Form 4: Starbucks COO Michael Grams Reports Routine Stock Transaction

Starbucks EVP and COO Michael Grams reported a disposition of shares related to tax withholding on restricted stock units.

Summary

• Michael David Grams, EVP, Chief Operating Officer of Starbucks Corp (SBUX), reported a transaction on March 17, 2026.
• The transaction involved the disposition of 988.989 shares of common stock at a price of $97.57 per share.
• These shares were withheld by Starbucks to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units, and it was not an an open market transaction.
• Following this transaction, Mr. Grams beneficially owns 28,149.011 shares of Starbucks common stock directly.
• The reported beneficial ownership includes 388 shares representing dividend equivalents received on unvested time-based restricted stock units.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: StockSavvy.ai views this as a neutral event, representing a routine tax-related transaction for an executive's equity compensation rather than a discretionary sale or purchase.

Positives

• The executive continues to hold a significant number of shares (28,149.011), indicating continued alignment with shareholder interests.

Future Outlook

NA

Industry Context

StockSavvy.ai notes that routine insider transactions like tax-related dispositions of restricted stock units are common and generally do not signal significant changes in company fundamentals or industry trends. They are part of standard executive compensation and tax planning.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• This transaction is a routine tax-related disposition of restricted stock units, a common practice for executives across various industries, including retail and food service. It aligns with typical executive compensation structures involving equity awards.

Related Party Transactions

• Disposition of shares by an executive to the issuer for tax withholding purposes upon vesting of restricted stock units.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minimal direct impact as it's a routine tax-related transaction, not a discretionary sale indicating lack of confidence. The executive retains significant ownership.

Key Dates

Recommendation

This Form 4 filing details a routine, non-discretionary disposition of shares by an executive to cover tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units. It does not reflect a change in the executive's investment sentiment or the company's operational performance. Therefore, it provides no new information that would warrant a change in an investor's current position on Starbucks stock. The executive still holds a substantial number of shares, indicating continued alignment.

Keywords

Starbucks, SBUX, Michael Grams, Form 4, Insider Transaction, Restricted Stock Units, Executive Compensation