Relative Intelligence · Restaurants
How Starbucks (SBUX) compares with the whole market and its popular alternatives
Built by QuantCommons' quantitative engine, this page is about relative opportunity, not data on SBUX alone. It places SBUX (Starbucks Corporation) against 20+ popular alternatives, its neighboring categories and the entire market of over 10,000 U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs, and surfaces what has done better on consistent outperformance, return for the risk taken, behavior in real market crashes and diversification. The result is a clearer view of where SBUX stands in the market, and of the alternatives worth a closer look.
Period covered: SBUX's full trading record, from June 1992 through September 2026. All returns include reinvested dividends. Data as of October 20, 2026.
Data as of October 20, 2026. Full tables and charts read best on a larger screen.
On this page12 sections
Key findings
- Right nowSBUX has gone against the market, falling 4.6% over the past 3 months while the S&P 500 rose 3.9%. Its restaurant peers split over the past 3 months: YUM (Yum! Brands) rose 3.4%, while BROS (Dutch Bros) fell 33.9%. Consistency ↓
- Stock or market?SBUX fell 4.6% over the past 3 months, less than the 0.98 beta versus the S&P 500 would have implied (3.8%). Its restaurant peers did not move as one over the past 3 months: YUM (Yum! Brands) rose 3.4%, while BROS (Dutch Bros) fell 33.9%.
- Past 1 to 3 yearsOver the past year, SBUX rose 20.6% against 15.8% for the S&P 500 and 17.9% for the Nasdaq 100. Even so, the last two calendar years both went the same way: SBUX fell 5.3% in 2025, against 15.8% for the S&P 500 and 17.9% for the Nasdaq 100. By year ↓
- Long termSBUX turned $10,000 into $23,000 over the past decade, against $42,100 in the S&P 500. Growth of $10,000 ↓
- In a crashThe 2022 bear market took 38.4% off SBUX, against 24.5% for the S&P 500. That was more than MCD (McDonald's, 17.2%) but less than DPZ (Domino's Pizza, 43.1%). SBUX fell further than the S&P 500 in three of the last four sell-offs, including the 2022 bear market (38.4% against 24.5%). Crash tests ↓
- DiversificationSBUX is some diversification, but not a hedge: a correlation of 0.51 with the S&P 500 over 5 years and 0.51 with the total US market, more closely than 75% of stocks worth at least $300 million. Market capture ↓
- Better options
- Popular alternatives
- KO (Coca-Cola), SJM (J. M. Smucker) and MCD (McDonald's) earned more than SBUX with less volatility over the past 5 years. KO returned 14.7% a year at 16.8% volatility, against a loss of 0.4% a year at 31.9%.
- Nearby categories and themes
- MNST (Monster Beverage, food & beverages) and CCEP (Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, food & beverages) earned more than SBUX with less volatility over the past 5 years. MNST returned 17.2% a year at 24.9% volatility, against a loss of 0.4% a year at 31.9%.
- Whole market
- 1,368 of the 3,633 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million earned more than SBUX with less volatility over the past 5 years, among them AAPL (Apple), MSFT (Microsoft) and VTI (Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF).
How much would $10,000 in SBUX have grown?
This chart tracks a hypothetical $10,000 investment in SBUX over the past 29 years, with dividends reinvested, alongside the same amount in the S&P 500, investments that ended ahead of SBUX over the same span and SBUX's popular alternatives, among those that traded for the entire period. A second view covers the past 5 years, the period the better options further down the page are judged on. It shows not only where each investment ended up but also how smooth or uneven the path was.
- $10,000 invested in SBUX at the end of September 1997 would have grown to $491,988 by September 2026, more than the $132,907 it would have become in SPY, an S&P 500 fund.
- Five of the eight other investments on the chart ended ahead of SBUX, and MNST finished highest, at $45,663,831.
Choose a period
From the end of September 1997 to the end of September 2026. The scale is logarithmic, so equal steps up the chart are equal percentage gains. Hover over a fund in the key to pick out its line. 108 of the 1,042 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million that traded the whole period ended ahead of SBUX; the chart shows 5, closest alternatives first. The other 3 lines are popular alternatives, shown for context.
- MNST$46M+456,538% total · +33.7% a year
- AAPL$21M+205,249% total · +30.1% a year
- GILD$2M+15,614% total · +19.1% a year
- AMGN$526,909+5,169% total · +14.6% a year
- MSFT$508,386+4,984% total · +14.5% a year
- SBUX$491,988+4,820% total · +14.4% a year
- YUM$352,310+3,423% total · +13.1% a year
- SPY (S&P 500)$132,907+1,229% total · +9.3% a year
- SJM$99,169+892% total · +8.2% a year
- KO$60,026+500% total · +6.4% a year
From the end of September 2021 to the end of September 2026. Hover over a fund in the key to pick out its line. 2,645 of the 3,628 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million that traded the whole period ended ahead of SBUX; the chart shows 5, closest alternatives first. The other 3 lines are popular alternatives, shown for context.
- NATH$19,177+91.8% total · +13.9% a year
- SPY (S&P 500)$19,000+90.0% total · +13.7% a year
- KO$18,994+89.9% total · +13.7% a year
- QSR$13,848+38.5% total · +6.7% a year
- YUM$12,260+22.6% total · +4.2% a year
- SJM$11,786+17.9% total · +3.3% a year
- MCD$10,761+7.6% total · +1.5% a year
- KDP$10,143+1.4% total · +0.3% a year
- LOCO$9,802−2.0% total · −0.4% a year
- SBUX$9,590−4.1% total · −0.8% a year
SBUX at a glance
This section summarizes the key facts about the stock, its returns over periods from one to ten years and the risk it has carried, with dividends reinvested throughout. These figures serve as the baseline for every comparison that follows.
- SBUX's deepest decline since it began trading in 1992 was 81.9%, from May 2006 to November 2008. It took about three years from the low to climb back to its old high.
- Over 29 full calendar years, SBUX's best was 2009, when it returned 144%, and its worst was 2008, when it lost 53.7%. It lost money in ten of those years.
- SBUX is 10.9% below its all-time high.
The company
- Market value
- $113B
- Industry
- Restaurants
- Price history from
- June 1992
Returns
- Past 1 year
- +20.6%total return
- Past 3 years
- +13.8%+4.4% a year
- Past 5 years
- −1.7%−0.4% a year
- Past 10 years
- +130%+8.7% a year
- Best calendar year
- +144%2009
- Worst calendar year
- −53.7%2008
- Losing years
- 10 of 29full calendar years
Risk
- Volatility
- 31.9%typical yearly swing, 5 years
- Sharpe ratio
- 0.15return per unit of risk, 5 years
- Worst decline ever
- −81.9%May 2006 to Nov 2008
- From its all-time high
- −10.9%below the peak
SBUX against the whole market
Where SBUX ranks among every stock and fund, and what across the market has done better.
How does SBUX rank among all stocks?
This section ranks SBUX on return, volatility, risk-adjusted return and worst decline against every stock worth at least $300 million with enough history. Where the comparisons with its popular alternatives show how SBUX stacks up against its peers, these rankings show where it stands in the market as a whole.
- SBUX's worst decline of the past 10 years ranks in the top 11% of the 2,187 stocks worth at least $300 million, where the top fell the least.
Ranked against U.S.-listed stocks worth at least $300M that have enough history for each measure, so the count changes from row to row; smaller stocks are left out. Lower volatility and smaller declines rank higher.
| Measure | SBUX | Rank | Standing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-year return | +20.6% | 1,222 of 3,287 | top 37% |
| 3-year return | +13.8% | 2,109 of 3,017 | bottom 31% |
| 5-year return | −1.7% | 1,751 of 2,893 | bottom 40% |
| 10-year return | +130% | 1,182 of 2,202 | bottom 47% |
| Volatility, 5 years | 31.9% | 897 of 2,893 | top 31% |
| Sharpe ratio, 5 years | 0.15 | 1,997 of 2,893 | bottom 32% |
| Worst decline, past 10 years | −43.7% | 248 of 2,187 | top 11% |
What has beaten SBUX on both return and risk?
Each dot is an investment, placed by how much it earned a year over the past 5 years (higher is better) and how much its price swung, its volatility (further left is calmer). SBUX sits where the dashed lines cross. Anything in the green box above and to the left earned more than SBUX with smaller swings, a better trade-off over this period on both counts. Past results are no promise, but a name in the box is worth a closer look.
- 540 stocks and 828 ETFs worth at least $500 million sit in the green region: each earned more than SBUX over the past 5 years with smaller price swings. That is 38% of the 3,633 screened.
- Among those with at least half SBUX's swings, CAH has the best return for its risk: 42.1% a year at 24.7% volatility, 22% less than SBUX's 31.9%, and a Sharpe ratio (return above cash per unit of volatility) of 1.55 against 0.15 for SBUX.
- Among SBUX's popular alternatives, KO, QSR and YUM are in the region. KO earned 14.7% a year against a loss of 0.4% a year for SBUX, at 16.8% volatility, 47% less than SBUX's 31.9%.
Annual return is the annualized total return with dividends reinvested, and volatility the annualized swing in daily prices, both over 5 years. Labeled dots are the strongest picks from the table below and the names called out above, colored by how close they sit to SBUX; faint dots are 92 more of the 1,368 in the green region (the strongest, one per fund family). 3,633 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million were screened. Hover over a dot for its figures.
