximum dollar amount. The purchase price is 95% of the fair market value of the stock 
on the last business day of the quarterly offering period. The number of shares issued under our ESPP was 0.4 million in fiscal 
2014.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

73

Deferred Stock Plans

Reconciliation of the statutory US federal income tax rate with our effective income tax rate:

Our 1997 Deferred Stock Plan for certain key-employees enabled participants in the plan to defer receipt of ownership of 
common shares from the exercise of nonqualified stock options. Pursuant to this plan, our chairman, president and ceo elected 
to defer receipt of approximately 3.4 million shares of common stock (as adjusted for stock splits since 1997). In November 
2006, he re-deferred receipt of the shares until December 21, 2012 (or earlier if his employment with Starbucks terminated 
before such date). On December 21, 2012, the deferral period ended and pursuant to the terms of the plan, we issued 
approximately 2.2 million shares of common stock to him and withheld approximately 1.2 million shares to satisfy tax 
withholdings. As of September 28, 2014 there were no remaining deferrals under the terms of this plan and no new deferrals are 
permitted. 

We have a Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors under which non-employee directors may, for any fiscal 
year, irrevocably elect to defer receipt of shares of common stock the director would have received upon vesting of restricted 
stock units. The number of deferred shares outstanding related to deferrals made under this plan is not material.

Defined Contribution Plans

We maintain voluntary defined contribution plans, both qualified and non-qualified, covering eligible employees as defined in 
the plan documents. Participating employees may elect to defer and contribute a portion of their eligible compensation to the 
plans up to limits stated in the plan documents, not to exceed the dollar amounts set by applicable laws.

Our matching contributions to all US and non-US plans were $73.0 million, $54.7 million, and $59.8 million in fiscal years 
2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Note 13:    Income Taxes

Components of earnings/(loss) before income taxes (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended

United States

Foreign

Total earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Provision/(benefit) for income taxes (in millions):

Sep 28, 2014

$

$

2,572.4

587.3

3,159.7

$

$

Sep 29, 2013

Litigation
charge
(2,784.1) $

—

All Other

2,110.1

444.1

(2,784.1) $

2,554.2

Total

(674.0) $
444.1
(229.9) $

Sep 30, 2012

$

$

1,679.6

379.5

2,059.1

Fiscal Year Ended

Statutory rate

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations

Domestic production activity deduction

Domestic tax credits

Charitable contributions

Other, net

Effective tax rate

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 30, 2012

Total

All Other

Sep 29, 2013

Litigation

charge

35.0%

35.0%

35.0%

35.0%

2.6

(1.9)

(0.7)

(0.2)

(0.4)

0.2

35.0%

15.8

37.5

8.1

2.8

3.9

0.7

3.5

—

—

—

—

—

2.4

(3.4)

(0.7)

(0.3)

(0.3)

(0.1)

2.5

(3.3)

(0.7)

(0.3)

(0.5)

0.1

34.6%

103.8%

38.5%

32.6%

32.8%

Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2013 was significantly affected by the litigation charge we recorded as a result of the conclusion 

of our arbitration with Kraft. In order to provide a more meaningful analysis of tax expense and the effective tax rate, the tables 

above present separate reconciliations of the effect of the litigation charge. The deferred tax asset related to the litigation charge 

is estimated to be recovered over a period of 15 years; the deferred tax asset has been classified between current and non-

current consistent with the expected recovery period for income tax reporting purposes.

US income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $2.2 billion of cumulative undistributed 

earnings of foreign subsidiaries and equity investees. We intend to reinvest these earnings for the foreseeable future. If these 

amounts were distributed to the US, in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to additional US income taxes, 

which could be material. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on these earnings is not 

practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation, and the amount of liability, if any, is dependent on 

circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

Fiscal Year Ended

Current taxes:

US federal

US state and local

Foreign

Total current taxes

Deferred taxes:

US federal
US state and local

Foreign

Total deferred taxes

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Litigation
charge

Total

Sep 30, 2012

All Other

$

822.7

$

616.6 $

— $

616.6

$

132.9

128.8

1,084.4

12.0
(4.9)
0.5

7.6

93.8

95.9

806.3

(898.8)
(144.0)
(2.2)
(1,045.0)

—

—

—

(922.3)
(148.7)
—
(1,071.0)
(1,071.0) $

93.8

95.9

806.3

23.5

4.7
(2.2)
26.0

466.0

79.9

76.8

622.7

49.2
(0.7)
3.2

51.7

832.3

$

674.4

Total income tax expense/(benefit)

$

1,092.0

$

(238.7) $

74  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Deferred Stock Plans

Reconciliation of the statutory US federal income tax rate with our effective income tax rate:

Our 1997 Deferred Stock Plan for certain key-employees enabled participants in the plan to defer receipt of ownership of 

common shares from the exercise of nonqualified stock options. Pursuant to this plan, our chairman, president and ceo elected 

to defer receipt of approximately 3.4 million shares of common stock (as adjusted for stock splits since 1997). In November 

2006, he re-deferred receipt of the shares until December 21, 2012 (or earlier if his employment with Starbucks terminated 

before such date). On December 21, 2012, the deferral period ended and pursuant to the terms of the plan, we issued 

approximately 2.2 million shares of common stock to him and withheld approximately 1.2 million shares to satisfy tax 

withholdings. As of September 28, 2014 there were no remaining deferrals under the terms of this plan and no new deferrals are 

permitted. 

We have a Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors under which non-employee directors may, for any fiscal 

year, irrevocably elect to defer receipt of shares of common stock the director would have received upon vesting of restricted 

stock units. The number of deferred shares outstanding related to deferrals made under this plan is not material.

Defined Contribution Plans

We maintain voluntary defined contribution plans, both qualified and non-qualified, covering eligible employees as defined in 

the plan documents. Participating employees may elect to defer and contribute a portion of their eligible compensation to the 

plans up to limits stated in the plan documents, not to exceed the dollar amounts set by applicable laws.

Our matching contributions to all US and non-US plans were $73.0 million, $54.7 million, and $59.8 million in fiscal years 

2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Note 13:    Income Taxes

Components of earnings/(loss) before income taxes (in millions):

Total earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Provision/(benefit) for income taxes (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended

United States

Foreign

Fiscal Year Ended

Current taxes:

US federal

US state and local

Foreign

Total current taxes

Deferred taxes:

US federal

US state and local

Foreign

Total deferred taxes

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 30, 2012

Sep 29, 2013

Litigation

charge

Total

All Other

$

$

2,572.4

587.3

3,159.7

$

$

(674.0) $

(2,784.1) $

2,110.1

444.1

—

444.1

(229.9) $

(2,784.1) $

2,554.2

$

$

1,679.6

379.5

2,059.1

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 30, 2012

Sep 29, 2013

Litigation

charge

Total

All Other

$

822.7

$

616.6 $

— $

616.6

$

132.9

128.8

1,084.4

12.0

(4.9)

0.5

7.6

93.8

95.9

806.3

(898.8)

(144.0)

(2.2)

—

—

—

(922.3)

(148.7)

—

(1,045.0)

(1,071.0)

93.8

95.9

806.3

23.5

4.7

(2.2)

26.0

466.0

79.9

76.8

622.7

49.2

(0.7)

3.2

51.7

Total income tax expense/(benefit)

$

1,092.0

$

(238.7) $

(1,071.0) $

832.3

$

674.4

Fiscal Year Ended

Statutory rate

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

Benefits and taxes related to foreign operations

Domestic production activity deduction

Domestic tax credits

Charitable contributions

Other, net
Effective tax rate

Sep 28, 2014

35.0%

2.6
(1.9)
(0.7)
(0.2)
(0.4)

0.2

Total

35.0%

15.8

37.5

8.1

2.8

3.9

0.7

Sep 29, 2013

Litigation
charge

All Other

Sep 30, 2012

35.0%

35.0%

35.0%

3.5

—

—

—

—

—

2.4
(3.4)
(0.7)
(0.3)
(0.3)

(0.1)
32.6%

2.5
(3.3)
(0.7)
(0.3)
(0.5)

0.1

32.8%

34.6%

103.8%

38.5%

Our effective tax rate in fiscal 2013 was significantly affected by the litigation charge we recorded as a result of the conclusion 
of our arbitration with Kraft. In order to provide a more meaningful analysis of tax expense and the effective tax rate, the tables 
above present separate reconciliations of the effect of the litigation charge. The deferred tax asset related to the litigation charge 
is estimated to be recovered over a period of 15 years; the deferred tax asset has been classified between current and non-
current consistent with the expected recovery period for income tax reporting purposes.

