Starbucks (SBUX) was finally able to post an improved showing in Q4 results announced Thursday, with US same store sales up plus 4%, ticket up plus 5% and traffic only minus 1%. However, analysts were wary of them attaining their long term 3-5% comps guidance. Starbucks began its Christmas season in store retail and digital features program this week.  The company is also working to decrease store manager administrative paperwork, and will open a relatively low number of US stores in 2019 (which is good news for all). Beverage gains were powered by cold drinks including nitro, cold brew and foams. Interestingly, FY-18 Q4 US store margins fell to 19.1% (remember no royalty here), as a result of labor and benefits investments.