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Should Starbucks Shareholders Be Worried?

The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series, in which consumer goods editor and analyst Austin Smith discusses topics across the investing world. Starbucks has been a market darling over the past few years. The coffee slinger has been a multibagger for some, and a still-solid investment for others. But with all that growth, Starbucks has also filled out its multiples, and now sits at a not-so-cheap P/E of 30. In an effort to continue the momentum, it seems that Starbucks is diversifying away from its core-competence -- selling absurdly high-margin coffee. Investors shouldn't be worried though. The company's investments in energy drinks, smoothies, and baked goods may result in lower margins, but they aren't a waste of money. They're among a multitude of long-term bets Starbucks is making to keep the company growing.

Getting in on Starbucks early would have been a great move, but if you're like me, you missed it. Don't worry, though, because there is always another big winner lurking around the corner. We've named a few in our report "The Stocks Only the Smartest Investors Are Buying." We invite you to download a free copy. To find out the name of the bank Buffett would probably be interested in if he could still invest in small banks, just click here.

Austin Smith has no positions in the stocks mentioned above. The Motley Fool owns shares of Panera Bread and Starbucks. Motley Fool newsletter services recommend Monster Beverage, Panera Bread, and Starbucks. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.


Read/Post Comments (2) | Recommend This Article (3)

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Help us keep this a respectfully Foolish area! This is a place for our readers to discuss, debate, and learn more about the Foolish investing topic you read about above. Help us keep it clean and safe. If you believe a comment is abusive or otherwise violates our Fool's Rules, please report it via the Report this Comment Report this Comment icon found on every comment.

  • Report this Comment On June 12, 2012, at 4:34 PM, trackjakeambrose wrote:

    i hate your guys bs " free " reports. straight up honesty would go further.

  • Report this Comment On June 12, 2012, at 5:25 PM, g2929 wrote:

    I am amazed at how you sugar coat this purchase of 100 million dollars for a bakery with 19 outlets in the bay area.

    Lofty valuations of tech companies has now spilled into the baked goods market as well.

    The problem with capitalism is that there is a constant pressure to grow and produce bigger numbers.

    The amount of waste Starbucks and other fast food companies generate is just mind boggling.

    I guess there is only so many people you can sell expensive coffee to, now you have to diversify.

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