1. Does the firm pay dividends? If so, discuss the payout rate. How has it changed over time?
2. Does the firm pay dividends in any other form--e.g.,share repurchase? How does the firm balance this with its traditional dividend payout? How has this policy changed over time?
3. Assess the growth of the firm in terms of its amount of total assets. Where have funds for growth come from? How does this relate to the firm's payout policy?

My question is about Starbucks Corporation.