1. Starbucks faces significant challenges ahead of its Q4 earnings, with expectations of stock decline due to underperformance against rivals like Dutch Bros and Luckin Coffee; 2. Recent U.S. store closures highlight brand retrenchment, weak same-store sales, and stagnant domestic growth prospects; 3. Despite a ~20x forward EBITDA multiple, the stock lacks valuation support, reinforcing a sell rating recommendation.