Form 4: Starbucks Director Beth Ford Reports Acquisition of Restricted Stock Units

Director Beth Ford reports acquiring 3,343 shares of Starbucks common stock through restricted stock units and discloses holdings of deferred stock units.

Summary

• On March 12, 2025, Beth Ford, a director of Starbucks Corp, acquired 3,343 shares of common stock through restricted stock units.
• These restricted stock units were fully vested at the time of grant but are deferred until termination of service as a director, according to the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
• The transaction price for the acquired shares is reported as $0.
• Following the transaction, Ford beneficially owns 10,409 shares of Starbucks common stock, which includes 170 deferred stock units representing dividends reinvested.
• The report was filed on March 14, 2025.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: Neutral sentiment as it's a standard disclosure of insider transactions. The acquisition of shares by a director is generally a positive sign, but it's part of a compensation plan.

Positives

• The acquisition of restricted stock units indicates confidence in the company's future performance from a board member.

Industry Context

Form 4 filings are routine disclosures required by the SEC to provide transparency into the transactions of company insiders, such as directors and officers. This allows the public to monitor their investment activities and assess their alignment with shareholder interests.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• Tracking insider transactions is a common practice in financial analysis.
• Comparing the size and frequency of insider transactions at Starbucks to those of its competitors, such as Dunkin' Brands or McDonald's, can provide insights into the relative confidence of insiders in their respective companies.
• The use of deferred compensation plans for directors is also a common practice, and the terms of Starbucks' plan can be compared to those of other large corporations.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders may view the director's acquisition of shares as a positive signal, indicating confidence in the company's prospects.

Key Dates