- Popular alternatives
- Same and neighboring categories, and shared themes
- The whole market
- Others in the green region
Is there a better investment than SBUX?
Investments that beat SBUX over the past 5 years on return, volatility, drawdowns, consistency, crash losses or fees, from its popular alternatives out to the whole market.
- Among SBUX's popular alternatives, KO, SJM and MCD earned more than SBUX with less volatility over the past 5 years. KO returned 14.7% a year at 16.8% volatility, against a loss of 0.4% a year at 31.9%.
- Looking beyond its popular alternatives, MNST (food & beverages) and CCEP (food & beverages) earned more than SBUX with less volatility over the past 5 years. MNST returned 17.2% a year at 24.9% volatility, against a loss of 0.4% a year at 31.9%.
- Across the whole market, 1,368 of the 3,633 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million earned more than SBUX with less volatility over the past 5 years, among them AAPL, MSFT and VTI.
How this works
The table below lists investments that beat SBUX over the past 5 years on at least one of these measures: a higher annual return with lower volatility, a higher annual return at similar volatility, a similar return with lower volatility, a higher Sharpe ratio with a smaller worst decline, a higher total return in most periods from 3 months to 10 years, or smaller losses in recent market crashes. It checks SBUX's popular alternatives first, then the rest of its own and neighboring categories, then every stock and fund worth at least $500 million, and shows the strongest few in each group. The full list of those with a higher return and lower volatility than SBUX follows the table.
Annual return is the annualized total return with dividends reinvested. Annual return, volatility and the Sharpe ratio cover 5 years; the worst decline covers the past 10 years. Green marks a better figure than SBUX's. "On the frontier" means no other option shown or tested earned more with less volatility. Funds that hold the same thing are shown once. Beyond the popular alternatives, nothing with more than 1.5× SBUX's volatility counts as better.
These figures cover the past 5 years. Green marks a better figure than SBUX's.
| Investment | Why it is better | Past 5 years | Downside | Long run | Fit | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual return?higher is better | Volatility?lower is calmer | Sharpe?return per unit of risk | Worst decline?past 10 years | 10Y returntotal | Corr. with SBUX?lower diversifies more | Expenseper year | |||
| SBUXStarbucks Corporation · this page | −0.4% | 31.9% | 0.15 | −43.7% | +130% | 1.00 | — | ||
 SPYState Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF · S&P 500 | +12.7% | 17.1% | 0.79 | −33.7% | +321% | 0.51 | 0.09% | ||
| Popular alternativesbest 6 shownThe investments people most often weigh against SBUX. 9 of 20 passed at least one test. | |||||||||
 KOThe Coca-Cola Company · Food & Beverages | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods | +14.7% | 16.8% | 0.91 | −37.0% | +204% | 0.37 | — | |
SJMThe J. M. Smucker Company · Packaged Foods | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods | +4.8% | 25.1% | 0.32 | −38.1% | +37.2% | 0.14 | — | |
 MCDMcDonald's Corporation · Restaurants | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineSmaller losses in recent crashes | +2.9% | 17.9% | 0.25 | −36.9% | +181% | 0.38 | — | |
 KDPKeurig Dr Pepper Inc. · Food & Beverages | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher return in most periods | +2.5% | 22.1% | 0.23 | −36.9% | +281% | 0.24 | — | |
 YUMYum! Brands, Inc. · Restaurants | Higher return, lower volatility | +5.8% | 21.2% | 0.37 | −52.2% | +192% | 0.55 | — | |
 PEPPepsiCo, Inc. · Food & Beverages | Similar return, lower volatility | −0.5% | 19.1% | 0.07 | −30.3% | +72.6% | 0.38 | — | |
| Same and neighboring categories, and shared themesbest 6 shownEverything else in Restaurants and the categories next to it (Food Distribution, Food & Beverages, Packaged Foods, Online Delivery), plus SBUX's specific themes. 15 of 29 passed at least one test. | |||||||||
 MNSTMonster Beverage Corporation · Food & Beverages | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods | +17.2% | 24.9% | 0.77 | −30.4% | +285% | 0.25 | — | |
 CCEPCoca-Cola Europacific Partners PLC · Food & Beverages | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher return in most periods | +19.7% | 23.2% | 0.90 | −48.8% | +292% | 0.41 | — | |
KOFCoca-Cola FEMSA, S.A.B. de C.V. · Food & Beverages | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher return in most periods | +22.3% | 24.7% | 0.94 | −55.1% | +119% | 0.32 | — | |
USFDUS Foods Holding Corp. · Food Distribution | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher return in most periods | +22.7% | 29.8% | 0.84 | −77.3% | +347% | 0.43 | — | |
 MDLZMondelez International, Inc. · Packaged Foods | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst decline | +4.0% | 20.2% | 0.29 | −29.8% | +93.4% | 0.38 | — | |
PFGCPerformance Food Group Co · Food Distribution | Higher return, similar volatility | +16.0% | 31.5% | 0.63 | −78.8% | +299% | 0.36 | — | |
| The whole marketbest 8 shownEvery other stock and fund worth at least $500 million. 1,988 of 3,588 passed at least one test. | |||||||||
 PGThe Procter & Gamble Company · Household & Personal Products | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periodsSmaller losses in recent crashes | +5.1% | 18.3% | 0.37 | −23.8% | +145% | 0.40 | — | |
JAAAJanus Henderson AAA CLO ETF · CLO Bonds | On the frontierHigher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods | +5.1% | 1.7% | 2.98 | −2.6% | — | 0.20 | 0.20% | |
 AAPLApple Inc. · Computer Hardware | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods | +18.5% | 28.0% | 0.75 | −38.5% | +1,168% | 0.20 | — | |
 MSFTMicrosoft Corporation · Software | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods | +12.5% | 28.2% | 0.56 | −37.1% | +946% | 0.18 | — | |
 VTIVanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF · US Total Market | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods | +11.5% | 17.5% | 0.71 | −35.0% | +302% | 0.51 | 0.03% | |
RECSColumbia Research Enhanced Core ETF · US Large-Cap Equity | Higher return, lower volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periodsSmaller losses in recent crashes | +13.4% | 16.4% | 0.85 | −34.3% | +237% | 0.50 | 0.15% | |
 LLYEli Lilly and Company · Pharmaceuticals | Higher return, similar volatilityHigher Sharpe, smaller worst declineHigher return in most periods | +40.7% | 32.8% | 1.21 | −34.5% | +1,807% | 0.20 | — | |
 CNICanadian National Railway Company · Railroads | Similar return, lower volatilityHigher return in most periods | +0.6% | 21.9% | 0.14 | −29.1% | +124% | 0.41 | — | |
What these numbers mean for SBUX
- Annual return
- SBUX lost 0.4% a year over the past 5 years with dividends reinvested, against 12.7% a year for the S&P 500. At that pace, $10,000 became about $9,830. Annual return is the steady yearly rate that would produce the same total result, so investments held over the same span compare fairly. Guide: What is performance and return? →
- Volatility
- SBUX's volatility over the past 5 years was 31.9%, 1.9 times the S&P 500's 17.1%. Volatility measures how widely returns swing around their average: in roughly two years out of three, SBUX's return lands within 31.9% of its average, either way. The higher it is, the rougher the ride and the harder it is to hold through a slump. Guide: Understanding and measuring risk (volatility) →
- Sharpe ratio
- SBUX's Sharpe ratio over the past 5 years was 0.15, against 0.79 for the S&P 500, so SBUX earned less for each unit of risk than an index fund did. The Sharpe ratio is the return earned above cash for each unit of volatility: two investments with the same return are not equal if one got there with far bigger swings. Guide: Balancing reward with risk (Sharpe ratio) →
- Worst decline
- SBUX's worst fall from a peak to a low over the past 10 years was 43.7%, against 33.7% for the S&P 500. Losses and gains are not symmetric: climbing back from a 43.7% fall takes a 77.6% gain. Guide: Market crash risk and tail risk →
- Correlation
- Over the past 5 years, SBUX's monthly returns had a correlation of 0.51 with the S&P 500. Correlation runs from 1 (moving in lockstep) through 0 (unrelated) to −1 (moving in opposite directions). They often move together: some diversification next to an index fund, but not a cushion. In the table, the correlation column measures each option against SBUX instead: the lower it is, the more that option would diversify a SBUX holding. Guide: Correlation and diversification →
Show all 1,368 stocks and funds worth at least $500 million that earned more than SBUX with less volatility
Out of 3,633 tested over 5 years. The strongest 100 are listed, best first, with funds that hold the same thing listed once.
