Key Points
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Starbucks brought back its fan-favorite Unicorn Frappuccino for a limited run.
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The company sold more than 2 million of the frosty and colorful beverages, delivering a record-breaking weekend.
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While there’s still work to do, this marks the next step in Starbucks’ remarkable recovery.
- 10 stocks we like better than Starbucks ›
Seasoned investors know there’s no such thing as a “sure thing” in investing. There are, however, some companies that come awfully close. For years, Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) was a prime example of a consistent performer — until it wasn’t. Over the past couple of years, the coffee purveyor suffered several consecutive quarters of declining comps and falling foot traffic, sending many investors heading for the exits.
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In 2026, however, things began to look up. In its most recent quarter, Starbucks reported remarkably strong results and its best same-store sales (comps) growth in years. On the heels of its steaming success, Starbucks just announced a remarkable coup that seems to confirm that the coffee chain is back.
Image source: Starbucks.
A rare sighting
In a press release that dropped late on Monday, Starbucks shared a message from CEO Brian Niccol to address a significant milestone: The company delivered a record-setting weekend, selling more than 2 million beverages. The catalyst for this new watermark? The return of Starbucks’ Unicorn Frappuccino.
The frosty, blended concoction is made of milk, ice, and mango-flavored syrup, topped with a sour, tangy blue drizzle and whipped cream, and dusted with sweet-and-sour blue powder. The drink became a cult favorite during its limited release in 2017. Starbucks encouraged customers to “join in the fun,” instructing them to “come dressed as your best unicorn-inspired self.” And fans obliged.
From the press release:
In coffeehouses across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East, customers came in with friends and family to experience a moment of nostalgia and joy. They shared photos, posted videos, and made memories.
Niccol went on to detail the accomplishment, noting that Starbucks sold more than 2 million of the pink blended beverages in its North American company-operated coffee houses. As a result, Saturday was Starbucks’ “biggest Saturday sales day ever.”
The creme of the crop
This tops a remarkable comeback for a company that some investors had left for dead. In its fiscal 2026 third quarter (ended June 28), Starbucks generated net revenue of $9.3 billion, down 1% year over year, reflecting the divestiture of its operations in China. Comps increased 7.9%, with a 4.2% increase in transactions and a 3.5% increase in the average ticket. This drove adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.85, up 70%.
Not only did Starbucks beat expectations, but it also raised its full-year 2026 forecast and is now guiding for U.S. and global comps of 6% or more, up from its previous forecast for 5% growth issued just three months ago.
Now the company has kicked off the third quarter in style by bringing back a fan-favorite drink with a strong following, and for a limited time — which turned out to be a brilliant strategy. However inspired the decision, Starbucks can only pull this off once. The company will still need to keep its comps up and continue to deliver on its revenue and profit growth.
Starbucks is no longer cheap, selling for 34 times next year’s expected sales. However, if the company’s winning streak continues, that multiple might prove a bargain.
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Danny Vena, CPA has positions in Starbucks. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Starbucks. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