US income and foreign withholding taxes have not been provided on approximately $2.2 billion of cumulative undistributed 
earnings of foreign subsidiaries and equity investees. We intend to reinvest these earnings for the foreseeable future. If these 
amounts were distributed to the US, in the form of dividends or otherwise, we would be subject to additional US income taxes, 
which could be material. Determination of the amount of unrecognized deferred income tax liabilities on these earnings is not 
practicable because of the complexities with its hypothetical calculation, and the amount of liability, if any, is dependent on 
circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

75

Tax effect of temporary differences and carryforwards that comprise significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities (in 
millions):

The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Beginning balance

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

$

88.8

$

75.3

$

Deferred tax assets:

Property, plant and equipment

Accrued occupancy costs

Accrued compensation and related costs

Other accrued liabilities

Asset retirement obligation asset

Deferred revenue

Asset impairments

Tax credits

Stock-based compensation

Net operating losses

Litigation charge

Other

Total

Valuation allowance

Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets and goodwill

Other

Total

Net deferred tax asset

Reported as:

Current deferred income tax assets

Long-term deferred income tax assets

Current deferred income tax liabilities (included in Accrued liabilities)

Long-term deferred income tax liabilities (included in Other long-term liabilities)

Net deferred tax asset

$

$

$

$

$

$

78.5

58.8

75.3

27.6

18.6

63.4

49.5

20.3

131.5

104.4

1,002.0

77.0

1,706.9
(166.8)
1,540.1

(148.2)
(92.9)
(89.4)
(330.5)
1,209.6

317.4

903.3
(4.2)
(6.9)
1,209.6

$

$

$

$

$

$

64.9

69.0

77.6

22.0

21.0

49.9

33.3

19.1

120.9

99.0

1,071.9

62.7

1,711.3
(160.5)
1,550.8

(182.9)
(81.6)
(53.1)
(317.6)
1,233.2

277.3

967.0
(1.0)
(10.1)
1,233.2

The valuation allowance as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 is primarily related to net operating losses and 
other deferred tax assets of consolidated foreign subsidiaries. The net change in the total valuation allowance was an increase of 
$6.3 million for both fiscal 2014 and 2013. 

As of September 28, 2014, Starbucks has state tax credit carryforwards of $31.2 million with an expiration date of fiscal 2024. 
Starbucks has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $342.4 million, with the predominant amount having no expiration 
date.

Uncertain Tax Positions

As of September 28, 2014, we had $112.7 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits of which $85.3 million, if recognized, 
would affect our effective tax rate. We recognized expense of $5.9 million, a benefit of $0.8 million, and a benefit of $0.7 
million of interest and penalties in income tax expense, prior to the benefit of the federal tax deduction, for fiscal 2014, 2013 
and 2012, respectively. As of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, we had accrued interest and penalties of $10.6 
million and $4.7 million, respectively, before the benefit of the federal tax deduction, included within the related tax liability on 
the consolidated balance sheets.

76  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Increase related to prior year tax positions

Decrease related to prior year tax positions

Increase related to current year tax positions

Decrease related to current year tax positions

Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities

Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations

1.4

(2.2)

26.7

(1.9)

(0.1)

—

8.9

(9.3)

19.3

(0.4)

—

(5.0)

Ending balance

$

112.7

$

88.8

$

We are currently under routine audit by various jurisdictions inside and outside the US as well as US state taxing jurisdictions 

for fiscal years 2006 through 2013. We are no longer subject to US federal or state examination for years prior to fiscal year 

2011, with the exception of eleven states. We are no longer subject to examination in any material international markets prior to 

2006.

There is a reasonable possibility that our unrecognized tax benefit liability will change within 12 months; however, we do not 

expect this change to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

52.9

8.8

—

20.0

(1.1)

(0.5)

(4.8)

75.3

Note 14:    Earnings per Share

Calculation of net earnings per common share ("EPS") — basic and diluted (in millions, except EPS):

Fiscal Year Ended

Net earnings attributable to Starbucks

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

2,068.1

$

8.3

$

1,383.8

Weighted average common shares and common stock units

outstanding (for basic calculation)

Dilutive effect of outstanding common stock options and RSUs

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares

outstanding (for diluted calculation)

EPS — basic

EPS — diluted

$

$

$

753.1

10.0

763.1

2.75

2.71

$

$

749.3

13.0

762.3

0.01

0.01

$

$

754.4

18.6

773.0

1.83

1.79

Potential dilutive shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options 

(both vested and non-vested) and unvested RSUs, calculated using the treasury stock method. The calculation of dilutive shares 

outstanding excludes out-of-the-money stock options (i.e., such options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market 

price of our common shares for the period) because their inclusion would have been antidilutive. We had 2.7 million and 0.2 

million out-of-the-money stock options as of September 28, 2014 and September 30, 2012, respectively. There were no out-of-

the-money stock options as of September 29, 2013.

Note 15:    Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

On November 12, 2013, the arbitrator in our arbitration with Kraft Foods Global, Inc. (now known as Kraft Foods Group, Inc.) 

("Kraft") ordered Starbucks to pay Kraft $2,227.5 million in damages plus prejudgment interest and attorneys' fees. We 

estimated prejudgment interest, which included an accrual through the estimated payment date, and attorneys' fees to be 

approximately $556.6 million. As a result, we recorded a litigation charge of $2,784.1 million in our fiscal 2013 operating 

results.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, Starbucks paid all amounts due to Kraft under the arbitration, including prejudgment interest 

and attorneys' fees, and fully extinguished the litigation charge liability. Of the $2,784.1 million litigation charge accrued in the 

fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, $2,763.9 million was paid and the remainder was released as a litigation credit to reflect a 

reduction to our estimated prejudgment interest payable as a result of paying our obligation earlier than anticipated.

millions):

Deferred tax assets:

Property, plant and equipment

Accrued occupancy costs

Accrued compensation and related costs

Other accrued liabilities

Asset retirement obligation asset

Deferred revenue

Asset impairments

Tax credits

Stock-based compensation

Net operating losses

Litigation charge

Valuation allowance

Total deferred tax asset, net of valuation allowance

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible assets and goodwill

Other

Total

Other

Total

Net deferred tax asset

Reported as:

Current deferred income tax assets

Long-term deferred income tax assets

$

$

78.5

58.8

75.3

27.6

18.6

63.4

49.5

20.3

131.5

104.4

1,002.0

77.0

1,706.9

(166.8)

1,540.1

(148.2)

(92.9)

(89.4)

(330.5)

1,209.6

317.4

903.3

(4.2)

(6.9)

$

$

$

$

64.9

69.0

77.6

22.0

21.0

49.9

33.3

19.1

120.9

99.0

1,071.9

62.7

1,711.3

(160.5)

1,550.8

(182.9)

(81.6)

(53.1)

(317.6)

1,233.2

277.3

967.0

(1.0)

(10.1)

$

$

$

$

$

Current deferred income tax liabilities (included in Accrued liabilities)

Long-term deferred income tax liabilities (included in Other long-term liabilities)

Net deferred tax asset

1,209.6

$

1,233.2

The valuation allowance as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013 is primarily related to net operating losses and 

other deferred tax assets of consolidated foreign subsidiaries. The net change in the total valuation allowance was an increase of 

$6.3 million for both fiscal 2014 and 2013. 

As of September 28, 2014, Starbucks has state tax credit carryforwards of $31.2 million with an expiration date of fiscal 2024. 

Starbucks has foreign net operating loss carryforwards of $342.4 million, with the predominant amount having no expiration 

date.

Uncertain Tax Positions

As of September 28, 2014, we had $112.7 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits of which $85.3 million, if recognized, 

would affect our effective tax rate. We recognized expense of $5.9 million, a benefit of $0.8 million, and a benefit of $0.7 

million of interest and penalties in income tax expense, prior to the benefit of the federal tax deduction, for fiscal 2014, 2013 

and 2012, respectively. As of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, we had accrued interest and penalties of $10.6 

million and $4.7 million, respectively, before the benefit of the federal tax deduction, included within the related tax liability on 

the consolidated balance sheets.

Tax effect of temporary differences and carryforwards that comprise significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities (in 

The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in millions):

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Beginning balance

$

88.8

$

75.3

$

Increase related to prior year tax positions

Decrease related to prior year tax positions

Increase related to current year tax positions

Decrease related to current year tax positions

Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities

Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations

1.4
(2.2)
26.7
(1.9)
(0.1)
—

Ending balance

$

112.7

$

8.9
(9.3)
19.3
(0.4)
—
(5.0)
88.8

$

52.9

8.8

—

20.0
(1.1)
(0.5)
(4.8)
75.3

We are currently under routine audit by various jurisdictions inside and outside the US as well as US state taxing jurisdictions 
for fiscal years 2006 through 2013. We are no longer subject to US federal or state examination for years prior to fiscal year 
2011, with the exception of eleven states. We are no longer subject to examination in any material international markets prior to 
2006.

There is a reasonable possibility that our unrecognized tax benefit liability will change within 12 months; however, we do not 
expect this change to be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Note 14:    Earnings per Share

Calculation of net earnings per common share ("EPS") — basic and diluted (in millions, except EPS):

Fiscal Year Ended
Net earnings attributable to Starbucks

Weighted average common shares and common stock units
outstanding (for basic calculation)

Dilutive effect of outstanding common stock options and RSUs

Weighted average common and common equivalent shares
outstanding (for diluted calculation)

EPS — basic

EPS — diluted

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

2,068.1

$

8.3

$

1,383.8

753.1

10.0

763.1

2.75

2.71

$

$

749.3

13.0

762.3

0.01

0.01

$

$

754.4

18.6

773.0

1.83

1.79

$

$

$

Potential dilutive shares consist of the incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options 
(both vested and non-vested) and unvested RSUs, calculated using the treasury stock method. The calculation of dilutive shares 
outstanding excludes out-of-the-money stock options (i.e., such options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market 
price of our common shares for the period) because their inclusion would have been antidilutive. We had 2.7 million and 0.2 
million out-of-the-money stock options as of September 28, 2014 and September 30, 2012, respectively. There were no out-of-
the-money stock options as of September 29, 2013.

