Starbucks Builds Sovereign AI to Cut $400 Million in Software Costs

Starbucks is developing proprietary AI systems to replace legacy software from Microsoft and IBM, targeting $400 million in annual software spending. This shift from recurring licensing fees to internally-built infrastructure represents a structural change in enterprise strategy, converting operating expenses to capital expenditures. The move reflects broader pressure from rising commodity costs and labor wages, while signaling potential systemic risk for traditional software vendors as other Fortune 500 companies may follow suit.

07/13/2026, 11:06 AM • Investing

Chipotle Is Up 17% in 1 Month. Is It a Top Buy Before July 29?

Chipotle's recent 17% monthly rally may be short-lived as the fast-casual chain faces significant headwinds. The company is experiencing declining comparable sales, rising labor costs, and slowing revenue growth. Management expects flat comparable sales in 2026, signaling the end of high-growth days. The departure of former CEO Brian Niccol to Starbucks in 2024 has coincided with the company's deterioration, making the current rally unlikely to sustain.

07/09/2026, 12:23 PM • The Motley Fool

These 3 Stocks Offer Investors Exposure to the Functional Beverage Boom

The functional beverage market is projected to grow from $160 billion to over $235 billion between 2026-2031 at a 7.93% CAGR. Three publicly traded companies offer investors exposure to this trend: BellRing Brands (pure-play protein beverages), Starbucks (functional add-ons to mainstream offerings), and Celsius Holdings (functional energy drinks). While all three have strong fundamentals, each carries different risk profiles and growth catalysts.

07/06/2026, 4:20 PM • Investing

Dutch Bros Stock Just Hit a 52-Week High. 3 Reasons Why It's Still a Great Buy in July.

Dutch Bros has reached a 52-week high of $74.65, driven by strong quarterly results with 31% revenue growth and 8.3% same-shop sales increase. The company raised full-year guidance and demonstrated five consecutive quarters of transaction growth. With 1,177 locations across 25 states and plans to expand to 2,029 shops by 2029, Dutch Bros is positioned as a solid growth stock despite a forward P/E of 76, supported by passionate leadership and profitable expansion strategy.

07/05/2026, 7:15 AM • The Motley Fool

3 Magnificent Growth Stocks to Buy in July

The article recommends three growth stocks: Axon Enterprise, a law enforcement AI platform company with strong revenue growth and profitability; Dutch Bros, a rapidly expanding coffee chain with aggressive store expansion plans and accelerating sales; and MercadoLibre, Latin America's leading e-commerce and fintech platform showing exceptional growth metrics despite being down year-to-date.

07/05/2026, 3:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Better Buy in July: 1 Share of Starbucks or 1 Dutch Bros Share Plus 1 Chipotle Share?

For roughly $100, investors can choose between one share of Starbucks or one share each of Dutch Bros and Chipotle. While Starbucks is an established giant with recent positive momentum, Dutch Bros offers faster growth with 16% year-over-year location expansion, and Chipotle presents a turnaround opportunity despite recent underperformance. Buying two stocks provides diversification and exposure to both growth and value narratives.

07/02/2026, 6:15 PM • The Motley Fool

Don't Chase Wendy's Meme Stock Rally. Here Are 2 Restaurant Stocks With Actual Growth Stories.

The article warns against chasing Wendy's meme stock rally, which surged 50% due to Reddit trader interest despite the company's declining same-store sales and brand issues. Instead, it recommends Toast and Starbucks as better restaurant industry investments with strong fundamentals and growth trajectories.

07/02/2026, 8:08 AM • The Motley Fool

3 Reasons Why Chipotle Is Down 53% Since Its 50-for-1 Stock Split

Chipotle's stock has plummeted 53% from its all-time high following its June 2024 stock split, driven by weakening sales growth, rising operational costs, and leadership uncertainty after CEO Brian Niccol's departure to Starbucks. Revenue growth slowed from 18% year-over-year in Q2 2024 to just 5% for full year 2025, while restaurant-level margins compressed from 26.7% to 23.7% amid inflation in labor, rent, and food costs. The company prioritized traffic over profitability through price cuts, resulting in a 17% year-over-year earnings decline in Q1 2026.

06/29/2026, 11:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Got $200? Here's What Buying 1 Share of Each of These 3 Stocks on the Dip Could Look Like in 5 Years.

Three consumer growth stocks—Dutch Bros, Chipotle, and Cava—are trading below recent highs due to margin pressure and macroeconomic concerns rather than fundamental deterioration. The article suggests a $200 basket portfolio approach across all three could be an attractive long-term compounding opportunity for patient investors with a 5+ year horizon.

06/28/2026, 9:05 AM • The Motley Fool

CAVA vs. Krispy Kreme: Which Consumer Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

CAVA Group demonstrates strong growth with 22.4% revenue increase and positive net income, while Krispy Kreme faces challenges with declining revenue and significant losses amid a turnaround strategy. The article recommends CAVA for growth-focused investors, though it trades at a premium valuation, while suggesting investors wait for Krispy Kreme's turnaround to gain traction before investing.

06/26/2026, 7:15 AM • The Motley Fool

Dutch Bros Doubled Over the Last 3 Years. Can It Triple by 2030?

Dutch Bros, a rapidly growing coffee chain with innovative products and store formats, has doubled in stock value over three years and achieved 31% sales growth in Q1 2026. However, with a P/E ratio of 104 and decelerating net income growth, analysts believe tripling by 2030 is unlikely, though doubling remains possible.

06/21/2026, 5:35 AM • The Motley Fool

The Market Has Punished This Consumer Stock -- Is That Your Buying Opportunity?

Chipotle Mexican Grill's stock has fallen 54% over two years due to CEO departure, weakening consumer spending, and declining same-store sales. However, Q1 2026 showed signs of recovery with positive same-store sales growth and improved traffic trends. The company maintains a strong long-term growth strategy with plans to expand from 4,100 to 7,000 North American locations, and the stock's valuation has become more attractive at a P/E ratio of 29.2.

06/20/2026, 5:20 AM • The Motley Fool

Buy These 3 Growth Stocks Now, Ignore the Noise, and Thank Yourself Later

Despite short-term market noise and consumer spending concerns, Chipotle, Ulta Beauty, and Dutch Bros are executing strong long-term growth strategies. Chipotle is expanding aggressively with 350-370 new restaurants planned for 2026, Ulta is capitalizing on prestige beauty trends and celebrity collaborations, and Dutch Bros is leveraging competitive pricing advantages while expanding into CPG products through major retailers.

06/19/2026, 3:21 PM • The Motley Fool

If You Buy Dutch Bros Today, Here's Where It Could Be in 5 Years

Dutch Bros is rapidly expanding its coffee shop footprint from 1,177 locations as of March 31 to a targeted 2,029 by 2029, with long-term potential for 7,000 U.S. locations. The company is driving growth through new store openings and a food program that currently contributes only 2% of sales but shows significant upside potential. Analysts project adjusted diluted EPS of $1.53 in 2028, representing 101% growth from 2025 levels, suggesting the stock could potentially double by 2031.

06/17/2026, 8:12 AM • The Motley Fool

McDonald's Is Upgrading Its Menu. Should Investors Bite?

McDonald's is launching its McDonald's > NEXT strategy to compete in a challenging consumer environment by upgrading its menu with premium chicken offerings, refreshed beverages, and restaurant redesigns. While the strategy could drive long-term growth and reinvigorate the brand, it carries risks including margin pressure from premium ingredients and execution challenges. The stock is down 9% year-to-date and trading at a reasonable valuation with a solid dividend yield.

06/05/2026, 4:25 AM • The Motley Fool