When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock's price,

Wednesday as Wall Street analysts hiked their price targets for the stock and bought into upbeat comments from Chief Executive Brian Niccol after his first full quarter at the helm. Niccol said Tuesday the company’s work to freshen its brand around coffee craftsmanship “is just beginning.

Key Takeaways Starbucks stock jumped Wednesday when the company reported fiscal first-quarter results after Tuesday's bell.Same-store sales declined less than analysts expected in the period, a sign that new Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" turnaround plan could be off to a promising start.

Washington-based Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) operates as a roaster, marketer, and retailer of coffee. Valued at a market cap of $123.3 billion, the company offers fresh, rich-brewed coffees along with many complimentary food items and a selection of premium teas and other beverages,