Note 15:    Commitments and Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

On November 12, 2013, the arbitrator in our arbitration with Kraft Foods Global, Inc. (now known as Kraft Foods Group, Inc.) 
("Kraft") ordered Starbucks to pay Kraft $2,227.5 million in damages plus prejudgment interest and attorneys' fees. We 
estimated prejudgment interest, which included an accrual through the estimated payment date, and attorneys' fees to be 
approximately $556.6 million. As a result, we recorded a litigation charge of $2,784.1 million in our fiscal 2013 operating 
results.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2014, Starbucks paid all amounts due to Kraft under the arbitration, including prejudgment interest 
and attorneys' fees, and fully extinguished the litigation charge liability. Of the $2,784.1 million litigation charge accrued in the 
fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, $2,763.9 million was paid and the remainder was released as a litigation credit to reflect a 
reduction to our estimated prejudgment interest payable as a result of paying our obligation earlier than anticipated.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

77

Starbucks is party to various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including, at times, certain 
employment litigation cases that have been certified as class or collective actions, but is not currently a party to any legal 
proceeding that management believes could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of 
operations or cash flows. 

Note 16:    Segment Reporting

Segment information is prepared on the same basis that our ceo, who is our chief operating decision maker, manages the 
segments, evaluates financial results, and makes key operating decisions. Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we 
redefined our reportable operating segments to align with the three-region leadership and organizational structure of our retail 
business that took effect at the beginning of fiscal 2012. The three-region structure includes: 1) Americas, inclusive of the US, 
Canada, and Latin America; 2) Europe, Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA"); and 3) China/Asia Pacific ("CAP"). 

Accordingly, beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we revised our reportable operating segments from 1) US, 2) 
International, and 3) Global Consumer Products Group to the following four reportable segments: 1) Americas, 2) EMEA, 3) 
CAP, and 4) Global Consumer Products Group. In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we renamed our Global Consumer 
Products Group segment "Channel Development."

Effective at the beginning of fiscal 2013, we decentralized certain leadership functions in the areas of retail marketing and 
category management, global store development and partner resources to support and align with the respective operating 
segment presidents. In conjunction with these moves, certain general and administrative and depreciation and amortization 
expenses associated with these functions, which were previously reported as unallocated corporate expenses within "Other," are 
now reported within the respective reportable operating segments to align with the regions which they support. 

Concurrent with the change in reportable operating segments and realignment of certain operating expenses noted above, we 
revised our prior period financial information to reflect comparable financial information for the new segment structure and 
reporting changes. Historical financial information presented herein reflects these changes. There was no impact on 
consolidated net revenues, total operating expenses, operating income, or net earnings as a result of these changes. 

Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we removed unallocated corporate expenses from Other. Other is now referred 
to as All Other Segments and includes Teavana, Seattle's Best Coffee and Evolution Fresh, as well as our Digital Ventures 
business. Unallocated corporate operating expenses, which pertain primarily to corporate administrative functions that support 
the operating segments, but are not specifically attributable to or managed by any segment, are presented as a reconciling item 
between total segment operating results and consolidated financial results. While our consolidated results are not impacted, our 
historical segment financial information has been revised to be consistent with the current presentation.

Americas, EMEA and CAP operations sell coffee and other beverages, complementary food, packaged coffees, single-serve 
coffee products and a focused selection of merchandise through company-operated stores and licensed stores. Our Americas 
segment is our most mature business and has achieved significant scale. Certain markets within our EMEA and CAP operations 
are still in the early stages of development and require a more extensive support organization, relative to their current levels of 
revenue and operating income, than our Americas operations. The Americas and EMEA segments also include certain 
foodservice accounts, primarily in Canada and the UK. Our Americas segment also includes our La Boulange® retail stores. 

Channel Development operations sell a selection of packaged coffees as well as a selection of premium Tazo® teas globally. 
Channel Development operations also produce and sell a variety of ready-to-drink beverages, such as Frappuccino® coffee 
drinks, Starbucks Doubleshot® espresso drinks and Starbucks Refreshers® beverages, as well as Starbucks- and Tazo-branded 
single-serve products. The US foodservice business, which is included in the Channel Development segment, sells coffee and 
other related products to institutional foodservice companies. 

Consolidated revenue mix by product type (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

Beverage

Food

Other(1)

Total

Packaged and single-serve coffees and teas

$

9,458.4

58% $

8,674.7

58% $

7,883.8

2,505.2

2,370.0

2,114.2

15%

14%

13%

2,189.8

2,206.5

1,795.8

15%

15%

12%

1,875.1

1,965.8

1,552.1

59%

14%

15%

12%

$ 16,447.8

100% $ 14,866.8

100% $ 13,276.8

100%

(1) "Other" primarily includes royalty and licensing revenues, beverage-related ingredients, ready-to-drink beverages and 

serveware, among other items.

In fiscal 2014, we moved ready-to-drink beverage revenues from the "Food" category to the "Other" category and combined 

packaged and single-serve teas, which were previously included in the "Other" category, with packaged and single serve 

coffees, which are now categorized as "Packaged and single-serve coffees and teas." Additionally, we revised our discount 

allocation methodology to more precisely allocate sales discounts to the various revenue product categories. None of these 

changes had a material impact on the composition of our revenue mix by product type. Prior period amounts have been revised 

to be consistent with the current period presentation.

Information by geographic area (in millions):

Net revenues from external customers:

Fiscal Year Ended

United States

Other countries

Total

Fiscal Year Ended

Long-lived assets:

United States

Other countries

Total

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

12,590.6

3,857.2

16,447.8

$

$

11,389.6

3,477.2

14,866.8

$

$

10,154.8

3,122.0

13,276.8

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

5,135.8

1,448.4

6,584.2

$

$

4,641.3

1,404.0

6,045.3

$

$

2,767.1

1,252.5

4,019.6

$

$

$

$

No customer accounts for 10% or more of our revenues. Revenues are shown based on the geographic location of our 

customers. Revenues from countries other than the US consist primarily of revenues from Canada, the UK, and China, which 

together account for approximately 65% of net revenues from other countries for fiscal 2014.

Management evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on net revenues and operating income. The accounting 

policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. 

Operating income represents earnings before net interest income and other, interest expense and income taxes. Management 

does not evaluate the performance of its operating segments using asset measures. The identifiable assets by segment disclosed 

in this note are those assets specifically identifiable within each segment and include cash and cash equivalents, net property, 

plant and equipment, equity and cost investments, goodwill, and other intangible assets. Assets not identified by reportable 

operating segment below are corporate assets and are primarily comprised of cash and cash equivalents available for general 

corporate purposes, investments, assets of the corporate headquarters and roasting facilities, and inventory.

78  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Starbucks is party to various other legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business, including, at times, certain 

employment litigation cases that have been certified as class or collective actions, but is not currently a party to any legal 

proceeding that management believes could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of 

operations or cash flows. 

Note 16:    Segment Reporting

Segment information is prepared on the same basis that our ceo, who is our chief operating decision maker, manages the 

segments, evaluates financial results, and makes key operating decisions. Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we 

redefined our reportable operating segments to align with the three-region leadership and organizational structure of our retail 

business that took effect at the beginning of fiscal 2012. The three-region structure includes: 1) Americas, inclusive of the US, 

Canada, and Latin America; 2) Europe, Middle East, and Africa ("EMEA"); and 3) China/Asia Pacific ("CAP"). 

Accordingly, beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we revised our reportable operating segments from 1) US, 2) 

International, and 3) Global Consumer Products Group to the following four reportable segments: 1) Americas, 2) EMEA, 3) 

CAP, and 4) Global Consumer Products Group. In the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we renamed our Global Consumer 

Products Group segment "Channel Development."

Effective at the beginning of fiscal 2013, we decentralized certain leadership functions in the areas of retail marketing and 

category management, global store development and partner resources to support and align with the respective operating 

segment presidents. In conjunction with these moves, certain general and administrative and depreciation and amortization 

expenses associated with these functions, which were previously reported as unallocated corporate expenses within "Other," are 

now reported within the respective reportable operating segments to align with the regions which they support. 

Concurrent with the change in reportable operating segments and realignment of certain operating expenses noted above, we 

revised our prior period financial information to reflect comparable financial information for the new segment structure and 

reporting changes. Historical financial information presented herein reflects these changes. There was no impact on 

consolidated net revenues, total operating expenses, operating income, or net earnings as a result of these changes. 

Beginning in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, we removed unallocated corporate expenses from Other. Other is now referred 

to as All Other Segments and includes Teavana, Seattle's Best Coffee and Evolution Fresh, as well as our Digital Ventures 

business. Unallocated corporate operating expenses, which pertain primarily to corporate administrative functions that support 

the operating segments, but are not specifically attributable to or managed by any segment, are presented as a reconciling item 

between total segment operating results and consolidated financial results. While our consolidated results are not impacted, our 

historical segment financial information has been revised to be consistent with the current presentation.

