Starbucks' Q2 sales beat estimates

Chicago

STARBUCKS Corp, the world's biggest coffee shop operator, has posted second quarter sales that topped analysts' estimates after its mobile phone app and an expanded menu helped draw more customers to stores.

Revenue gained 18 per cent to US$4.56 billion in the period, which ended March 29, the Seattle-based company said in a statement on Thursday. Analysts had estimated US$4.53 billion on average, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

CEO Howard Schultz has been focused on expanding the company's digital services, including mobile ordering, which allows diners to transmit their requests before visiting a store. Starbucks is also going to test delivery in Seattle and New York's Empire State Building, letting cus…