The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which Austin Smith and Chris Bledsoe discuss topics across the investing world.
Starbucks was Austin's "Top Coffee Stock of 2012" a few months ago, and in the first quarter it's demonstrated why. Many people think Starbucks' success is isolated to its successfully branded and overpriced (but oh-so-delicious) coffee. That's a narrow focus, though, and in fact this company is so much more. It has recently shown itself to be a dynamic and forward-looking firm that's becoming more of a beverage titan than a coffee shop. Its K-Cups, Verismo brewer, juice bars, energy drinks, and addition of beer to a select few locations shows how quickly this company is expanding beyond "just coffee." Even despite hitting new 52-week highs, Starbucks looks positioned to keep brewing up great returns for investors. Don't be scared by its past growth; Howard Schultz is one of the most visionary CEOs out there, and he's just warming up.
Another crucial piece in Starbucks' future success is international expansion. The company is moving into China and India with force. Despite this, though, it still didn't make the list of "3 Companies Set to Dominate the World." Each one is a super-brand, like Starbucks, that's bringing operational excellence to the emerging world and making money hand over first. Read more about them by clicking here
