What To Expect From Starbucks' Last Quarter Under Howard Schultz

Starbucks Corporation SBUX is entering a defining stage in its history: the last quarter with CEO Howard Schultz at the helm. Despite an initial drop after the announcement was made on December 1, shares of the coffee giant have stayed nearly flat.

Although the company’s long-time leader is moving into the executive chairman role on April 3, analysts at Oppenheimer believe Starbucks is stronger than ever, placing the stock into its latest Top Picks list for 2017.

Oppenheimer Commentary

“As comps position to re-accelerate, the P/E multiple should nicely re-expand,” said Oppenheimer. “Sales are bolstered by a recent steepening in the digital adoption, new food strategies that have upside and a widening moat to protect customer retention from heightening QSR competition.”

Oppenheimer analysts see minimal 2017 earnings risk with significant upside in 2018. “Overall, the setup for SBUX has become attractive after an off-year for shares in ’16. We are buyers and believe SBUX will become loved again,” concluded the analysts.

Oppenheimer reiterated its Outperform rating on the company with a $65 price target.