Boot Barn, Lululemon among expected pre-announcements at ICR conference
Robert Way

The ICR Conference scheduled for January 9 through 11 could pack some key earnings pre-announcements, according to analysts.
The conference, scheduled to host numerous closely-followed consumer-facing companies, has historically been a point where companies offer some insights into the year ahead. Both BMO Capital Markets analyst Simeon Siegel and Citi analyst Steven Zaccone expect this trend to continue. 
âOut of our covered companies attending ICR next week [Lululemon Athletica] (NASDAQ:LULU) has generally raised its previously issued guidance (LY it lowered to the low-end of its range), [American Eagle Outfitters] (AEO) has historically reiterated previously provided guidance, [Urban Outfitters] (URBN) reports its Holiday sales, [and Planet Fitness] (PLNT) doesnât provide Holiday results (but is expected speak to current trends, likely speaking to ongoing strength),â Siegel told clients on Wednesday. âAnd, although not attached to ICR, [Nordstrom] (JWN) generally reports its 9-week Holiday sales results.â
He added that commentary on clearing excess inventory and promotional activity will be crucial for company presentations during the conference. Insight on costs is also expected given the apparent normalization in ocean freight rates.
Zaccone, meanwhile, is eyeing western wear retailer Boot Barn (NYSE:BOOT). He expects the company to pre-announce with positive figures for its upcoming fiscal third quarter report due to strong holiday sales and the growing demand for western wear. Further, Zacconeâs channel checks suggest a manageable inventory position, in contrast to much of the retail industry.
Shares of Boot Barn (BOOT) rose 3.73% in afternoon trading on Wednesday.
Read more on Wednesdayâs stock movers.