| # | Investment | Found in | Annual return | Volatility | Sharpe | Worst decline | 10Y return | Corr. with SBUX | Expense |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PGThe Procter & Gamble Company · Household & Personal Products | Whole market | +5.1% | 18.3% | 0.37 | −23.8% | +145% | 0.40 | — |
| 2 | JAAAJanus Henderson AAA CLO ETF · CLO Bonds | Whole market | +5.1% | 1.7% | 2.98 | −2.6% | — | 0.20 | 0.20% |
| 3 | AAPLApple Inc. · Computer Hardware | Whole market | +18.5% | 28.0% | 0.75 | −38.5% | +1,168% | 0.20 | — |
| 4 | MSFTMicrosoft Corporation · Software | Whole market | +12.5% | 28.2% | 0.56 | −37.1% | +946% | 0.18 | — |
| 5 | VTIVanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF · US Total Market | Whole market | +11.5% | 17.5% | 0.71 | −35.0% | +302% | 0.51 | 0.03% |
| 6 |  VOOVanguard S&P 500 ETF · US Large-Cap Equity | Whole market | +12.8% | 16.9% | 0.80 | −34.0% | +324% | 0.51 | 0.03% |
| 7 |  BRK-BBerkshire Hathaway Inc. · Insurance | Whole market | +13.4% | 17.1% | 0.82 | −29.6% | +274% | 0.36 | — |
| 8 |  JNJJohnson & Johnson · Pharmaceuticals | Whole market | +12.7% | 17.9% | 0.76 | −27.4% | +196% | 0.32 | — |
| 9 |  VVisa Inc. · Payment Processing | Whole market | +12.8% | 22.9% | 0.64 | −36.4% | +429% | 0.46 | — |
| 10 | LVHIFranklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF · International Equity | Whole market | +17.0% | 11.1% | 1.48 | −32.4% | +194% | 0.44 | 0.40% |
| 11 | BALTInnovator Defined Wealth Shield ETF · Crypto | Whole market | +6.3% | 3.3% | 1.85 | −4.9% | — | 0.51 | 0.69% |
| 12 | VRIGInvesco Variable Rate Investment Grade ETF · Bonds | Whole market | +4.7% | 1.3% | 3.51 | −13.1% | +40.5% | 0.16 | 0.30% |
| 13 |  QQQInvesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 · US Large-Cap Growth | Whole market | +14.5% | 23.0% | 0.71 | −35.1% | +553% | 0.38 | 0.18% |
| 14 |  MCKMcKesson Corporation · Health Care Distribution | Whole market | +38.7% | 25.0% | 1.44 | −38.1% | +586% | 0.06 | — |
| 15 |  VTVVanguard Morningstar Value ETF · US Large-Cap Value | Whole market | +12.1% | 13.7% | 0.90 | −36.8% | +235% | 0.57 | 0.03% |
| 16 | FLRTPacer Aristotle Pacific Floating Rate High Income ETF · Financials | Whole market | +6.0% | 2.3% | 2.55 | −21.0% | +58.0% | 0.27 | 0.60% |
| 17 |  AMGNAmgen Inc. · Biotechnology | Whole market | +19.6% | 24.9% | 0.85 | −24.9% | +266% | 0.29 | — |
| 18 |  GILDGilead Sciences, Inc. · Biotechnology | Whole market | +22.8% | 24.9% | 0.95 | −30.5% | +200% | 0.35 | — |
| 19 |  VGTVanguard Information Technology ETF · Technology Equity | Whole market | +18.4% | 26.0% | 0.78 | −35.1% | +779% | 0.31 | 0.09% |
| 20 |  PGRThe Progressive Corporation · Property & Casualty Insurance | Whole market | +21.3% | 25.6% | 0.89 | −30.3% | +816% | 0.37 | — |
| 21 |  DEDeere & Company · Industrial Machinery | Whole market | +14.4% | 29.9% | 0.60 | −37.9% | +755% | 0.38 | — |
| 22 |  VIGVanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF · US Dividend Equity | Whole market | +10.4% | 14.1% | 0.78 | −31.7% | +258% | 0.60 | 0.04% |
| 23 | FLOTiShares Floating Rate Bond ETF · Floating Rate Bonds | Whole market | +4.5% | 1.8% | 2.48 | −13.5% | +35.9% | 0.19 | 0.15% |
| 24 |  CORCencora, Inc. · Health Care Distribution | Whole market | +24.2% | 22.8% | 1.07 | −32.4% | +406% | 0.31 | — |
| 25 |  SCHDSchwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF · US Dividend Equity | Whole market | +9.7% | 14.3% | 0.72 | −33.4% | +252% | 0.57 | 0.06% |
| 26 |  RIORio Tinto Group · Metals & Mining | Whole market | +12.2% | 29.0% | 0.54 | −37.5% | +464% | 0.33 | — |
| 27 |  VTVanguard Total World Stock ETF · Global Equity | Whole market | +10.3% | 16.2% | 0.69 | −34.2% | +223% | 0.55 | 0.06% |
| 28 |  CMECME Group Inc. · Capital Markets | Whole market | +11.2% | 20.8% | 0.62 | −37.4% | +319% | 0.23 | — |
| 29 |  RSGRepublic Services, Inc. · Environmental Services | Whole market | +13.9% | 18.5% | 0.80 | −34.0% | +446% | 0.39 | — |
| 30 |  ULUnilever PLC · Household & Personal Products | Whole market | +5.5% | 21.5% | 0.36 | −30.1% | +89.8% | 0.39 | — |
| 31 | PJULInnovator U.S. Equity Power Buffer ETF · Broad Market | Whole market | +10.5% | 8.6% | 1.20 | −18.2% | — | 0.53 | 0.79% |
| 32 |  MSIMotorola Solutions, Inc. · Communications Equipment | Whole market | +14.8% | 23.6% | 0.71 | −32.8% | +625% | 0.48 | — |
| 33 |  WMWaste Management, Inc. · Environmental Services | Whole market | +9.3% | 19.2% | 0.56 | −30.1% | +344% | 0.44 | — |
| 34 | FJANFT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer ETF - January · Multi-Asset | Whole market | +11.1% | 10.5% | 1.05 | −13.6% | — | 0.46 | 0.85% |
| 35 |  FASTFastenal Company · Industrial Distribution | Whole market | +15.8% | 24.6% | 0.72 | −30.7% | +576% | 0.27 | — |
| 36 |  SCHGSchwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF · US Large-Cap Growth | Whole market | +13.1% | 22.4% | 0.67 | −34.5% | +451% | 0.38 | 0.04% |
| 37 |  DYNFiShares U.S. Equity Factor Rotation Active ETF · US Multifactor Equity | Whole market | +14.7% | 17.5% | 0.87 | −34.7% | — | 0.49 | 0.26% |
| 38 |  CLColgate-Palmolive Company · Household & Personal Products | Whole market | +7.2% | 19.2% | 0.46 | −29.0% | +68.8% | 0.37 | — |
| 39 |  ITWIllinois Tool Works Inc. · Industrial Machinery | Whole market | +6.7% | 21.4% | 0.41 | −37.9% | +208% | 0.54 | — |
| 40 |  MRSHMarsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. · Insurance | Whole market | +4.4% | 20.9% | 0.31 | −35.8% | +245% | 0.48 | — |
| 41 |  JEPIJPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF · Equity Income | Whole market | +7.5% | 11.0% | 0.71 | −13.7% | — | 0.63 | 0.35% |
| 42 |  EDConsolidated Edison, Inc. · Electric Utilities | Whole market | +12.0% | 18.8% | 0.70 | −30.9% | +114% | 0.36 | — |
| 43 |  XLVState Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF · Health Care Equity | Whole market | +8.4% | 15.3% | 0.60 | −28.4% | +202% | 0.51 | 0.08% |
| 44 | FLTRVanEck IG Floating Rate ETF · Multi-Asset | Whole market | +4.8% | 2.1% | 2.20 | −17.8% | +41.8% | 0.14 | 0.14% |
| 45 |  NDAQNasdaq, Inc. · Capital Markets | Whole market | +8.9% | 24.7% | 0.47 | −38.3% | +407% | 0.48 | — |
| 46 | FLRNState Street SPDR Bloomberg Investment Grade Floating Rate ETF · Bonds | Whole market | +4.5% | 1.7% | 2.58 | −14.7% | +35.9% | 0.21 | 0.15% |
| 47 | CHTChunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. · Integrated Telecommunications | Whole market | +7.7% | 13.3% | 0.63 | −23.8% | +101% | 0.23 | — |
| 48 | SPMOInvesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF · US Momentum Equity | Whole market | +18.7% | 20.8% | 0.93 | −30.9% | +499% | 0.41 | 0.13% |
| 49 |  APDAir Products and Chemicals, Inc. · Chemicals | Whole market | +3.2% | 26.4% | 0.25 | −31.8% | +188% | 0.57 | — |
| 50 | DFIVDimensional - International Value ETF · International Equity | Whole market | +14.8% | 16.4% | 0.93 | −25.4% | — | 0.46 | 0.27% |
| 51 | AVLVAvantis U.S. Large Cap Value ETF · US Large-Cap Value | Whole market | +14.0% | 16.9% | 0.86 | −19.5% | — | 0.54 | 0.15% |
| 52 |  WCNWaste Connections, Inc. · Environmental Services | Whole market | +6.1% | 20.0% | 0.40 | −31.6% | +270% | 0.36 | — |
| 53 | HDViShares Core High Dividend ETF · US Dividend Equity | Whole market | +12.9% | 13.0% | 1.00 | −37.0% | +172% | 0.49 | 0.08% |
| 54 | DFATDimensional - US Targeted Value ETF · US Small-Cap Equity | Whole market | +9.6% | 21.0% | 0.54 | −26.1% | — | 0.46 | 0.33% |
| 55 | DGXQuest Diagnostics Incorporated · Medical Diagnostics | Whole market | +12.3% | 22.5% | 0.63 | −36.6% | +243% | 0.49 | — |
