Investors have been thrilled with Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) over the past 10 years -- a period that has seen its shares gain 350% versus about 200% for the S&P 500. The average ticket -- an important metric that measures the company's ability to raise prices -- fell by 1% in China during that time. In addition to its struggles in China, management pointed to "accelerating inflation and the significant investments we're planning" as other reasons why it suspended guidance.