Americas, EMEA and CAP operations sell coffee and other beverages, complementary food, packaged coffees, single-serve 

coffee products and a focused selection of merchandise through company-operated stores and licensed stores. Our Americas 

segment is our most mature business and has achieved significant scale. Certain markets within our EMEA and CAP operations 

are still in the early stages of development and require a more extensive support organization, relative to their current levels of 

revenue and operating income, than our Americas operations. The Americas and EMEA segments also include certain 

foodservice accounts, primarily in Canada and the UK. Our Americas segment also includes our La Boulange® retail stores. 

Channel Development operations sell a selection of packaged coffees as well as a selection of premium Tazo® teas globally. 

Channel Development operations also produce and sell a variety of ready-to-drink beverages, such as Frappuccino® coffee 

drinks, Starbucks Doubleshot® espresso drinks and Starbucks Refreshers® beverages, as well as Starbucks- and Tazo-branded 

single-serve products. The US foodservice business, which is included in the Channel Development segment, sells coffee and 

other related products to institutional foodservice companies. 

Consolidated revenue mix by product type (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended

Beverage

Food

Packaged and single-serve coffees and teas
Other(1)
Total

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

$

9,458.4

58% $

8,674.7

58% $

7,883.8

2,505.2

2,370.0

2,114.2

15%

14%

13%

2,189.8

2,206.5

1,795.8

15%

15%

12%

1,875.1

1,965.8

1,552.1

59%

14%

15%

12%

$ 16,447.8

100% $ 14,866.8

100% $ 13,276.8

100%

(1) "Other" primarily includes royalty and licensing revenues, beverage-related ingredients, ready-to-drink beverages and 

serveware, among other items.

In fiscal 2014, we moved ready-to-drink beverage revenues from the "Food" category to the "Other" category and combined 
packaged and single-serve teas, which were previously included in the "Other" category, with packaged and single serve 
coffees, which are now categorized as "Packaged and single-serve coffees and teas." Additionally, we revised our discount 
allocation methodology to more precisely allocate sales discounts to the various revenue product categories. None of these 
changes had a material impact on the composition of our revenue mix by product type. Prior period amounts have been revised 
to be consistent with the current period presentation.

Information by geographic area (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended
Net revenues from external customers:

United States

Other countries

Total

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

$

$

12,590.6

3,857.2

16,447.8

$

$

11,389.6

3,477.2

14,866.8

$

$

10,154.8

3,122.0

13,276.8

No customer accounts for 10% or more of our revenues. Revenues are shown based on the geographic location of our 
customers. Revenues from countries other than the US consist primarily of revenues from Canada, the UK, and China, which 
together account for approximately 65% of net revenues from other countries for fiscal 2014.

Fiscal Year Ended
Long-lived assets:

United States

Other countries

Total

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

$

$

5,135.8

1,448.4

6,584.2

$

$

4,641.3

1,404.0

6,045.3

$

$

2,767.1

1,252.5

4,019.6

Management evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on net revenues and operating income. The accounting 
policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. 
Operating income represents earnings before net interest income and other, interest expense and income taxes. Management 
does not evaluate the performance of its operating segments using asset measures. The identifiable assets by segment disclosed 
in this note are those assets specifically identifiable within each segment and include cash and cash equivalents, net property, 
plant and equipment, equity and cost investments, goodwill, and other intangible assets. Assets not identified by reportable 
operating segment below are corporate assets and are primarily comprised of cash and cash equivalents available for general 
corporate purposes, investments, assets of the corporate headquarters and roasting facilities, and inventory.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

79

The table below presents financial information for our reportable operating segments and All Other Segments for the years 
ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013, and September 30, 2012, including reclassifications resulting from the 
correction of the immaterial error discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The reclassifications for 
fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were $21.8 million and $19.2 million for the Channel Development segment, respectively, and $3.6 
million and $3.5 million for All Other Segments, respectively.

Note 17:    Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited; in millions, except EPS)

(in millions)
Fiscal 2014
Total net revenues

Americas

EMEA

China /
Asia Pacific

Channel
Development

All Other
Segments

Segment
Total

$ 11,980.5

$

1,294.8

$

1,129.6

$

1,546.0

$

496.9

$ 16,447.8

Net earnings attributable to Starbucks

Depreciation and amortization expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Total assets

469.5

—

2,809.0

2,521.4

59.4

3.7

119.2

663.0

46.1

164.0

372.5

939.8

1.8

100.6

557.2

84.6

15.2

—
(26.8)
825.2

592.0

268.3

3,831.1

5,034.0

Fiscal 2013
Total net revenues

$ 11,000.8

$

1,160.0

$

917.0

$

1,398.9

$

390.1

$ 14,866.8

Depreciation and amortization expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Total assets

429.3

2.4

2,365.2

2,323.4

55.5

0.4

64.2

510.6

33.8

152.0

321.2

805.0

1.1

96.6

415.5

89.2

11.7

—
(34.5)
821.1

531.4

251.4

3,131.6

4,549.3

Fiscal 2012
Total net revenues

$

9,936.0

$

1,141.3

$

721.4

$

1,273.0

$

205.1

$ 13,276.8

Depreciation and amortization expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Total assets

392.4

2.1

2,020.4

2,199.0

57.1

0.3

6.8

467.4

23.2

122.4

252.6

656.6

1.3

85.2

340.4

88.8

2.5

0.7
(27.4)
80.8

476.5

210.7

2,592.8

3,492.6

The following table reconciles total segment operating income in the table above to consolidated earnings/(loss) before income 
taxes (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended
Total segment operating income
Unallocated corporate operating expenses(1)
Consolidated operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

$

$

3,831.1
(750.0)
3,081.1

142.7
(64.1)
3,159.7

$

$

$

3,131.6
(3,457.0)
(325.4)
123.6
(28.1)
(229.9) $

2,592.8
(595.4)
1,997.4

94.4
(32.7)
2,059.1

(1) Fiscal 2013 includes a pretax charge of $2,784.1 million resulting from the litigation charge we recorded associated with the 
conclusion of our arbitration with Kraft. 

80  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

First 

Quarter

Second

Quarter

Third 

Quarter

Fourth

Quarter

Full 

Year

$

4,239.6

$

3,873.8

$

4,153.7

$

4,180.8

$

16,447.8

813.5

540.7

0.71

630.6

432.2

0.57

644.1

427.0

0.56

544.1

390.4

0.51

768.5

512.6

0.67

615.2

417.8

0.55

854.9

587.9

0.77

3,081.1

2,068.1

2.71

(2,115.2)

(1,232.0)

(1.64)

(325.4)

8.3

0.01

$

3,793.2

$

3,549.6

$

3,735.3

$

3,788.8

$

14,866.8

Fiscal 2014:

Net revenues

Operating income

EPS — diluted

Fiscal 2013:

Net revenues(1)

EPS — diluted(2)

(1) 

Operating income/(loss)(2)

Net earnings/(loss) attributable to Starbucks(2)

arbitration with Kraft. 

Note 18:    Subsequent Event

Includes the reclassifications resulting from the correction of the immaterial error discussed in Note 1, Summary of 

Significant Accounting Policies. We reclassified $6.4 million, $6.3 million, $6.4 million and $6.2 million for the first, 

second, third, and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2013, respectively, and $25.4 million for the full year of fiscal 2013. 

(2)  The fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 includes a pretax charge of $2,784.1 million resulting from the conclusion of the 

On September 23, 2014, we entered into a tender offer bid agreement with Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. ("Starbucks Japan"), a 

39.5% owned equity method investment (as discussed in Note 6, Equity and Cost Investments), and our joint venture partner, 

Sazaby League, Ltd. ("Sazaby"), to acquire the remaining 60.5% ownership interest in Starbucks Japan. We are acquiring 

Starbucks Japan to further leverage our existing infrastructure to continue disciplined retail store growth and expand our 

presence into other channels in the Japan market, such as CPG, licensing and foodservice. Structured as a two-step tender offer, 

the full acquisition of Starbucks Japan is expected to be completed during fiscal 2015.

On October 31, 2014, we acquired Sazaby's 39.5% ownership interest through the first tender offer step for ¥55 billion ($511 

million) in cash, bringing our total ownership in Starbucks Japan to a controlling 79% interest. Due to the limited time since the 

closing of the first tender offer step, the initial accounting for this acquisition is still in process but will be reflected in our first 

quarter of fiscal 2015 results. We will record the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 31, 2014, 

as well as adjust the carrying value of our existing 39.5% equity method investment to fair value. From the acquisition date 

forward, we will consolidate Starbucks Japan's results of operations and cash flows in our consolidated financial statements. 

Until the remaining 21% of minority shareholders’ interests are acquired, we will present them as net earnings attributable to 

noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of earnings.

We initiated the second tender offer step on November 10, 2014 to acquire the remaining 21% ownership interest held by the 

public shareholders and option holders of Starbucks Japan's common stock, with the objective of acquiring all of the remaining 

outstanding shares including outstanding stock options, which we expect to complete on December 29, 2014. Upon successful 

completion of the second tender offer step, we intend to commence a cash-out procedure under Japanese law (the "Cash-out") 

that will allow us to acquire all remaining shares. At the conclusion of the Cash-out, which we expect to complete during the 

first half of calendar 2015, Starbucks will own 100% of Starbucks Japan. The expected purchase price for the second tender 

offer step and the Cash-out is ¥44.5 billion (approximately $382 million with Japanese yen converted into US dollars at a 

reference conversion rate of 116.52 JPY to USD). 

