Starbucks reported Q2 revenue of $9.53 billion and EPS of $0.50, topping estimates, while Chipotle posted its first full year of negative comparable sales.
Starbucks delivered Q2 FY2026 global comparable store sales growth of 6.2%, with North America comps up 7.1%, driven by a 3.8% increase in transactions. Revenue rose 8.79% year over year to $9.53 billion, while non-GAAP EPS of $0.50 surpassed the $0.44 estimate. CEO Brian Niccol attributed the results to the company’s turnaround plan, citing improved foot traffic and growth in both top and bottom lines.
Chipotle, in contrast, closed Q4 2025 with its first full year of negative comparable sales, relying on unit expansion and menu innovation to offset weak traffic. The company plans to open over 350 locations in 2026, with 80% featuring Chipotlanes. Despite 26 analyst buy ratings and a $43 price target, Chipotle needs a quarter of positive transactions to regain momentum.
The divergence highlights Starbucks’ recovery under Niccol, while Chipotle continues to struggle with traffic trends in the same sector.