| 56 | USMViShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF · US Low-Volatility Equity | Whole market | +7.6% | 12.3% | 0.66 | −33.1% | +176% | 0.59 | 0.15% |
| 57 | SPHQInvesco S&P 500 Quality ETF · US Quality Equity | Whole market | +12.0% | 16.7% | 0.76 | −31.6% | +300% | 0.52 | 0.20% |
| 58 | PKGPackaging Corporation of America · Packaging | Whole market | +15.4% | 25.8% | 0.69 | −38.2% | +294% | 0.31 | — |
| 59 | EXPDExpeditors International of Washington, Inc. · Freight & Logistics | Whole market | +12.0% | 27.1% | 0.56 | −35.6% | +349% | 0.47 | — |
| 60 | COWZPacer US Cash Cows 100 ETF · US Large-Cap Value | Whole market | +11.4% | 17.7% | 0.70 | −38.7% | — | 0.46 | 0.49% |
| 61 | EWJiShares MSCI Japan ETF · International Equity | Whole market | +9.2% | 18.8% | 0.57 | −33.1% | +132% | 0.45 | 0.49% |
| 62 | WTWWillis Towers Watson Public Limited Company · Insurance | Whole market | +6.9% | 23.9% | 0.40 | −32.9% | +187% | 0.34 | — |
| 63 | SDYState Street SPDR S&P Dividend ETF · US Dividend Equity | Whole market | +7.6% | 14.0% | 0.59 | −36.7% | +157% | 0.59 | 0.35% |
| 64 | BUFRFT Vest Laddered Buffer ETF · Buffered Equity | Whole market | +9.9% | 10.5% | 0.96 | −13.7% | — | 0.53 | 0.10% |
| 65 | VOTVanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF · US Mid-Cap Equity | Whole market | +3.6% | 21.7% | 0.27 | −37.2% | +201% | 0.51 | 0.05% |
| 66 |  RYRoyal Bank of Canada · Banks | Whole market | +17.3% | 18.2% | 0.97 | −40.0% | +352% | 0.35 | — |
| 67 | RWLInvesco S&P 500 Revenue ETF · US Large-Cap Equity | Whole market | +13.7% | 14.4% | 0.97 | −36.1% | +287% | 0.57 | 0.39% |
| 68 | CIBRFirst Trust Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF · Cybersecurity | Whole market | +14.1% | 26.1% | 0.64 | −33.9% | +454% | 0.09 | 0.58% |
| 69 | CHDChurch & Dwight Co., Inc. · Household & Personal Products | Whole market | +6.1% | 21.1% | 0.39 | −31.7% | +154% | 0.45 | — |
| 70 | DBEFXtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF · International Equity | Whole market | +13.1% | 13.8% | 0.96 | −32.5% | +206% | 0.53 | 0.35% |
| 71 | IOOiShares Global 100 ETF · Global Equity | Whole market | +15.7% | 17.2% | 0.94 | −31.4% | +361% | 0.46 | 0.40% |
| 72 | JQUAJPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF · US Quality Equity | Whole market | +13.6% | 15.7% | 0.89 | −32.9% | — | 0.55 | 0.12% |
| 73 | DIVOAmplify CWP Enhanced Dividend Income ETF · Equity Income | Whole market | +11.1% | 11.9% | 0.95 | −30.0% | — | 0.54 | 0.56% |
| 74 | KOThe Coca-Cola Company · Food & Beverages | Popular alternative | +14.7% | 16.8% | 0.91 | −37.0% | +204% | 0.37 | — |
| 75 | XLPState Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF · Consumer Staples | Whole market | +7.2% | 13.8% | 0.57 | −24.5% | +121% | 0.51 | 0.08% |
| 76 | VPLVanguard FTSE Pacific ETF · International Equity | Whole market | +9.5% | 18.6% | 0.58 | −33.9% | +141% | 0.47 | 0.07% |
| 77 | MNSTMonster Beverage Corporation · Food & Beverages | Same or nearby category | +17.2% | 24.9% | 0.77 | −30.4% | +285% | 0.25 | — |
| 78 | MOATVanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF · US Large-Cap Equity | Whole market | +9.1% | 18.4% | 0.57 | −33.3% | +276% | 0.54 | 0.46% |
| 79 |  SGOViShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF · Treasury Bonds | Whole market | +3.8% | 0.3% | 13.25 | −0.3% | — | 0.11 | 0.09% |
| 80 |  CAHCardinal Health, Inc. · Health Care Distribution | Whole market | +42.1% | 24.7% | 1.55 | −46.1% | +349% | 0.30 | — |
| 81 | ACTEnact Holdings Inc. · Insurance | Whole market | +20.5% | 24.3% | 0.89 | −20.2% | — | 0.25 | — |
| 82 |  GLDSPDR Gold Shares · Gold | Whole market | +17.7% | 18.9% | 0.96 | −26.4% | +213% | 0.20 | 0.40% |
| 83 | NHCNational HealthCare Corporation · Medical - Care Facilities | Whole market | +32.0% | 28.5% | 1.12 | −35.3% | +394% | 0.13 | — |
| 84 | QYLDGlobal X - Nasdaq 100 Covered Call ETF · Equity Income | Whole market | +8.4% | 15.0% | 0.62 | −24.7% | +156% | 0.43 | 0.60% |
| 85 | FLTWFranklin FTSE Taiwan ETF · Technology | Whole market | +21.8% | 24.3% | 0.94 | −38.0% | — | 0.37 | 0.19% |
| 86 | QTUMDefiance Quantum ETF · Technology | Whole market | +22.8% | 28.1% | 0.87 | −38.5% | — | 0.28 | 0.40% |
| 87 | DBMFiMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF · Alternatives | Whole market | +9.8% | 12.4% | 0.82 | −20.4% | — | -0.30 | 0.85% |
| 88 | USMCPrincipal U.S. Mega-Cap ETF · Broad Market | Whole market | +14.1% | 16.4% | 0.89 | −30.0% | — | 0.46 | 0.12% |
| 89 | RSPTInvesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Technology ETF · Technology Equity | Whole market | +16.9% | 25.1% | 0.75 | −33.7% | +572% | 0.38 | 0.40% |
| 90 | GCOWPacer Global Cash Cows Dividend ETF · International | Whole market | +14.1% | 13.6% | 1.04 | −37.6% | +168% | 0.46 | 0.60% |
| 91 | FTCSFirst Trust Capital Strength ETF · US Quality Equity | Whole market | +6.2% | 13.2% | 0.52 | −31.9% | +188% | 0.58 | 0.53% |
| 92 | TDIVFirst Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund · Technology Equity | Whole market | +16.2% | 21.3% | 0.81 | −32.0% | +388% | 0.41 | 0.50% |
| 93 |  MPLXMPLX Lp · Oil & Gas Midstream | Whole market | +23.5% | 18.8% | 1.22 | −75.2% | +350% | 0.40 | — |
| 94 | GSIEGoldman Sachs ActiveBeta International Equity ETF · Developed International Equity | Whole market | +8.6% | 16.1% | 0.60 | −34.6% | +144% | 0.55 | 0.25% |
| 95 | IWXiShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF · Broad Market | Whole market | +12.7% | 13.8% | 0.94 | −35.8% | +221% | 0.61 | 0.20% |
| 96 | FTGCFirst Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund · Alternatives | Whole market | +12.9% | 15.6% | 0.86 | −35.9% | +139% | 0.06 | 0.98% |
| 97 | XMHQInvesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF · US Mid-Cap Equity | Whole market | +9.7% | 20.5% | 0.56 | −36.9% | +240% | 0.42 | 0.30% |
| 98 | FTLSFirst Trust Long/Short Equity ETF · Broad Market | Whole market | +10.2% | 10.4% | 0.99 | −20.6% | +158% | 0.47 | 0.95% |
| 99 | OMFLInvesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF · US Multifactor Equity | Whole market | +9.0% | 16.4% | 0.61 | −33.2% | — | 0.54 | 0.29% |
| 100 | PTLCPacer Trendpilot US Large Cap ETF · Broad Market | Whole market | +9.5% | 11.8% | 0.83 | −26.6% | +188% | 0.43 | 0.60% |
SBUX against its popular alternatives
The investments people most often weigh against SBUX, compared period by period and year by year.
How do SBUX's risk and return compare with its alternatives?
This map plots each investment's annual return over the past 5 years against its volatility, the size of its typical price swings. Investments toward the upper left earned more for a smoother ride, and those toward the lower right earned less for a rougher one. The dashed lines cross at SBUX, which divides the map into what did better or worse on each measure.
- Ten of the 20 popular alternatives earned less than SBUX over the past 5 years while swinging more, the weaker corner of the map.
- Seven of the 20 popular alternatives, led by KO, NATH and QSR, were both more rewarding and calmer than SBUX over the past 5 years, earning a higher annual return with lower volatility.
- Over the past 5 years, SBUX returned -0.4% a year, less than the S&P 500's 12.7%, with higher volatility (31.9% against 17.1%).
Green points earned more than SBUX with less volatility; red points earned less with more. Hover over a point for its figures. Total returns with dividends reinvested, annualized.
