Dominant market position in specialty coffee retailing; Excellent national and international brand recognition; and History of strong cash flow generation. Operates in the competitive and fragmented retail/restaurant industry; and Aggressive growth plans. The ratings are based on Seattle, Wash.-based Starbucks Corp.'s leading market position and excellent brand recognition in the specialty coffee market in the U.S., as well as a history of good operating performance and strong cash flow generation. The outlook is stable. Starbucks is a global retailer of specialty coffee, with more than 13,100 locations in the U.S. and internationally. The company is the dominant player in the specialty coffee retailing market, with a national presence in the U.S. and growing international operations that currently encompass 39 countries.
