---
title: "'Clear Opportunities to Reduce the Spend in Software': Starbucks Stock (NASDAQ:SBUX) Jumps on New AI Tools Plan"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/292225254.md"
description: "Starbucks shares rose over 3% after announcing plans to develop internal AI tools, including inventory and maintenance systems, to reduce its $400 million annual software spend. The company aims to cut costs by customizing software for its specific needs. Additionally, Starbucks launched the limited-edition 'Pink Bearista' cup, inspired by the Pink Drink, available to Reserve members first before a wider release in select U.S. locations."
datetime: "2026-07-09T16:33:06.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/292225254.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/292225254.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/292225254.md)
---

# 'Clear Opportunities to Reduce the Spend in Software': Starbucks Stock (NASDAQ:SBUX) Jumps on New AI Tools Plan

It was not so long ago when coffee giant Starbucks (SBUX) waved the white flag on its artificial intelligence (AI) tools, particularly an inventory system designed to free up baristas from tedious counting and get them back to making emotional connections with customers. But Starbucks did not abandon the notion of AI tools altogether, and is reportedly developing its own line internally. The move was welcomed by investors, and Starbucks shares gained over 3% in Thursday afternoon's trading.

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Reports note that the tools Starbucks is currently developing are an inventory tracking system and a maintenance-management system. Some of the software in question could hit Starbucks locations by the end of the year, though the systems will have to be tested in order to make sure they work properly.

Starbucks' chief technology officer Anand Varadarajan noted that there were "…clear opportunities to reduce the spend in software." This is absolutely true, given that Starbucks currently spends about $400 million annually on software. This is also, interestingly, a part of a larger plan in which Starbucks is going over every contract and service with a fine-toothed comb, looking for opportunities to cut costs and save money. Developing some software internally may do just that. Better yet, the software developed internally would have Starbucks' own particular needs in mind, so it may work better than the alternatives.

## **Pink Bearista Hits**

Meanwhile, Starbucks is out to capture lightning in a bottle once more by rolling out a new Bearista cup. We found out a while back that a new Bearista was planned in honor of summer and strawberries, and that combination hit rolled out today.

Starbucks Reserve members get first crack, and in four days, the cup will go live in "select U.S. locations" for $32.95. The Pink Bearista, with a strawberry hat, is said to be inspired by the Pink Drink at Starbucks. The Pink Bearista will not be alone, though, as a range of merch will follow, including keychains, hats and belt bags. There is a two-item limit on the Pink Bearista, though, so more people should be able to get them without turning to scalpers.

## **Is Starbucks Stock a Good Buy?**

Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on SBUX stock based on 17 Buys and 10 Holds assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 9.16% rally in its share price over the past year, the average SBUX price target of $112.04 per share implies 4.59% upside potential.

### Related Stocks

- [SBUX.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/SBUX.US.md)
- [SBU.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/SBU.US.md)

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