We funded the first tender offer step with $511 million in offshore cash. We also expect to fund a majority of the second tender 

offer step with offshore cash. Through the date of this filing, we have incurred approximately $5 million in acquisition-related 

costs, such as regulatory, legal, and advisory fees, which we have recorded within unallocated corporate general and 

administrative expenses during the respective fiscal periods in which they were incurred.

The table below presents financial information for our reportable operating segments and All Other Segments for the years 

ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013, and September 30, 2012, including reclassifications resulting from the 

correction of the immaterial error discussed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. The reclassifications for 

fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were $21.8 million and $19.2 million for the Channel Development segment, respectively, and $3.6 

million and $3.5 million for All Other Segments, respectively.

(in millions)

Fiscal 2014

Total net revenues

Depreciation and amortization expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Total assets

Fiscal 2013

Total net revenues

Depreciation and amortization expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Total assets

Fiscal 2012

Total net revenues

Depreciation and amortization expenses

Income from equity investees

Operating income/(loss)

Total assets

Americas

EMEA

Asia Pacific

Development

China /

Channel

All Other

Segments

Segment

Total

$ 11,980.5

$

1,294.8

$

1,129.6

$

1,546.0

$

496.9

$ 16,447.8

$ 11,000.8

$

1,160.0

$

917.0

$

1,398.9

$

390.1

$ 14,866.8

469.5

—

2,809.0

2,521.4

429.3

2.4

2,365.2

2,323.4

392.4

2.1

2,020.4

2,199.0

59.4

3.7

119.2

663.0

55.5

0.4

64.2

510.6

57.1

0.3

6.8

467.4

46.1

164.0

372.5

939.8

33.8

152.0

321.2

805.0

23.2

122.4

252.6

656.6

1.8

100.6

557.2

84.6

1.1

96.6

415.5

89.2

1.3

85.2

340.4

88.8

15.2

—

(26.8)

825.2

592.0

268.3

3,831.1

5,034.0

11.7

—

(34.5)

821.1

531.4

251.4

3,131.6

4,549.3

2.5

0.7

(27.4)

80.8

476.5

210.7

2,592.8

3,492.6

$

9,936.0

$

1,141.3

$

721.4

$

1,273.0

$

205.1

$ 13,276.8

The following table reconciles total segment operating income in the table above to consolidated earnings/(loss) before income 

taxes (in millions):

Fiscal Year Ended

Sep 28, 2014

Sep 29, 2013

Sep 30, 2012

Total segment operating income

Unallocated corporate operating expenses(1)

Consolidated operating income/(loss)

Interest income and other, net

Interest expense

Earnings/(loss) before income taxes

$

$

3,831.1

$

3,131.6

$

(750.0)

3,081.1

142.7

(64.1)

(3,457.0)

(325.4)

123.6

(28.1)

2,592.8

(595.4)

1,997.4

94.4

(32.7)

3,159.7

$

(229.9) $

2,059.1

(1) Fiscal 2013 includes a pretax charge of $2,784.1 million resulting from the litigation charge we recorded associated with the 

conclusion of our arbitration with Kraft. 

Note 17:    Selected Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited; in millions, except EPS)

Fiscal 2014:
Net revenues

Operating income

Net earnings attributable to Starbucks

EPS — diluted

Fiscal 2013:
Net revenues(1)
Operating income/(loss)(2)
Net earnings/(loss) attributable to Starbucks(2)
EPS — diluted(2)

First 
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third 
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

Full 
Year

$

4,239.6

$

3,873.8

$

4,153.7

$

4,180.8

$

16,447.8

813.5

540.7

0.71

644.1

427.0

0.56

768.5

512.6

0.67

854.9

587.9

0.77

3,081.1

2,068.1

2.71

$

3,793.2

$

3,549.6

$

3,735.3

$

630.6

432.2

0.57

544.1

390.4

0.51

615.2

417.8

0.55

$

3,788.8
(2,115.2)
(1,232.0)

(1.64)

14,866.8
(325.4)
8.3

0.01

(1) 

Includes the reclassifications resulting from the correction of the immaterial error discussed in Note 1, Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies. We reclassified $6.4 million, $6.3 million, $6.4 million and $6.2 million for the first, 
second, third, and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2013, respectively, and $25.4 million for the full year of fiscal 2013. 

(2)  The fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 includes a pretax charge of $2,784.1 million resulting from the conclusion of the 

arbitration with Kraft. 

Note 18:    Subsequent Event

On September 23, 2014, we entered into a tender offer bid agreement with Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. ("Starbucks Japan"), a 
39.5% owned equity method investment (as discussed in Note 6, Equity and Cost Investments), and our joint venture partner, 
Sazaby League, Ltd. ("Sazaby"), to acquire the remaining 60.5% ownership interest in Starbucks Japan. We are acquiring 
Starbucks Japan to further leverage our existing infrastructure to continue disciplined retail store growth and expand our 
presence into other channels in the Japan market, such as CPG, licensing and foodservice. Structured as a two-step tender offer, 
the full acquisition of Starbucks Japan is expected to be completed during fiscal 2015.

On October 31, 2014, we acquired Sazaby's 39.5% ownership interest through the first tender offer step for ¥55 billion ($511 
million) in cash, bringing our total ownership in Starbucks Japan to a controlling 79% interest. Due to the limited time since the 
closing of the first tender offer step, the initial accounting for this acquisition is still in process but will be reflected in our first 
quarter of fiscal 2015 results. We will record the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 31, 2014, 
as well as adjust the carrying value of our existing 39.5% equity method investment to fair value. From the acquisition date 
forward, we will consolidate Starbucks Japan's results of operations and cash flows in our consolidated financial statements. 
Until the remaining 21% of minority shareholders’ interests are acquired, we will present them as net earnings attributable to 
noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of earnings.

We initiated the second tender offer step on November 10, 2014 to acquire the remaining 21% ownership interest held by the 
public shareholders and option holders of Starbucks Japan's common stock, with the objective of acquiring all of the remaining 
outstanding shares including outstanding stock options, which we expect to complete on December 29, 2014. Upon successful 
completion of the second tender offer step, we intend to commence a cash-out procedure under Japanese law (the "Cash-out") 
that will allow us to acquire all remaining shares. At the conclusion of the Cash-out, which we expect to complete during the 
first half of calendar 2015, Starbucks will own 100% of Starbucks Japan. The expected purchase price for the second tender 
offer step and the Cash-out is ¥44.5 billion (approximately $382 million with Japanese yen converted into US dollars at a 
reference conversion rate of 116.52 JPY to USD). 

We funded the first tender offer step with $511 million in offshore cash. We also expect to fund a majority of the second tender 
offer step with offshore cash. Through the date of this filing, we have incurred approximately $5 million in acquisition-related 
costs, such as regulatory, legal, and advisory fees, which we have recorded within unallocated corporate general and 
administrative expenses during the respective fiscal periods in which they were incurred.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

81

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Starbucks Corporation
Seattle, Washington

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Starbucks Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as 
of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, 
equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2014. These financial statements are the 
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on 
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Starbucks 
Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, and the results of their operations and their 
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal 
Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 
and our report dated November 14, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Seattle, Washington
November 14, 2014 

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in 

our periodic reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is 

recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Our disclosure 

controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit 

under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and 

principal financial officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our 

management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and 

operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. 

Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and 

procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report (September 28, 2014).

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the 

Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially 

affect internal control over financial reporting.

The certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed as exhibits 31.1 and 31.2, respectively, 

to this 10-K.

Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal 

control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting 

for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal 

control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our 

transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial 

statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with management 

authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that 

could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its 

inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement 

of our financial statements would be prevented or detected.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the 

framework and criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (the "1992 Framework"), issued by the 

Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation 

of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion 

on this evaluation. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was 

effective as of September 28, 2014.

Our internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2014, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an 

independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

82  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Starbucks Corporation

Seattle, Washington

Not applicable.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Starbucks Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as 

of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2014. These financial statements are the 

responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on 

our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial 

statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and 

disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates 

made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a 

reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Starbucks 

Corporation and subsidiaries as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013, and the results of their operations and their 

cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended September 28, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles 

generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 

the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal 

Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission 

and our report dated November 14, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial 

reporting.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Seattle, Washington

November 14, 2014 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in 
our periodic reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is 
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Our disclosure 
controls and procedures are also designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit 
under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and 
principal financial officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our 
management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and 
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. 
Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and 
procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report (September 28, 2014).

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the 
Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially 
affect internal control over financial reporting.

The certifications required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are filed as exhibits 31.1 and 31.2, respectively, 
to this 10-K.

Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal 
control over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting 
for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Internal 
control over financial reporting includes maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our 
transactions; providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial 
statements; providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are made in accordance with management 
authorization; and providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that 
could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its 
inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement 
of our financial statements would be prevented or detected.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the 
framework and criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (the "1992 Framework"), issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation 
of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion 
on this evaluation. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was 
effective as of September 28, 2014.

