Starbucks remains well positioned despite current pressures, UBS analysts say in a research note. The coffee chain has a strong customer brand affinity and attractive growth profile. The U.S. challenges largely reflect a combination of Middle East conflict-related protests and consumer spending pressures, while China macro conditions and competition represent overhangs, the analysts say. These pressures are expected to weigh on Starbucks’ results. UBS lowers its 2Q North America same store sales to flat from an increase of 3%, and its international estimates to a decline of 2% from prior flat expectations. It also cuts its 2Q and FY EPS forecasts to 78 cents and $3.94, previously, noting that sales headwinds likely persisted in the 2Q.