Starbucks (SBUX) CEO Brian Niccol earned $31 million in total compensation in Fiscal 2025, marking a sharp drop from the $96 million he received the previous year. The 68% decline reflects the absence of the large one-time incentives that accompanied his hiring package in 2024, as well as weaker stock performance.
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According to the company’s latest filing, Niccol’s pay for Fiscal 2025 included a $5 million cash bonus and nearly $20 million in stock awards, much of which is tied to Starbucks’ future performance.
The reduction in pay was largely driven by a 7.7% decline in Starbucks stock during 2025. This caused Niccol to miss out on certain performance-based compensation targets.
Niccol Pushes Ahead With “Back to Starbucks” Turnaround Plan
Niccol stepped into the CEO role in September 2024 with one of the largest executive pay packages in the industry, designed to lure him from Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) and jump‑start a turnaround at the global coffee chain.
Since then, he has been rolling out his “Back to Starbucks” plan, aimed at improving customer service, simplifying the menu, and restoring the brand’s signature “third‑place” café experience.
Interestingly, Starbucks recently posted its first comparable‑sales growth in 18 months, driven largely by strong international performance, an early sign that Niccol’s strategy may be gaining traction.
SBUX to Report Q1 Earnings on January 28
It is worth noting that Starbucks is scheduled to report its fiscal first-quarter earnings on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, and share new financial targets, which should give a clearer view of Niccol’s long-term strategy.
Currently, analysts expect SBUX to post revenue of $9.65 billion in Q1, up from $9.39 billion in the year-ago quarter. Further, the company is expected to report earnings of $0.59 per share, compared with earnings of $0.69 in the prior-year quarter.
Is Starbucks Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?
Currently, Wall Street has a Moderate Buy consensus rating on Starbucks stock based on 13 Buy, seven Hold, and two Sell recommendations. The average SBUX stock price target of $98.22 implies an upside potential of 1.96%.