Our internal control over financial reporting as of September 28, 2014, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an 
independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

83

Item 9B.  Other Information

None.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Starbucks Corporation
Seattle, Washington

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Starbucks Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of 
September 28, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for 
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over 
financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our 
responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal 
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of 
internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and 
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered 
necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s 
principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s 
board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 
reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the 
maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of 
the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that 
could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or 
improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a 
timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future 
periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of 
compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 
September 28, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 
the consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2014, of the Company and our report 
dated November 14, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Seattle, Washington
November 14, 2014 

84  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Item 9B.  Other Information

None.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Starbucks Corporation

Seattle, Washington

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Starbucks Corporation and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of 

September 28, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the 

Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for 

maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over 

financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report of Management on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our 

responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal 

control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of 

internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and 

operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered 

necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s 

principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s 

board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial 

reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 

principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the 

maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of 

the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 

statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 

being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 

assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that 

could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or 

improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a 

timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future 

periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of 

compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of 

September 28, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the 

Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 

the consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2014, of the Company and our report 

dated November 14, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Seattle, Washington

November 14, 2014 

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

85

PART III

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this 10-K:

1.    Financial Statements

The following financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of this 10-K:

•  Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013, and 

•  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 

•  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013;

•  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 

•  Consolidated Statements of Equity for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013, and 

September 30, 2012;

2013, and September 30, 2012;

2013, and September 30, 2012;

September 30, 2012;

•  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; and

•  Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

2.    Financial Statement Schedules

Financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is 

provided in the consolidated financial statements or notes described in Item 15(a)(1) above.

3.    Exhibits

The Exhibits listed in the Index to Exhibits, which appears immediately following the signature page and is incorporated herein 

by reference, are filed as part of this 10-K.

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information regarding our executive officers is set forth in Item 1 of Part 1 of this Report under the caption "Executive Officers 
of the Registrant."

We adopted a code of ethics that applies to our chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, controller 
and other finance leaders, which is a "code of ethics" as defined by applicable rules of the SEC. This code is publicly available 
on our website at www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/corporate-governance. If we make any amendments to 
this code other than technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments, or grant any waivers, including implicit 
waivers, from a provision of this code to our chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer or controller, 
we will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date and to whom it applies on our website at 
www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/corporate-governance or in a report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC.

The remaining information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled "Proposal 1 — 
Election of Directors" and "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock — Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting 
Compliance," "Corporate Governance — Board Committees and Related Matters" and "Corporate Governance — Audit and 
Compliance Committee" in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 18, 
2015 (the "Proxy Statement").

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Executive Compensation," 
"Compensation of Directors," "Corporate Governance — Compensation and Management Development Committee" and 
"Compensation Committee Report" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Equity Compensation Plan 
Information" and "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Certain Relationships and Related 
Transactions" and "Corporate Governance — Affirmative Determinations Regarding Director Independence and Other 
Matters" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Independent Registered Public 
Accounting Firm Fees" and "Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of the 
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Proxy Statement.

86  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

PART III

PART IV

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Information regarding our executive officers is set forth in Item 1 of Part 1 of this Report under the caption "Executive Officers 

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this 10-K:

of the Registrant."

We adopted a code of ethics that applies to our chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer, controller 

1.    Financial Statements

and other finance leaders, which is a "code of ethics" as defined by applicable rules of the SEC. This code is publicly available 

The following financial statements are included in Part II, Item 8 of this 10-K:

on our website at www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/corporate-governance. If we make any amendments to 

this code other than technical, administrative or other non-substantive amendments, or grant any waivers, including implicit 

waivers, from a provision of this code to our chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief financial officer or controller, 

we will disclose the nature of the amendment or waiver, its effective date and to whom it applies on our website at 

www.starbucks.com/about-us/company-information/corporate-governance or in a report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC.

The remaining information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the sections entitled "Proposal 1 — 

Election of Directors" and "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock — Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting 

Compliance," "Corporate Governance — Board Committees and Related Matters" and "Corporate Governance — Audit and 

Compliance Committee" in our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on March 18, 

2015 (the "Proxy Statement").

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Executive Compensation," 

"Compensation of Directors," "Corporate Governance — Compensation and Management Development Committee" and 

"Compensation Committee Report" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Equity Compensation Plan 

Information" and "Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the section entitled "Certain Relationships and Related 

Transactions" and "Corporate Governance — Affirmative Determinations Regarding Director Independence and Other 

Matters" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the sections entitled "Independent Registered Public 

Accounting Firm Fees" and "Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of the 

Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in the Proxy Statement.

•  Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013, and 

September 30, 2012;

•  Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 

2013, and September 30, 2012;

•  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 28, 2014 and September 29, 2013;

•  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 

2013, and September 30, 2012;

•  Consolidated Statements of Equity for the fiscal years ended September 28, 2014, September 29, 2013, and 

September 30, 2012;

•  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; and

•  Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

2.    Financial Statement Schedules

Financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable, or the required information is 
provided in the consolidated financial statements or notes described in Item 15(a)(1) above.

3.    Exhibits

The Exhibits listed in the Index to Exhibits, which appears immediately following the signature page and is incorporated herein 
by reference, are filed as part of this 10-K.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

87

By:

/s/    Joshua Cooper Ramo

Joshua Cooper Ramo

By:

/s/    James G. Shennan, Jr.

James G. Shennan, Jr.

By:

/s/    Clara Shih

Clara Shih

By:

/s/    Javier G. Teruel

Javier G. Teruel

By:

/s/    Myron E. Ullman, III

Myron E. Ullman, III

By:

/s/    Craig E. Weatherup

Craig E. Weatherup

Title

director

director

director

director

director

director

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

Signature

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

By:

/s/    Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz
chairman, president and chief executive officer

November 14, 2014 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know all persons by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Howard Schultz 
and Scott Maw, and each of them, as such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution 
and resubstitution, for such person and in such person’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all 
amendments to this report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and 
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to 
all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-
fact and agents, or any of them or their or such person’s substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue 
thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated as of November 14, 2014.

Signature

Title

By:

/s/    Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz

By:

/s/    Scott Maw

Scott Maw

By:

/s/    William W. Bradley

William W. Bradley

By:

/s/    Robert M. Gates

Robert M. Gates

By:

/s/    Mellody Hobson

Mellody Hobson

By:

/s/    Kevin R. Johnson

Kevin R. Johnson

By:

/s/    Olden Lee

Olden Lee

88  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

chairman, president and chief executive officer

executive vice president, chief financial officer 
(principal financial officer and principal accounting 
officer)

director

director

director

director

director

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES

Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this 

report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

STARBUCKS CORPORATION

By:

/s/    Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz

chairman, president and chief executive officer

November 14, 2014 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Know all persons by these presents, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Howard Schultz 

and Scott Maw, and each of them, as such person’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution 

and resubstitution, for such person and in such person’s name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all 

amendments to this report, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the 

Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and 

authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in connection therewith, as fully to 

all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-

fact and agents, or any of them or their or such person’s substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue 

thereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following 

persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated as of November 14, 2014.

Signature

Title

chairman, president and chief executive officer

executive vice president, chief financial officer 

(principal financial officer and principal accounting 

By:

/s/    Joshua Cooper Ramo

Joshua Cooper Ramo

By:

/s/    James G. Shennan, Jr.

James G. Shennan, Jr.

By:

/s/    Clara Shih

Clara Shih

By:

/s/    Javier G. Teruel

Javier G. Teruel

By:

/s/    Myron E. Ullman, III

Myron E. Ullman, III

By:

/s/    Craig E. Weatherup

Craig E. Weatherup

By:

/s/    Howard Schultz

Howard Schultz

By:

/s/    Scott Maw

Scott Maw

By:

/s/    William W. Bradley

William W. Bradley

By:

/s/    Robert M. Gates

Robert M. Gates

By:

/s/    Mellody Hobson

Mellody Hobson

By:

/s/    Kevin R. Johnson

Kevin R. Johnson

By:

/s/    Olden Lee

Olden Lee

officer)

director

director

director

director

director

Title

director

director

director

director

director

director

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

89

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Incorporated by Reference

Form
8-K

File No.
0-20322

Date of Filing
11/15/2012

Exhibit
Number
2.1

Filed
Herewith

10-Q

10-K

0-20322

5/12/2006

0-20322

11/16/2012

S-3ASR

333-190955

9/3/2013

0-20322

8/23/2007

0-20322

8/23/2007

0-20322

9/6/2013

0-20322

9/6/2013

0-20322

12/5/2013

0-20322

12/5/2013

0-20322

12/5/2013

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.4

0-20322

3/20/2009

10.2

10.16*

Form of Stock Option Grant

10-Q

0-20322

5/2/2012

10.1

10-K

0-20322

12/23/2003

10.2

8-K

0-20322

3/20/2009

10.3

10-K

0-20322

12/23/2003

10.3.1

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.17

10.18*

Form of Stock Option Grant

8-K

0-20322

2/10/2005

10.5

10-Q

0-20322

2/4/2009

10.6

10.19*

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2011

10.20

Incorporated by Reference

Form

10-K

File No.

