Form 4: Starbucks Director Marissa Mayer Receives Equity Grant

Starbucks Corporation director Marissa A. Mayer was granted 2,326 shares of common stock as restricted stock units, fully vested upon grant and deferred until termination of service.

Summary

• Marissa A. Mayer, a Director of Starbucks Corp (SBUX), acquired 2,326 shares of common stock.
• The transaction occurred on July 1, 2025, and involved restricted stock units (RSUs).
• The RSUs were granted at a price of $0 per share, indicating they are part of an equity compensation plan.
• The 2,326 restricted stock units were fully vested at the time of grant.
• The shares are deferred until the termination of service as a director, pursuant to the Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The document reports a routine equity compensation grant to a director, which is a neutral to slightly positive event as it aligns director interests with shareholders, but does not indicate significant operational or financial news.

Positives

• The grant of restricted stock units to a director aligns their interests with those of shareholders, encouraging long-term commitment and performance.
• The immediate vesting of the RSUs provides certainty of ownership for the director.

Future Outlook

The document does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future performance or strategic direction.

Industry Context

The grant of restricted stock units to non-employee directors is a common practice across publicly traded companies, particularly in the consumer discretionary sector, to attract and retain qualified board members and align their interests with long-term shareholder value.

Comparison to Industry Standards

• The practice of granting restricted stock units (RSUs) as part of non-employee director compensation is a standard industry practice, comparable to compensation structures at companies like McDonald's (MCD), Coca-Cola (KO), or PepsiCo (PEP), which often include a mix of cash retainers and equity awards.
• The immediate vesting of RSUs upon grant, with deferral until termination of service, is a common mechanism to ensure directors have a vested interest in the company's long-term success while managing tax implications.

Corporate Governance

Related Party Transactions

• Grant of 2,326 restricted stock units to Director Marissa A. Mayer, consistent with the company's established Deferred Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: The equity grant aligns the director's financial interests with shareholder value creation, as the value of the RSUs is tied to the company's stock performance.
• Employees: No direct impact on employees is indicated by this specific filing.

Key Dates

Keywords

Starbucks, SBUX, Marissa Mayer, Director, Equity Grant, Restricted Stock Units, RSU, Compensation, SEC Form 4