Form 4: Starbucks Executive Sara Kelly Reports Routine Stock Transaction for Tax Purposes

Starbucks EVP and Chief Partner Officer Sara Kelly reported a routine disposition of 308.271 shares of common stock valued at $93.48 per share to cover tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units.

Summary

• Sara Kelly, Executive Vice President and Chief Partner Officer of Starbucks Corp (SBUX), reported a transaction involving Starbucks common stock.
• On June 16, 2025, Ms. Kelly disposed of 308.271 shares of common stock at a price of $93.48 per share.
• This disposition was not an open market sale but rather shares withheld by Starbucks to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units (RSUs).
• Following this transaction, Ms. Kelly beneficially owns 46,277.6707 shares of Starbucks common stock.
• The reported beneficial ownership includes 34.6069 shares purchased on December 31, 2024, and 37.5593 shares purchased on March 31, 2025, through the Starbucks Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Additionally, the total includes 399 shares representing dividend equivalents received on unvested time-based restricted stock units.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral as this is a routine administrative filing for tax withholding on vested equity, not an open market sale or purchase indicating a change in investment thesis.

Positives

• The underlying event is the vesting of restricted stock units, indicating that the executive is meeting performance or tenure requirements.
• Continued participation in the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) by the executive demonstrates ongoing confidence and investment in the company's stock.

Future Outlook

This Form 4 filing does not contain any forward-looking statements or guidance regarding the company's future outlook.

Industry Context

This is a routine insider transaction filing (Form 4) and does not provide information directly related to broader industry trends or competitor performance. It reflects standard executive compensation practices within publicly traded companies.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: Minimal direct impact as this is a routine administrative transaction for tax purposes, not a discretionary sale by the executive.
• Employees: The vesting of RSUs and participation in the ESPP highlight the company's equity compensation programs, which can be a positive for employee retention and alignment.

Key Dates

Keywords

Starbucks, SBUX, SEC Form 4, Insider Transaction, Executive Compensation, Restricted Stock Units, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Sara Kelly, Equity Compensation, Tax Withholding