Starbucks Corp EVP Sara Kelly Disposes Shares for Tax Obligations

Executive Summary

On September 17, 2026, Starbucks Corp ($SBUX) filed a Form 4 report on behalf of Sara Kelly, Executive Vice President and Chief Partner Officer. The filing reports a transaction dated September 15, 2026, involving the withholding of 1,453.695 shares of Common Stock at $96.58 per share to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units.

Transaction Breakdown

• Security: Common Stock
• Transaction Code: F (Payment of exercise price or tax liability by delivering or withholding securities)
• Shares Withheld: 1,453.695
• Price per Share: $96.58
• Aggregate Value: $140,397.86
• Post-Transaction Direct Ownership: 56,352.6048 shares

Analysis & Market Impact

Because this transaction represents mandatory share withholding to cover tax liabilities associated with RSU vesting rather than a discretionary open-market sale, it carries low informational value regarding executive sentiment on the company's future outlook. Post-transaction, Kelly retains a substantial position of 56,352.6048 shares, which includes 33.279 shares acquired via the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 206 dividend equivalent units.