Goldman Sachs Comments on Nielsen Data for Starbucks

Goldman Sachs has published a research report on Starbucks

commenting on the availability of Nielsen data for the 4 week period ending on 3/17/2012. In the report, Goldman Sachs writes, "[W]e are unconcerned about these near-term metrics as SBUX is just scratching the surface: (1) SBUX is still only available at 50% of potential Nielsen distribution points, and we expect SBUX to fill those gaps as time goes on. (2) The company will be making the products available at its own stores this fall which should drive a meaningful increase in sales. (3) The company's own Verismo system will add another layer to sales later this year and into 2013. (4) SBUX will be entering additional geographies with single serve in the coming years." Goldman Sachs maintains its Neutral rating and $49 price target on Starbucks, which is currently trading down $0.87 from yesterday's $56.03 closing price.