0-20322

Date of Filing

12/20/2001

Exhibit

Number

10.5

Filed

Herewith

10-Q

0-20322

5/2/2012

10.2

10.7*

Starbucks Corporation Management

10-Q

0-20322

2/4/2011

10.2

10.8*

Starbucks Corporation 1997 Deferred

0-20322

12/23/1999

10.17

10.9*

Starbucks Corporation UK Share Save

0-20322

12/23/2003

10.9

0-20322

12/23/2003

10.10

10-K

10-K

10-K

10.11*

Starbucks Corporation Deferred

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2011

10.11

10.12*

10-K

0-20322

12/14/2006

10.12

10.13*

Starbucks Corporation 2005 Long-

S-8

333-191512

10/1/2013

99.1

10-Q

0-20322

2/10/2006

10.2

10.15*

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2011

10.17

Exhibit

Number

10.5

10.6*

Exhibit Description

Amended and Restated Lease, dated

as of January 1, 2001, between First

and Utah Street Associates, L.P. and

Starbucks Corporation

Starbucks Corporation Executive

Management Bonus Plan, as amended

and restated effective November 8,

2011

Deferred Compensation Plan, as

amended and restated effective

January 1, 2011

Stock Plan

Plan

10.10*

Starbucks Corporation Directors

Deferred Compensation Plan, as

amended and restated effective

September 29, 2003

Compensation Plan for Non-Employee

Directors, effective October 3, 2011

Starbucks Corporation UK Share

Incentive Plan, as amended and

restated effective November 14, 2006

Term Equity Incentive Plan, as

amended and restated effective

March 20, 2013

10.14*

2005 Key Employee Sub-Plan to the

Starbucks Corporation 2005 Long-

Term Equity Incentive Plan, as

amended and restated effective

November 15, 2005

2005 Non-Employee Director Sub-

Plan to the Starbucks Corporation

2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive

Plan, as amended and restated

effective September 13, 2011

Agreement for Purchase of Stock

under the Key Employee Sub-Plan to

the 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive

10.17*

Form of Global Stock Option Grant

Agreement for Purchase of Stock

under the Key Employee Sub-Plan to

the 2005 Long Term Equity Incentive

Plan

Plan

Agreement for Purchase of Stock

under the 2005 Non-Employee

Director Sub-Plan to the Starbucks

Corporation 2005 Long-Term Equity

Incentive Plan

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant

Agreement under the 2005 Non-

Employee Director Sub-Plan to the

Starbucks Corporation 2005 Long-

Term Equity Incentive Plan

Exhibit
Number
2.1

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

10.1*

10.2*

10.3*

10.3.1*

10.4*

Exhibit Description
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated
as of November 14, 2012, among
Starbucks Corporation, Taj
Acquisition Corp. and Teavana
Holdings, Inc.
Restated Articles of Incorporation of
Starbucks Corporation
Amended and Restated Bylaws of
Starbucks Corporation (As amended
and restated through November 13,
2012)
Indenture, dated as of August 23,
2007, by and between Starbucks
Corporation and Deutsche Bank Trust
Company Americas, as trustee

Form of Note for 6.25% Senior Notes
due 2017
Form of Supplemental Indenture for
6.25% Senior Notes due 2017
Second Supplemental Indenture, dated
as of September 6, 2013, by and
between Starbucks Corporation and
Deutsche Bank Trust Company
Americas, as trustee (3.850% Senior
Notes due October 1, 2023)
Form of 3.850% Senior Notes due
October 1, 2023
Third Supplemental Indenture, dated 
as of December 5, 2013, by and 
between Starbucks Corporation and 
Deutsche Bank Trust Company 
Americas, as trustee (0.875% Senior 
Notes due 2016 and 2.000% Senior 
Notes due 2018)
Form of 0.875% Senior Notes due
December 5, 2016
Form of 2.000% Senior Notes due
December 5, 2018
Starbucks Corporation Amended and
Restated Key Employee Stock Option
Plan — 1994, as amended and restated
through March 18, 2009
Starbucks Corporation Amended and
Restated 1989 Stock Option Plan for
Non-Employee Directors
Starbucks Corporation 1991
Company-Wide Stock Option Plan, as
amended and restated through
March 18, 2009
Starbucks Corporation 1991
Company-Wide Stock Option Plan —
Rules of the UK Sub-Plan, as
amended and restated through
November 20, 2003
Starbucks Corporation Employee
Stock Purchase Plan — 1995 as
amended and restated through April 1,
2009

90  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

  
  
  
  
  
  
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit

Number

Exhibit Description

2.1

Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated

Form

8-K

File No.

0-20322

Date of Filing

11/15/2012

Exhibit

Number

2.1

Filed

Herewith

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.2

4.3

4.4

10-Q

10-K

0-20322

5/12/2006

0-20322

11/16/2012

S-3ASR

333-190955

9/3/2013

0-20322

8/23/2007

0-20322

9/6/2013

Form of Note for 6.25% Senior Notes

0-20322

8/23/2007

4.5

Form of 3.850% Senior Notes due

0-20322

9/6/2013

0-20322

12/5/2013

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.6

4.7

4.8

10.1*

10.2*

as of November 14, 2012, among

Starbucks Corporation, Taj

Acquisition Corp. and Teavana

Holdings, Inc.

Restated Articles of Incorporation of

Starbucks Corporation

Amended and Restated Bylaws of

Starbucks Corporation (As amended

and restated through November 13,

2012)

Indenture, dated as of August 23,

2007, by and between Starbucks

Corporation and Deutsche Bank Trust

Company Americas, as trustee

due 2017

Form of Supplemental Indenture for

6.25% Senior Notes due 2017

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated

as of September 6, 2013, by and

between Starbucks Corporation and

Deutsche Bank Trust Company

Americas, as trustee (3.850% Senior

Notes due October 1, 2023)

October 1, 2023

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated 

as of December 5, 2013, by and 

between Starbucks Corporation and 

Deutsche Bank Trust Company 

Americas, as trustee (0.875% Senior 

Notes due 2016 and 2.000% Senior 

Notes due 2018)

Form of 0.875% Senior Notes due

December 5, 2016

Form of 2.000% Senior Notes due

December 5, 2018

Starbucks Corporation Amended and

Restated Key Employee Stock Option

Plan — 1994, as amended and restated

through March 18, 2009

Starbucks Corporation Amended and

Restated 1989 Stock Option Plan for

Non-Employee Directors

Company-Wide Stock Option Plan, as

amended and restated through

March 18, 2009

Company-Wide Stock Option Plan —

Rules of the UK Sub-Plan, as

amended and restated through

November 20, 2003

Starbucks Corporation Employee

Stock Purchase Plan — 1995 as

amended and restated through April 1,

2009

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

8-K

10.3*

Starbucks Corporation 1991

8-K

0-20322

3/20/2009

10.3

10.3.1*

Starbucks Corporation 1991

10-K

0-20322

12/23/2003

10.3.1

10.4*

10-Q

0-20322

2/4/2009

10.6

0-20322

12/5/2013

0-20322

12/5/2013

0-20322

3/20/2009

10.2

10-K

0-20322

12/23/2003

10.2

Exhibit
Number
10.5

10.6*

10.7*

10.8*

10.9*

10.10*

10.11*

10.12*

10.13*

10.14*

10.15*

10.16*

10.17*

10.18*

10.19*

Exhibit Description

Amended and Restated Lease, dated
as of January 1, 2001, between First
and Utah Street Associates, L.P. and
Starbucks Corporation
Starbucks Corporation Executive
Management Bonus Plan, as amended
and restated effective November 8,
2011
Starbucks Corporation Management
Deferred Compensation Plan, as
amended and restated effective
January 1, 2011
Starbucks Corporation 1997 Deferred
Stock Plan
Starbucks Corporation UK Share Save
Plan
Starbucks Corporation Directors
Deferred Compensation Plan, as
amended and restated effective
September 29, 2003
Starbucks Corporation Deferred
Compensation Plan for Non-Employee
Directors, effective October 3, 2011
Starbucks Corporation UK Share
Incentive Plan, as amended and
restated effective November 14, 2006
Starbucks Corporation 2005 Long-
Term Equity Incentive Plan, as
amended and restated effective
March 20, 2013
2005 Key Employee Sub-Plan to the
Starbucks Corporation 2005 Long-
Term Equity Incentive Plan, as
amended and restated effective
November 15, 2005
2005 Non-Employee Director Sub-
Plan to the Starbucks Corporation
2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive
Plan, as amended and restated
effective September 13, 2011
Form of Stock Option Grant
Agreement for Purchase of Stock
under the Key Employee Sub-Plan to
the 2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive
Plan
Form of Global Stock Option Grant
Agreement for Purchase of Stock
under the Key Employee Sub-Plan to
the 2005 Long Term Equity Incentive
Plan
Form of Stock Option Grant
Agreement for Purchase of Stock
under the 2005 Non-Employee
Director Sub-Plan to the Starbucks
Corporation 2005 Long-Term Equity
Incentive Plan

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Grant
Agreement under the 2005 Non-
Employee Director Sub-Plan to the
Starbucks Corporation 2005 Long-
Term Equity Incentive Plan

