- The debate on Starbucks (SBUX -1.2%) continues to build with the company's store traffic in the U.S. to be a focal point with its Q4 report tonight.
- The massive $1.3B in gift card sales the company churned up during the holiday period is expected to have supported revenue totals, but weak mall sales amid tough winter weather along with a sluggish report from McDonald's earlier today suggests store traffic could disappoint.
- The company's guidance for "mid single-digit" same-store sales growth in the Americas leaves a lot of wriggle room. A mark over 6% would probably be enough to satisfy investors.