All figures
| Investment | Annual return | Volatility |
|---|---|---|
| KO The Coca-Cola Company | +14.7% | 16.8% |
| NATH Nathan's Famous, Inc. | +13.8% | 27.5% |
| SPY S&P 500State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF | +12.7% | 17.1% |
| QSR Restaurant Brands International Inc. | +8.0% | 23.1% |
| YUM Yum! Brands, Inc. | +5.8% | 21.2% |
| SJM The J. M. Smucker Company | +4.9% | 25.1% |
| LOCO El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. | +3.9% | 35.7% |
| MCD McDonald's Corporation | +2.9% | 17.9% |
| KDP Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. | +2.5% | 22.1% |
| SBUX This pageStarbucks Corporation | −0.4% | 31.9% |
| PEP PepsiCo, Inc. | −0.5% | 19.1% |
| SHAK Shake Shack Inc. | −1.2% | 52.2% |
| WING Wingstop Inc. | −3.7% | 52.8% |
| CMG Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | −4.0% | 35.1% |
| YUMC Yum China Holdings, Inc. | −4.2% | 37.3% |
| DPZ Domino's Pizza, Inc. | −5.8% | 30.2% |
| BROS Dutch Bros Inc. | −6.5% | 61.8% |
| WEN The Wendy's Company | −18.0% | 36.5% |
| DNUT Krispy Kreme, Inc. | −25.9% | 57.0% |
| PZZA Papa John's International, Inc. | −29.1% | 43.1% |
| PTLO Portillo's Inc. | −30.9% | 56.4% |
| JACK Jack in the Box Inc. | −33.3% | 52.1% |
Has SBUX consistently beaten its popular alternatives?
This section compares SBUX with the investments people most often weigh against it, checking each one over eight periods from one month to ten years. Counting how often an alternative earned more than SBUX helps separate lasting outperformance from a single strong stretch.
- Four of the 22 popular alternatives, led by KDP, KO and LOCO, outperformed SBUX in at least 3 of 5 short-term and 2 of 3 long-term timeframes.
- KDP and KO outperformed SBUX in every long-term period and in all but one short-term period, the most consistent record in the group.
- KO, SJM and MCD earned more for the risk they took than SBUX (a higher Sharpe ratio) and fell less in their worst decline of the past 10 years.
A green cell means the alternative earned more than SBUX over that period. "Qualified" marks those that did so in at least 3 of 5 short-term periods and 2 of 3 long-term periods.
| Investment | Periods outperformed | Short term | Long term | Risk · 5 years | Fund | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1M | 3M | 6M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | 10Y | Volatilitylower is calmer | Sharpehigher is better | Worst declinepast 10 years | Expense | Assets | Overlapsame sectors | ||
| SBUX Starbucks Corporation (this page) | — | +4.7% | −4.6% | +1.6% | +20.5% | +20.6% | +13.8% | −1.7% | +130% | 31.9% | 0.15 | −43.7% | — | $113B | — |
| KDP QualifiedKeurig Dr Pepper Inc. | 5/5 short3/3 longAll-weather | +13.9% | +14.6% | +32.5% | +27.8% | +28.7% | +31.9% | +13.4% | +281% | 22.1% | 0.23 | −36.9% | — | $47B | — |
| KO QualifiedThe Coca-Cola Company | 5/5 short3/3 longAll-weather | +7.3% | +14.5% | +25.4% | +37.9% | +40.2% | +86.8% | +98.2% | +204% | 16.8% | 0.91 | −37.0% | — | $402B | — |
| LOCO QualifiedEl Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. | 5/5 short2/3 long | +10.2% | −2.7% | +11.7% | +52.1% | +65.4% | +90.3% | +21.3% | +48.5% | 35.7% | 0.28 | −63.4% | — | $478M | — |
| SJM QualifiedThe J. M. Smucker Company | 5/5 short2/3 long | +8.2% | +16.3% | +37.7% | +38.3% | +28.1% | +29.3% | +26.7% | +37.2% | 25.1% | 0.32 | −38.1% | — | $14B | — |
| YUM RestaurantsYum! Brands, Inc. | 2/5 short3/3 long | +8.8% | +3.4% | −5.4% | +2.2% | +4.3% | +34.0% | +32.5% | +192% | 21.2% | 0.37 | −52.2% | — | $41B | — |
| NATH RestaurantsNathan's Famous, Inc. | 1/5 short3/3 long | +4.6% | +4.5% | +1.3% | +11.9% | −4.6% | +77.0% | +90.5% | +155% | 27.5% | 0.61 | −53.2% | — | $418M | — |
| QSR RestaurantsRestaurant Brands International Inc. | 1/5 short2/3 long | +3.5% | +2.5% | −3.1% | +13.8% | +14.9% | +27.3% | +46.8% | +127% | 23.1% | 0.45 | −63.0% | — | $26B | — |
| MCD RestaurantsMcDonald's Corporation | 0/5 short2/3 long | −0.5% | −7.2% | −18.6% | −17.1% | −17.8% | +2.7% | +15.5% | +181% | 17.9% | 0.25 | −36.9% | — | $174B | — |
| SHAK RestaurantsShake Shack Inc. | 2/5 short1/3 long | +22.4% | +22.4% | −33.4% | −16.4% | −24.7% | +27.0% | −5.7% | +115% | 52.2% | 0.24 | −70.9% | — | $2.8B | — |
| WING RestaurantsWingstop Inc. | 1/5 short1/3 long | +21.4% | −7.4% | −34.2% | −48.9% | −48.6% | −26.3% | −17.2% | +479% | 52.8% | 0.19 | −76.9% | — | $3.5B | — |
| BROS RestaurantsDutch Bros Inc. | 1/5 short1/3 long | +11.9% | −33.9% | −19.8% | −29.5% | −21.9% | +73.0% | −28.7% | — | 61.8% | 0.20 | −70.1% | — | $8.2B | — |
| CAVA RestaurantsCAVA Group, Inc. | 1/5 short1/3 long | +10.5% | −9.5% | −41.0% | −5.1% | −7.8% | +74.1% | — | — | — | — | −71.1% | — | $6.7B | — |
| CMG RestaurantsChipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | 0/5 short1/3 long | −10.5% | −10.5% | −17.2% | −20.9% | −28.8% | −19.0% | −18.7% | +266% | 35.1% | 0.06 | −58.9% | — | $38B | — |
| SG RestaurantsSweetgreen, Inc. | 5/5 short0/3 long | +42.6% | +60.5% | +53.1% | +54.0% | +43.6% | −2.3% | — | — | — | — | −91.1% | — | $1.3B | — |
| DPZ RestaurantsDomino's Pizza, Inc. | 2/5 short0/3 long | +6.9% | −3.3% | −13.3% | −24.3% | −23.6% | −4.4% | −25.7% | +116% | 30.2% | -0.05 | −47.8% | — | $10B | — |
| YUMC RestaurantsYum China Holdings, Inc. | 2/5 short0/3 long | +8.8% | +3.3% | −6.2% | −4.7% | +2.9% | −7.1% | −19.4% | +108% | 37.3% | 0.07 | −56.5% | — | $15B | — |
| PTLO RestaurantsPortillo's Inc. | 2/5 short0/3 long | +22.5% | +0.2% | −27.7% | −0.4% | −19.3% | −69.0% | −84.3% | — | 56.4% | -0.38 | −93.5% | — | $331M | — |
| PEP Beverages - Non-AlcoholicPepsiCo, Inc. | 1/5 short0/3 long | +3.4% | 0.0% | −12.8% | −2.9% | −9.2% | −6.7% | −2.3% | +72.6% | 19.1% | 0.07 | −30.3% | — | $183B | — |
| WEN RestaurantsThe Wendy's Company | 0/5 short0/3 long | −2.7% | −16.2% | −6.1% | −16.5% | −22.3% | −59.5% | −63.0% | −16.5% | 36.5% | -0.37 | −73.0% | — | $1.2B | — |
| PZZA RestaurantsPapa John's International, Inc. | 0/5 short0/3 long | −7.7% | −43.9% | −49.9% | −52.3% | −63.5% | −67.8% | −82.0% | −70.9% | 43.1% | -0.59 | −84.5% | — | $617M | — |
| JACK RestaurantsJack in the Box Inc. | 0/5 short0/3 long | −9.4% | −17.8% | −5.5% | −35.5% | −30.0% | −80.1% | −86.8% | −85.0% | 52.1% | -0.52 | −91.5% | — | $232M | — |
| DNUT Grocery StoresKrispy Kreme, Inc. | 0/5 short0/3 long | −1.3% | −7.2% | −24.2% | −27.2% | −8.9% | −75.6% | −77.7% | — | 57.0% | -0.25 | −87.2% | — | $515M | — |
How did SBUX do year by year?
This table shows each investment's total return in every full calendar year since 1997, along with where SBUX ranked among its popular alternatives each year. Annual results reveal how consistently each one kept pace with SBUX and how far its good and bad years diverged, detail that multiyear averages tend to smooth over.
- SBUX finished ahead of the S&P 500 in 16 of its 29 full calendar years, and behind it in each of the last three.
- Ranked against its popular alternatives each year, SBUX finished in the top quarter in eight of 29 years and in the bottom quarter in three. In 2025, it ranked 11 of 23.