Incorporated by Reference

Form
10-K

File No.
0-20322

Date of Filing
12/20/2001

Exhibit
Number
10.5

Filed
Herewith

10-Q

0-20322

5/2/2012

10.2

10-Q

0-20322

2/4/2011

10.2

10-K

10-K

10-K

0-20322

12/23/1999

10.17

0-20322

12/23/2003

10.9

0-20322

12/23/2003

10.10

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2011

10.11

10-K

0-20322

12/14/2006

10.12

S-8

333-191512

10/1/2013

99.1

10-Q

0-20322

2/10/2006

10.2

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2011

10.17

10-Q

0-20322

5/2/2012

10.1

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.17

8-K

0-20322

2/10/2005

10.5

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2011

10.20

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

91

  
  
  
  
  
  
Exhibit
Number
10.20*

10.21*

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26*

10.27*

10.28*

10.29*

10.30*

10.31*

10.32*

10.33*

Exhibit Description
2005 Company-Wide Sub-Plan to the
Starbucks Corporation 2005 Long-
Term Equity Incentive Plan, as
amended and restated on
September 14, 2010
Form of Stock Option Grant
Agreement for Purchase of Stock
under the 2005 Company-Wide Sub-
Plan to the Starbucks Corporation
2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive
Plan
Credit Agreement dated February 5,
2013 among Starbucks Corporation,
Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity
as Administrative Agent, Swing Line
Lender and L/C Issuer, and the other
Lenders from time to time a party
thereto.
Amendment No.1 dated November 15,
2013 to Credit Agreement dated
February 5, 2013 among Starbucks
Corporation, Bank of America, N.A.,
in its capacity as Administrative
Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C
Issuer, and the other Lenders from
time to time a party thereto.
Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement
between Starbucks Corporation and
Banc of America Securities LLC,
dated as of March 27, 2007
Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement
between Starbucks Corporation and
Goldman, Sachs & Co., dated as of
March 27, 2007
Letter Agreement dated February 21,
2008 between Starbucks Corporation
and Clifford Burrows
Letter Agreement dated November 6,
2008 between Starbucks Corporation
and Troy Alstead
Form of Time Vested Restricted Stock
Unit Grant Agreement (US) under the
Key Employee Sub-Plan to the 2005
Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan
Form of Time Vested Global
Restricted Stock Unit Grant
Agreement under the Key Employee
Sub-Plan to the 2005 Long-Term
Equity Incentive Plan
Form of Performance Based Global
Restricted Stock Unit Grant
Agreement under the Key Employee
Sub-Plan to the 2005 Long-Term
Equity Incentive Plan
Letter Agreement dated November 30,
2009 between Starbucks Corporation
and John Culver
Letter of Understanding dated May
22, 2013, between Starbucks
Corporation and Jeff Hansberry
Letter Agreement dated May 16, 2012
between Starbucks Corporation and
Lucy Lee Helm

92  Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K

Incorporated by Reference

Form
10-K

File No.
0-20322

Date of Filing
11/22/2010

Exhibit
Number
10.20

Filed
Herewith

10-Q

0-20322

8/10/2005

10.2

8-K

0-20322

2/8/2013

10.1

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.23

8-K

0-20322

3/27/2007

10.1.1

8-K

0-20322

3/27/2007

10.1.2

10-Q

0-20322

5/8/2008

10.3

8-K

0-20322

11/12/2008

10.1

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2011

10.30

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.29

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.30

10-Q

0-20322

2/2/2010

10.3

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.32

—

—

—

—

X

10.36*

Exclusive Aircraft Sublease (S/N 

10-Q

0-20322

4/29/2014

10.3

Incorporated by Reference

Form

8-K

File No.

0-20322

Date of Filing

1/29/2014

Exhibit

Number

10.1

Filed

Herewith

8-K

0-20322

1/29/2014

10.2

—

—

—

__

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

__

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

__

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

__

—

—

—

—

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Exhibit

Number

10.34*

10.35*

12

21

23

24

31.1

31.2

32**

101

Exhibit Description

Letter Agreement dated January 29,

2014 between Starbucks Corporation

and Troy Alstead

Letter Agreement dated January 29, 

2014 between Starbucks Corporation 

and Scott Maw

6003) dated as of September 27, 2013 

by and between Cloverdale Services, 

LLC and Starbucks Corporation

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to

Fixed Charges

Subsidiaries of Starbucks Corporation

Consent of Independent Registered

Public Accounting Firm

Power of Attorney (included on the

Signatures page of this Annual Report

on Form 10-K)

Certification of Principal Executive

Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,

As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of Principal Financial

Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,

As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certifications of Principal Executive

Officer and Principal Financial Officer

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The following financial statements

from the Company’s 10-K for the

fiscal year ended September 28, 2014,

formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated

Statements of Earnings, (ii)

Consolidated Statements of

Comprehensive Income, (iii)

Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv)

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Flows, (v) Consolidated Statements of

Equity, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated

Financial Statements

* Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**Furnished herewith.

  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Incorporated by Reference

Form

10-K

File No.

0-20322

Date of Filing

11/22/2010

Exhibit

Number

10.20

Filed

Herewith

10.21*

Form of Stock Option Grant

10-Q

0-20322

8/10/2005

10.2

Plan

10.22

thereto.

10.23

Exhibit

Number

10.20*

10.24

10.25

10.26*

10.27*

10.28*

10.29*

Exhibit Description

2005 Company-Wide Sub-Plan to the

Starbucks Corporation 2005 Long-

Term Equity Incentive Plan, as

amended and restated on

September 14, 2010

Agreement for Purchase of Stock

under the 2005 Company-Wide Sub-

Plan to the Starbucks Corporation

2005 Long-Term Equity Incentive

Credit Agreement dated February 5,

2013 among Starbucks Corporation,

Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity

as Administrative Agent, Swing Line

Lender and L/C Issuer, and the other

Lenders from time to time a party

Amendment No.1 dated November 15,

2013 to Credit Agreement dated

February 5, 2013 among Starbucks

Corporation, Bank of America, N.A.,

in its capacity as Administrative

Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C

Issuer, and the other Lenders from

time to time a party thereto.

Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement

between Starbucks Corporation and

Banc of America Securities LLC,

dated as of March 27, 2007

Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement

between Starbucks Corporation and

Goldman, Sachs & Co., dated as of

March 27, 2007

Letter Agreement dated February 21,

2008 between Starbucks Corporation

and Clifford Burrows

Letter Agreement dated November 6,

2008 between Starbucks Corporation

and Troy Alstead

Form of Time Vested Restricted Stock

Unit Grant Agreement (US) under the

Key Employee Sub-Plan to the 2005

Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan

Form of Time Vested Global

Restricted Stock Unit Grant

Agreement under the Key Employee

Sub-Plan to the 2005 Long-Term

Equity Incentive Plan

Restricted Stock Unit Grant

Agreement under the Key Employee

Sub-Plan to the 2005 Long-Term

Equity Incentive Plan

Letter Agreement dated November 30,

2009 between Starbucks Corporation

and John Culver

8-K

0-20322

2/8/2013

10.1

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.23

8-K

0-20322

3/27/2007

10.1.1

8-K

0-20322

3/27/2007

10.1.2

10-Q

0-20322

5/8/2008

10.3

8-K

0-20322

11/12/2008

10.1

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2011

10.30

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.29

10.30*

Form of Performance Based Global

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.30

10.31*

10-Q

0-20322

2/2/2010

10.3

10.32*

Letter of Understanding dated May

10-K

0-20322

11/18/2013

10.32

22, 2013, between Starbucks

Corporation and Jeff Hansberry

10.33*

Letter Agreement dated May 16, 2012

between Starbucks Corporation and

Lucy Lee Helm

—

—

—

—

X

Incorporated by Reference

Form
8-K

File No.
0-20322

Date of Filing
1/29/2014

Exhibit
Number
10.1

Filed
Herewith

8-K

0-20322

1/29/2014

10.2

10-Q

0-20322

4/29/2014

10.3

—

—
—

__

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

__

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

__

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

__

—

—

—

—

X

X
X

X

X

X

X

Exhibit
Number
10.34*

10.35*

10.36*

12

21
23

24

31.1

31.2

32**

101

Exhibit Description

Letter Agreement dated January 29,
2014 between Starbucks Corporation
and Troy Alstead
Letter Agreement dated January 29, 
2014 between Starbucks Corporation 
and Scott Maw
Exclusive Aircraft Sublease (S/N 
6003) dated as of September 27, 2013 
by and between Cloverdale Services, 
LLC and Starbucks Corporation
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to
Fixed Charges
Subsidiaries of Starbucks Corporation
Consent of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm

Power of Attorney (included on the
Signatures page of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K)
Certification of Principal Executive
Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Certification of Principal Financial
Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 302
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certifications of Principal Executive
Officer and Principal Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350,
As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The following financial statements
from the Company’s 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 28, 2014,
formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated
Statements of Earnings, (ii)
Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income, (iii)
Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv)
Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows, (v) Consolidated Statements of
Equity, and (vi) Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements

* Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**Furnished herewith.

Starbucks Corporation 

  2014 Form 10-K 

93

  
  
  
  
  
  
 
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