SBUX

I told you before that I strongly believe in Starbucks' ability to get out of whatever jam it was temporarily in. Today life proved they could keep the coffee dry enough to resurface at any moment.

This week is probably all about inflation data, with US CPI is scheduled for Wednesday, and retailers, starting with Home Depot's quarterly report on Tuesday (was not very bright, but not disappointing at least) and the major Walmart report on Thursday. However, Starbucks news was hosed ahead of the race with a sudden management miracle. It named now-the-former CEO of extremely successful Chipotle Mexican Grill as Starbucks' new CEO, effective since September 9. This important leadership change immediately pushed Starbucks share price more than 20% up, which may be too much for the particular moment, but looks promising for improving the coffee chain's sales in North America and China. Therefore, I personally feel that any price retracement to the levels below $90 could become a golden Buy opportunity. IMHO, even $85 is possible as a short-time episode, but sliding to $75 again would be nearly unbelievable.

Brian Niccol is credited with the splendid thriving of his company since he took the helm in 2018. He doubled Chipotle's revenue and provided its stock price ride to the moon, adding somewhat 700% or 800%, not only because people love burritos so much but also due to his focus on brand culture, menu innovation as well as digital transformation of Chipotle's service. I bet you at least a thousand bucks that Starbucks would become the same kind of riding-to-the-moon-and-stars company very soon, as Niccol is a the Manager to recover the brand's global influence. His leadership expanded from P&G and Taco Bell to Pizza Hut, and he also served on the board of directors for Walmart and even held positions on the boards of Harley-Davidson. For me, it's a kind of miracle-making coach, like Guus Hiddink was in football, so that he pushed even Australians, South Koreans and even slow Russians to play the game. Howard Schultz, the legendary Starbucks founder and chairman emeritus, also expressed his admiration for Niccol's "impact on retail excellence", particularly his ability to "lead a culture and values-driven enterprise."

Well, let's just hold and see. Hope, with a view to repeating July 2021 with its above $120 records, for the beginning.