Starbucks Corp (NASDAQ:SBUX) saw its stock rise by approximately 2.5% in premarket trading following reports that activist investor Starboard Value has taken a stake in the company, seeking to boost share value. This comes after a challenging period for Starbucks, marked by a significant decline in stock value and a disappointing earnings report in May. Other institutional investors have also been adjusting their positions, with stakeholders like CX Institutional lowering their holdings while others, such as Threadgill Financial LLC, increased their investments. The recent influx of activist interest, including from Elliott Management, suggests a push for governance improvements at Starbucks, as both firms may seek representation on the board. Despite the stock's recent gains, it remains down about 20% year-to-date, reflecting ongoing challenges in key markets like the U.S. and China. Market analysts express cautious optimism regarding management's potential for long-term growth amidst these pressures.