Starbucks Reduces Holdings in Autonomous Vehicle Firm Waymo

Capital Group Private Client Services Inc. lowers stake in coffee giant by 86%

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:24am

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Capital Group Private Client Services Inc., a major investment firm, has reduced its holdings in Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) by 86% in the third quarter, according to a recent SEC filing. The fund now owns just 6,970 shares of the coffee company's stock, down from 49,922 shares previously.

Why it matters

This significant reduction in Starbucks' institutional ownership could signal a shift in investor sentiment towards the company, potentially impacting its stock price and future strategic decisions. The move also comes as Starbucks faces some public backlash and vandalism incidents related to its autonomous vehicle subsidiary Waymo, raising questions about the company's public image and risk factors.

The details

According to the filing, Capital Group Private Client Services Inc. sold 42,952 shares of Starbucks stock during the third quarter, leaving it with a much smaller position valued at $590,000. The reasons behind the firm's decision to substantially reduce its Starbucks holdings are not entirely clear, but it could be related to concerns over the company's autonomous vehicle business or broader market conditions.

  • Capital Group Private Client Services Inc. filed the 13F report on March 11, 2026, detailing its reduced Starbucks holdings in the third quarter of 2025.

The players

Capital Group Private Client Services Inc.

A major investment management firm that has significantly reduced its stake in Starbucks Corporation.

Starbucks Corporation

A global coffee company that operates a network of coffeehouses and is also the parent company of autonomous vehicle subsidiary Waymo.

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The takeaway

This development highlights the potential risks and challenges Starbucks faces as it navigates the autonomous vehicle space, which has faced some public backlash in certain markets. Investors will be closely watching to see if this reduction in institutional ownership is an isolated incident or part of a broader shift in sentiment towards the coffee giant.