Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX) shares are climbing Monday. The company ruled out buying Chipotle Mexican Grill.
- Starbucks stock is showing upward movement. What’s pushing SBUX stock higher?
Starbucks Rises After Denying Interest in Buying Chipotle
Starbucks has shut down the speculation that it’s considering a takeover of Chipotle. Speaking with CNBC’s Jim Cramer, a company spokesperson put it plainly: “Starbucks is not buying Chipotle.”
Chatter had been building for days. The Financial Times set it off Thursday, saying people familiar with the matter described months of work with advisors on an offer for Chipotle. Semafor added fuel earlier this month with a report that Chipotle recruited advisors to guard against activists or an uninvited bidder.
Why Investors Reacted to the Chipotle Takeover Rumors
Chipotle had a tough 2025 with fewer customers walking into its restaurants, and the recovery is still underway. A roughly 20% slide in the stock over the past year has made the chain cheaper to buy. When the rumors surfaced, Chipotle rose and Starbucks sank.
Chipotle’s investors warmed to the thought of Brian Niccol, the former Chipotle chief who now runs Starbucks, coming back. Starbucks holders saw something different: a pricey sideshow at a time when the coffee company is busy fixing its own business.
Starbucks Stock Sits Well Below its August Peak
The stock’s 52-week range runs from $77.99, reached Nov. 4, 2025, to $110.51, reached Aug. 13. After the August peak, the shares dipped as low as $87.35 on Oct. 8.
Monday’s gain carried shares above $92, but they remain 13.10% lower than they were three months ago. Over the past year, the stock has gained 15.11%.
SBUX Shares Are Rising
SBUX Price Action: Starbucks shares were up 1.61% at $92.21 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro.
Image: Ned Snowman/Shutterstock
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