Starbucks: What to know before the coffee giant's Q4 earnings

Core Viewpoint - The current focus for Starbucks is on traffic numbers rather than earnings per share (EPS), with a willingness to accept some margin compression if traffic can be accelerated [2][3] Starbucks Analysis - The rollout of the Green Apron initiative is expected to impact labor costs more than traffic growth [3] - Pricing strategies are crucial, as Starbucks has increased prices without a corresponding improvement in customer experience [4] - There is a suggestion that introducing lower price points could help improve traffic numbers, despite the pressure from rising coffee prices [5] - Starbucks is exploring the possibility of selling a stake or the entire business in China, seeking the right strategic partner to improve performance in that market [6][7] Chipotle Analysis - Expectations for Chipotle's upcoming results are low, with a focus on traffic numbers similar to Starbucks [8] - The fast casual dining sector, including Chipotle, is facing pressure due to excessive pricing and increased competition from new concepts [8]