- Among its popular alternatives, DPZ came out ahead of SBUX most often, in 15 of the 21 years both traded.
Newest year first. Green marks a year in which the fund came out ahead of SBUX; gray means the two finished within a fraction of a point. The rank row places SBUX among the alternatives that traded the full year; dark green is the top quarter and red the bottom quarter.
| Investment | Years ahead of SBUX | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBUX This pageStarbucks Corporation | — | −5.3% | −2.5% | −1.2% | −13.2% | +11.1% | +24.2% | +39.1% | +14.7% | +5.4% | −6.1% | +48.1% | +6.2% | +48.1% | +18.4% | +45.3% | +41.4% | +144% | −53.7% | −42.2% | +18.1% | −3.8% | +88.1% | +62.3% | +7.2% | −13.8% | +82.4% | −13.6% | +46.0% | +34.4% |
| Rank among alternatives | Top quarter in 8 of 29 | 11 of 23 | 15 of 23 | 13 of 22 | 11 of 22 | 11 of 18 | 6 of 18 | 5 of 18 | 6 of 18 | 13 of 18 | 15 of 17 | 2 of 15 | 8 of 13 | 7 of 13 | 6 of 13 | 3 of 13 | 5 of 13 | 1 of 13 | 10 of 12 | 11 of 12 | 7 of 11 | 9 of 11 | 1 of 10 | 1 of 10 | 3 of 10 | 8 of 10 | 1 of 10 | 6 of 10 | 4 of 10 | 4 of 9 |
| SPY S&P 500State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF | 12 of 29 | +17.7% | +24.9% | +26.2% | −18.2% | +28.7% | +18.3% | +31.2% | −4.6% | +21.7% | +12.0% | +1.2% | +13.5% | +32.3% | +16.0% | +1.9% | +15.1% | +26.4% | −36.8% | +5.1% | +15.9% | +4.8% | +10.7% | +28.2% | −21.6% | −11.7% | −9.8% | +20.4% | +28.7% | +33.5% |
| KDP Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. | 10 of 17 | −10.1% | −1.1% | −4.2% | −1.2% | +17.5% | +13.1% | +15.4% | +70.3% | +25.4% | +12.7% | +51.5% | +74.9% | +36.4% | +37.5% | +37.5% | +44.3% | +80.1% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| KO The Coca-Cola Company | 10 of 29 | +15.6% | +8.9% | −4.4% | +10.6% | +11.4% | +2.5% | +20.6% | +6.8% | +14.3% | −0.3% | +5.2% | +5.3% | +17.2% | +6.5% | +9.5% | +19.0% | +30.4% | −24.0% | +30.4% | +23.2% | −0.8% | −16.2% | +18.2% | −5.5% | −21.9% | +6.1% | −12.2% | +1.3% | +27.9% |
| LOCO El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. | 3 of 11 | −9.4% | +30.8% | −11.4% | −19.0% | −21.6% | +19.6% | −0.2% | +53.3% | −19.5% | −2.6% | −36.8% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| SJM The J. M. Smucker Company | 8 of 29 | −7.6% | −9.6% | −17.8% | +20.1% | +21.0% | +14.5% | +14.9% | −22.6% | −0.5% | +6.0% | +25.0% | −0.2% | +22.7% | +13.2% | +22.1% | +9.1% | +46.7% | −4.9% | +8.5% | +13.1% | −4.4% | +6.1% | +16.4% | +11.8% | +29.4% | +48.1% | −19.2% | +7.0% | +37.5% |
| YUM Yum! Brands, Inc. | 14 of 28 | +14.9% | +4.7% | +3.9% | −6.0% | +30.1% | +9.8% | +11.4% | +14.6% | +31.1% | +23.4% | +2.5% | −1.6% | +16.2% | +14.7% | +22.8% | +43.3% | +13.8% | −16.0% | +32.3% | +26.8% | +0.2% | +37.7% | +42.2% | −1.5% | +49.0% | −14.5% | −22.9% | +72.3% | — |
| NATH Nathan's Famous, Inc. | 14 of 29 | +24.6% | +3.5% | +19.2% | +18.7% | +8.1% | −20.2% | +8.7% | −11.2% | +23.8% | +25.9% | −2.4% | +58.7% | +49.6% | +60.3% | +24.7% | +10.5% | +19.9% | −27.2% | +21.3% | +37.0% | +39.4% | +50.6% | +37.2% | +4.0% | 0.0% | +12.1% | −27.0% | +10.3% | +3.7% |
| QSR Restaurant Brands International Inc. | 5 of 11 | +8.6% | −13.8% | +24.7% | +10.7% | +2.7% | −0.3% | +25.6% | −12.1% | +30.7% | +29.4% | −3.2% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| MCD McDonald's Corporation | 13 of 29 | +7.9% | +0.1% | +15.1% | +0.5% | +27.8% | +11.3% | +14.0% | +5.8% | +44.0% | +6.2% | +30.4% | −0.1% | +13.6% | −9.3% | +34.7% | +26.9% | +4.0% | +8.6% | +36.4% | +34.6% | +7.4% | +31.5% | +56.9% | −38.4% | −21.5% | −15.1% | +5.4% | +61.7% | +6.0% |
| SHAK Shake Shack Inc. | 4 of 10 | −37.5% | +75.1% | +78.5% | −42.4% | −14.9% | +42.3% | +31.1% | +5.1% | +20.7% | −9.6% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| WING Wingstop Inc. | 7 of 10 | −15.7% | +11.1% | +87.3% | −17.0% | +30.9% | +60.4% | +35.0% | +86.1% | +32.3% | +44.7% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| BROS Dutch Bros Inc. | 3 of 4 | +16.9% | +65.4% | +12.3% | −44.6% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| CAVA CAVA Group, Inc. | 1 of 2 | −48.0% | +162% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| CMG Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | 11 of 19 | −38.6% | +31.8% | +64.8% | −20.6% | +26.1% | +65.6% | +93.8% | +49.5% | −23.4% | −21.4% | −29.9% | +28.4% | +79.2% | −11.8% | +58.8% | +141% | +41.9% | −57.8% | +158% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| SG Sweetgreen, Inc. | 2 of 4 | −78.9% | +184% | +31.9% | −73.2% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| DPZ Domino's Pizza, Inc. | 15 of 21 | +0.9% | +3.2% | +20.7% | −37.9% | +48.4% | +31.6% | +19.6% | +32.4% | +19.8% | +44.7% | +19.5% | +36.9% | +62.1% | +38.6% | +113% | +90.4% | +78.0% | −64.5% | −18.9% | +17.9% | +38.3% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| YUMC Yum China Holdings, Inc. | 5 of 9 | +1.1% | +15.4% | −21.6% | +10.8% | −12.0% | +19.5% | +44.8% | −15.3% | +53.6% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| PTLO Portillo's Inc. | 0 of 4 | −51.7% | −41.0% | −2.4% | −56.5% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| PEP PepsiCo, Inc. | 11 of 29 | −1.8% | −7.6% | −3.3% | +6.8% | +20.5% | +11.7% | +27.4% | −4.8% | +17.8% | +7.8% | +8.8% | +17.3% | +24.6% | +6.4% | +4.8% | +10.7% | +14.6% | −26.0% | +23.8% | +7.9% | +15.3% | +13.8% | +12.1% | −12.2% | −0.6% | +42.6% | −12.4% | +14.3% | +25.7% |
| WEN The Wendy's Company | 12 of 29 | −45.8% | −11.5% | −9.6% | −2.8% | +11.0% | +0.1% | +45.4% | −3.1% | +23.7% | +28.2% | +22.0% | +6.1% | +90.3% | −10.2% | +18.2% | 0.0% | −4.0% | −40.0% | −58.9% | +34.9% | +31.4% | +12.7% | +37.2% | +7.9% | +0.2% | +31.8% | +15.8% | −41.8% | +137% |
| PZZA Papa John's International, Inc. | 12 of 29 | −2.0% | −44.2% | −5.3% | −37.3% | +58.9% | +35.9% | +61.5% | −27.8% | −33.7% | +55.0% | +1.1% | +24.4% | +66.5% | +45.8% | +36.0% | +18.6% | +26.7% | −18.8% | −21.7% | −2.3% | +72.3% | +3.1% | +19.8% | +1.5% | +23.7% | −14.8% | −40.9% | +26.4% | +3.4% |
| JACK Jack in the Box Inc. | 11 of 29 | −53.8% | −47.3% | +22.2% | −20.2% | −4.1% | +20.8% | +2.5% | −19.4% | −10.7% | +47.8% | −2.8% | +61.4% | +74.9% | +36.8% | −1.1% | +7.4% | −10.9% | −14.3% | −15.6% | +74.7% | −5.2% | +72.6% | +23.5% | −37.2% | −6.5% | +42.3% | −6.2% | +46.4% | +69.8% |
| DNUT Krispy Kreme, Inc. | 1 of 4 | −59.0% | −33.5% | +47.7% | −44.9% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Risk and diversification
How SBUX has fallen, how it held up in crashes beside the S&P 500 and its popular alternatives, and what moves independently of it.
What were SBUX's worst declines?
A drawdown is the decline from a peak to the lowest point before a new high. This section presents SBUX's five deepest drawdowns since it began trading in 1992, alongside the S&P 500's return over the same dates, and how long each took to recover. Together, these figures show how much an investor could have lost and how long it took to get back to even.
- In all five of SBUX's worst declines, the S&P 500 held up better over the same dates.
- The slowest recovery came after SBUX fell 81.9% from May 2006 to November 2008; it did not regain that peak until June 2011, three years later.
Green means SBUX fell less than the S&P 500 over the same dates. Based on daily closing prices with dividends reinvested.
| During | SBUX fell | S&P 500, same dates | Peak | Low | Time to the low | Back at the peak | Time to recover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 financial crisis | −81.9% | −40.3% | May 2006 | Nov 2008 | 2.5 years | Jun 2011 | 2.6 years |
| No named crash | −50.0% | −12.1% | Jul 1998 | Sep 1998 | 2 months | Mar 1999 | 6 months |
| No named crash | −49.5% | −5.6% | May 1999 | Aug 1999 | 3 months | Mar 2000 | 7 months |
| Dot-com bust | −44.1% | −23.3% | Feb 2001 | Sep 2001 | 7 months | Apr 2002 | 7 months |
| 2022 bear market | −43.7% | −10.1% | Jul 2021 | May 2022 | 10 months | Not yet | — |
How did SBUX do in stock market crashes?
This section measures how far SBUX, the S&P 500 and each alternative fell from peak to trough during every major market crash since 2000. A smaller decline means an investment held up better, and comparing results across crashes shows whether that resilience was consistent or a one-off.
- Among its popular alternatives, KDP held up best, falling less than SBUX in seven of the eight crashes they both traded through.
- SBUX fell less than the S&P 500 in five of the ten crashes it has traded through. The clearest case was the late-2018 sell-off, when SBUX fell 11.4% and the S&P 500 fell 19.3%.
Newest crash first. Each figure is the fund's deepest fall within the crash window; green means a smaller fall than SBUX.
| Investment | Held up better | 2023 regional bank crisisMar 2023 | 2022 bear marketJan 2022 | Covid crashFeb 2020 | Late-2018 sell-offSep 2018 | February 2018 volatility shockFeb 2018 | 2015 China and oil sell-offAug 2015 | 2011 euro debt crisisJul 2011 | 2010 flash crashMay 2010 | 2008 financial crisisOct 2007 | Dot-com bustMar 2000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBUX This pageStarbucks Corporation | — | −3.3% | −38.4% | −37.5% | −11.4% | −3.0% | −14.2% | −15.5% | −0.6% | −73.2% | −44.1% |
| SPY S&P 500State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF | 4 of 10 | −3.4% | −24.5% | −33.7% | −19.3% | −6.5% | −12.8% | −17.9% | −1.5% | −55.2% | −47.5% |
| KDP Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. | 7 of 8 | −1.5% | −12.2% | −33.5% | −13.6% | −1.7% | −9.7% | −13.0% | 0.0% | — | — |
| KO The Coca-Cola Company | 8 of 10 | −1.4% | −16.7% | −37.0% | −8.8% | −7.8% | −8.8% | −8.3% | 0.0% | −40.6% | −31.3% |
| LOCO El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. | 0 of 6 | −10.3% | −42.8% | −55.7% | −14.5% | −6.5% | −44.6% | — | — | — | — |
| SJM The J. M. Smucker Company | 7 of 10 | −1.7% | −15.5% | −19.4% | −17.8% | −2.9% | −6.0% | −14.8% | −0.8% | −32.0% | −23.1% |
| YUM Yum! Brands, Inc. | 6 of 10 | −1.7% | −22.2% | −46.3% | −6.9% | −7.7% | −24.7% | −12.3% | −1.1% | −45.5% | −33.0% |
| NATH Nathan's Famous, Inc. | 6 of 10 | −3.8% | −21.4% | −30.1% | −27.6% | −4.9% | −16.4% | −4.6% | 0.0% | −35.3% | −39.9% |
| QSR Restaurant Brands International Inc. | 1 of 6 | −3.3% | −23.5% | −56.9% | −13.9% | −4.7% | −29.5% | — | — | — | — |
| MCD McDonald's Corporation | 7 of 10 | −1.4% | −17.2% | −36.1% | −9.7% | −6.1% | −9.8% | −7.3% | −2.0% | −21.4% | −57.1% |
| SHAK Shake Shack Inc. | 0 of 6 | −7.8% | −51.7% | −57.6% | −34.9% | −5.6% | −54.8% | — | — | — | — |
| WING Wingstop Inc. | 1 of 6 | −3.2% | −58.1% | −50.8% | −18.8% | −2.3% | −35.2% | — | — | — | — |
| BROS Dutch Bros Inc. | 0 of 2 | −8.8% | −60.0% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| CMG Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | 2 of 9 | 0.0% | −26.9% | −50.2% | −21.4% | −18.0% | −46.4% | −18.6% | −1.9% | −74.6% | — |
| SG Sweetgreen, Inc. | 0 of 2 | −13.0% | −70.3% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| DPZ Domino's Pizza, Inc. | 3 of 9 | −3.8% | −43.1% | −23.1% | −20.3% | −7.4% | −11.5% | −14.8% | −5.9% | −83.3% | — |
| YUMC Yum China Holdings, Inc. | 2 of 5 | −3.4% | −32.0% | −14.6% | −13.3% | −11.5% | — | — | — | — | — |
| PTLO Portillo's Inc. | 0 of 2 | −7.9% | −58.7% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| PEP PepsiCo, Inc. | 7 of 10 | −0.8% | −11.9% | −28.3% | −12.3% | −7.2% | −10.2% | −8.3% | −0.2% | −40.4% | −33.0% |
| WEN The Wendy's Company | 2 of 10 | −5.0% | −32.8% | −68.6% | −16.5% | −3.6% | −15.8% | −19.9% | −4.9% | −78.3% | −22.0% |
| PZZA Papa John's International, Inc. | 2 of 10 | −6.3% | −45.6% | −48.7% | −31.1% | −7.9% | −38.5% | −13.0% | −1.0% | −57.0% | −43.7% |
| JACK Jack in the Box Inc. | 2 of 10 | −9.2% | −41.4% | −79.1% | −14.4% | −7.5% | −20.7% | −21.3% | −1.2% | −64.4% | −40.2% |
| DNUT Krispy Kreme, Inc. | 1 of 2 | −1.1% | −38.0% | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
How closely does SBUX move with the S&P 500?
Upside capture measures how much of the S&P 500's gains an investment kept in the months the market rose, and downside capture how much of its losses it took in the months the market fell. An investment that captures more of the gains than the losses has compounded ahead of the market over time. This section compares SBUX with its popular alternatives on both measures, and on beta (how strongly each has moved with the market), over the past 10 years.
- Nine of the 16 popular alternatives had a higher capture ratio (upside capture divided by downside capture) than SBUX's 0.76, led by NATH, KDP and KO.
- YUM took just 70% of the S&P 500's losses, against 107% for SBUX, while still keeping 67% of its gains.
- Over the past 10 years, SBUX captured 81% of the S&P 500's gains in rising months and 107% of its losses in falling months, with a beta of 0.94. Its share of the market's losses was larger than its share of the gains.
Monthly total returns over the past 10 years, measured against SPY. 100% capture or a beta of 1.00 means moving in line with the S&P 500. Green marks a better figure than SBUX's: more upside, less downside or a higher capture ratio. Sorted by capture ratio.
| Investment | Upside capture | Downside capture | Capture ratio | Beta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBUX This pageStarbucks Corporation | 81% | 107% | 0.76 | 0.94 |
| NATH Nathan's Famous, Inc. | 45% | 27% | 1.68 | 0.34 |
| KDP Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. | 59% | 38% | 1.56 | 0.56 |
| KO The Coca-Cola Company | 57% | 44% | 1.29 | 0.47 |
| MCD McDonald's Corporation | 58% | 52% | 1.11 | 0.52 |
| YUM Yum! Brands, Inc. | 67% | 70% | 0.96 | 0.82 |
| CMG Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. | 103% | 111% | 0.92 | 1.16 |
| WING Wingstop Inc. | 123% | 137% | 0.90 | 1.57 |
| QSR Restaurant Brands International Inc. | 67% | 78% | 0.85 | 0.83 |
| DPZ Domino's Pizza, Inc. | 77% | 98% | 0.79 | 0.75 |
| PEP PepsiCo, Inc. | 48% | 65% | 0.75 | 0.48 |
| SJM The J. M. Smucker Company | 25% | 38% | 0.67 | 0.30 |
| SHAK Shake Shack Inc. | 85% | 131% | 0.65 | 1.68 |
| LOCO El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. | 80% | 137% | 0.58 | 1.15 |
| WEN The Wendy's Company | 32% | 78% | 0.42 | 0.68 |
| JACK Jack in the Box Inc. | 49% | 214% | 0.23 | 1.61 |
| PZZA Papa John's International, Inc. | 32% | 141% | 0.22 | 1.08 |
What diversifies SBUX?
Correlation measures how closely two investments move together, on a scale from 1 (in lockstep) through 0 (unrelated) to -1 (in opposite directions). This section lists large ETFs and stocks whose returns have had a low correlation with SBUX's. Because such investments tend not to fall at the same time, pairing SBUX with them can reduce a portfolio's overall swings.
- Moving a fifth of the money in SBUX into DXJ would have cut the portfolio's volatility by 18% over the past 5 years and raised its annual return (-0.8% for SBUX alone, +5.0% for the mix).
- FIX made money in eight of the ten calendar years in which SBUX lost money.
- Among large ETFs, LVHI, DXJ and HDV have moved largely independently of SBUX over the past 5 years, with correlations of 0.49 or lower, and each still earned a positive 5-year return.
Only ETFs with at least $1.0B in assets and stocks worth at least $10B, with a correlation below 0.5 over the past 5 years and a positive return, are included, ranked by Sharpe ratio; funds that hold the same thing are shown once. The year columns are the years in which SBUX lost money. The last two columns show a portfolio that is 80% SBUX and 20% the other investment, rebalanced monthly.
ETFs
| Investment | Correlation | 5Y return | Sharpe | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2016 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2001 | 1999 | 80/20 mix volatility | 80/20 mix annual return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBUX Starbucks Corporation (this page) | 1.00 | −1.7% | 0.15 | −5.3% | −2.5% | −1.2% | −13.2% | −6.1% | −53.7% | −42.2% | −3.8% | −13.8% | −13.6% | 30.1% | −0.8% |
| LVHI InternationalFranklin International Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF | 0.44 | +119% | 1.48 | +27.1% | +15.9% | +17.4% | +3.8% | — | — | — | — | — | — | 25.0% | +3.1% |
| DXJ InternationalWisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund | 0.21 | +225% | 1.34 | +32.8% | +29.8% | +42.0% | +6.0% | +1.1% | −20.8% | −7.4% | — | — | — | 24.8% | +5.0% |
| HDV Dividend & IncomeiShares Core High Dividend ETF | 0.49 | +83.3% | 1.00 | +11.9% | +14.1% | +1.8% | +7.1% | +15.9% | — | — | — | — | — | 25.6% | +2.2% |
| FTLS Broad MarketFirst Trust Long/Short Equity ETF | 0.47 | +62.9% | 0.99 | +9.1% | +18.8% | +16.9% | −5.6% | +6.5% | — | — | — | — | — | 25.0% | +2.0% |
| EWP Broad MarketiShares MSCI Spain ETF | 0.36 | +140% | 0.97 | +78.0% | +5.7% | +30.3% | −5.2% | −1.8% | −36.8% | +20.9% | +4.6% | −9.2% | −1.5% | 25.7% | +3.9% |
| MLPX EnergyGlobal X - MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF | 0.39 | +135% | 0.97 | +4.9% | +42.9% | +15.8% | +21.5% | +36.3% | — | — | — | — | — | 25.8% | +3.8% |
| SMH TechnologyVanEck Semiconductor ETF | 0.33 | +323% | 0.97 | +49.2% | +39.1% | +73.4% | −33.5% | +35.6% | −44.7% | +6.0% | +10.8% | −14.6% | — | 27.2% | +7.1% |
| GLD CommoditiesSPDR Gold Shares | 0.20 | +126% | 0.96 | +63.7% | +26.7% | +12.7% | −0.8% | +8.0% | +4.9% | +30.4% | +17.8% | — | — | 25.0% | +3.6% |
Stocks
| Investment | Correlation | 5Y return | Sharpe | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2016 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2001 | 1999 | 80/20 mix volatility | 80/20 mix annual return |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBUX Starbucks Corporation (this page) | 1.00 | −1.7% | 0.15 | −5.3% | −2.5% | −1.2% | −13.2% | −6.1% | −53.7% | −42.2% | −3.8% | −13.8% | −13.6% | 30.1% | −0.8% |
| CAH Medical - DistributionCardinal Health, Inc. | 0.30 | +479% | 1.55 | +76.3% | +19.0% | +34.1% | +54.1% | −17.5% | −39.6% | −9.8% | +18.7% | −2.5% | −36.8% | 26.2% | +6.9% |
| CLS Hardware, Equipment & PartsCelestica Inc. | 0.14 | +3,143% | 1.47 | +220% | +215% | +160% | +1.3% | +7.4% | −20.5% | −25.7% | −25.2% | −25.6% | +350% | 28.2% | +18.8% |
| FIX Engineering & ConstructionComfort Systems USA, Inc. | 0.27 | +1,636% | 1.46 | +121% | +107% | +79.6% | +17.0% | +18.3% | −15.2% | +2.1% | +20.1% | +73.7% | −58.7% | 27.9% | +14.8% |
| MCK Medical - DistributionMcKesson Corporation | 0.06 | +413% | 1.44 | +44.5% | +23.7% | +24.1% | +51.8% | −28.3% | −40.4% | +29.7% | +64.9% | +4.9% | −71.3% | 24.9% | +6.7% |
| MPC Oil & Gas Refining & MarketingMarathon Petroleum Corporation | 0.18 | +690% | 1.41 | +19.2% | −4.0% | +30.4% | +86.6% | +0.7% | — | — | — | — | — | 26.1% | +8.9% |
Common questions
What was SBUX's worst drawdown?
SBUX's deepest decline since it began trading in 1992 was 81.9%, from May 2006 to November 2008. It took about three years from the low to climb back to its old high.
What were SBUX's best and worst years?
Over 29 full calendar years, SBUX's best year was 2009, when it returned 144%. Its worst was 2008, with a return of -53.7%.
Is there a better investment than SBUX?
Among SBUX's popular alternatives, KO, SJM and MCD earned more than SBUX with less volatility over the past 5 years. KO returned 14.7% a year at 16.8% volatility, against a loss of 0.4% a year at 31.9%. Looking beyond its popular alternatives, MNST (food & beverages) and CCEP (food & beverages) earned more than SBUX with less volatility over the past 5 years. MNST returned 17.2% a year at 24.9% volatility, against a loss of 0.4% a year at 31.9%.
Is SBUX more volatile than the S&P 500?
Yes. SBUX's volatility over the past 5 years was 31.9%, 1.9 times the S&P 500's 17.1%. Volatility measures how widely returns swing around their average: in roughly two years out of three, SBUX's return lands within 31.9% of its average, either way. The higher it is, the rougher the ride and the harder it is to hold through a slump.
What is SBUX's Sharpe ratio?
SBUX's Sharpe ratio over the past 5 years was 0.15, against 0.79 for the S&P 500, so SBUX earned less for each unit of risk than an index fund did. The Sharpe ratio is the return earned above cash for each unit of volatility: two investments with the same return are not equal if one got there with far bigger swings.
How correlated is SBUX with the S&P 500?
Over the past 5 years, SBUX's monthly returns had a correlation of 0.51 with the S&P 500. Correlation runs from 1 (moving in lockstep) through 0 (unrelated) to −1 (moving in opposite directions). They often move together: some diversification next to an index fund, but not a cushion. In the table, the correlation column measures each option against SBUX instead: the lower it is, the more that option would diversify a SBUX holding.
What are the best alternatives to SBUX?
Of the 22 popular alternatives we compared, four outperformed SBUX in at least 3 of 5 short-term and 2 of 3 long-term timeframes, with dividends reinvested: KDP, KO and LOCO.
Did SBUX outperform the S&P 500?
SBUX finished ahead of the S&P 500 (SPY) in 16 of 29 full calendar years. In 2025, it returned -5.3%, against +17.7% for the index.
How did SBUX do in stock market crashes?
SBUX fell less than the S&P 500 (SPY) in five of the ten major crashes it has traded through, and further in four. The clearest case was the late-2018 sell-off, when SBUX fell 11.4% and the S&P 500 fell 19.3%.
What diversifies SBUX?
These had a low correlation with SBUX over the past 5 years and still earned a positive 5-year return: among large ETFs, LVHI (correlation 0.44), DXJ (correlation 0.21) and HDV (correlation 0.49); among large stocks, CAH (correlation 0.30), CLS (correlation 0.14) and FIX (correlation 0.27). A correlation near zero means the two have moved largely independently.
How we measure
- Short-term periods are 1M, 3M, 6M, YTD, 1Y; long-term periods are 3Y, 5Y, 10Y. An investment outperformed in a period when its total return, with dividends reinvested, was higher than SBUX's. Returns within 0.5 points or 3% of SBUX's, whichever is larger, count as a tie.
- "Qualified" means outperforming in at least 3 of 5 short-term periods and 2 of 3 long-term periods. "All-weather" means outperforming in every long-term period and all but one short-term period.
- Popular alternatives are the funds and stocks most often compared with this one. We include only those that trade today, are not leveraged or inverse, and hold at least $200 million.
- Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily returns over 5 years, a measure of how much the price typically swings in a year. The Sharpe ratio is the return above cash for each unit of that volatility.
- A decline, or drawdown, runs from a peak to the lowest close before the next high. The worst decline ever uses all the price history we have; comparisons between funds use the past 10 years so that younger funds are judged on the same stretch.
- Sector overlap is the share of assets two funds hold in the same sectors. Correlation and the mixed-portfolio figures use monthly returns.
- Upside and downside capture follow Morningstar's definition: the compound monthly return in the months the S&P 500 rose (or fell), divided by the S&P 500's compound return in those months. Beta measures how strongly monthly returns have moved with the S&P 500. All three use the same window for every investment.
- Figures are computed from daily adjusted prices and update after each trading day. Past performance does not predict future results.
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