The ICR Conference is imminent – scheduled to run in Orlando, Florida from January 8-10. This exclusive event is tailored for institutional investors, private equity professionals, presenting companies, select media, and equity research analysts within the retail sector. Historically, this conference has been instrumental in precipitating movements in share prices, primarily through the slew of guidance updates for the crucial holiday quarter. For this year’s gathering, the prevailing expectation is a positive tilt on Q4 results, albeit accompanied by cautionary sentiments regarding the consumer spending landscape in 2024. Nevertheless, several tailwinds are propelling the retail sector into the new year, most notably lean inventories, favorable freight conditions, and alleviating inflation pressures.

One of the most anticipated updates at ICR will undoubtedly be from Lululemon (LULU), particularly in the wake of Nike’s (NKE) recent earnings report, which cast a shadow over the retail sector’s prospects. Despite Nike’s favorable channel checks and restrained markdown activity, Lululemon (LULU) has historically suffered a decline in its share price following the ICR limelight.

Prior to the conference, JPMorgan has indicated that a majority of companies across its coverage universe are on track to either meet or exceed the current Q4 consensus estimates. Notably, Lululemon Athletica (LULU), Savers Value Village (SVV), Urban Outfitters (URBN), and Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) have been singled out as potential outperformers by the firm. Furthermore, Bank of America anticipates that Crocs (CROX) will deliver a positive surprise during its Q4 pre-announcement. Correspondingly, Jefferies has shown the most optimism towards SharkNinja (SN) due to its robust innovation pipeline and potential for substantial category and geographic expansion, along with Five Below (FIVE) on the back of its compelling value proposition. Meanwhile, BTIG has its sights set on potential turnaround stories such as Warby Parker (WRBY) and Revolve Group (RVLV), whereas Baird has identified Dutch Bros. (BROS) as a probable candidate to issue Q4 guidance that exceeds consensus expectations. Additionally, several firms have earmarked Deckers Outdoor (DECK) as a company with the capacity to impress both investors and analysts with its presentation.

Notably, the likes of European Wax Center (EWCZ), Victoria’s Secret (VSCO), and Boot Barn (BOOT) witnessed double-digit rallies following their impressive ICR presentations last year. In a similar vein, Torrid Holdings (CURV) approaches the ICR event with a “Strong Buy” rating flashing on Seeking Alpha Quant. Furthermore, Walmart (WMT) is poised to send some of its executives to ICR, a move that historically has propelled the retail giant to share price gains in four out of the last five years following its ICR update.

Other noteworthy companies slated for presentations at the ICR Conference include Purple Innovation (PRPL), Five Below (FIVE), a.k.a. Brands (AKA), On Holding (ONON), BARK (BARK), Aurora Cannabis (ACB), Jack in the Box (JACK), Xponential Fitness (XPOF), Wolverine World Wide (WWW), Urban Outfitters (URBN), Duckhorn Portfolio (NAPA), Solo Brands (DTC), Rush Street Interactive (RSI), Portillo’s (PTLO), Dave & Buster’s Entertainment (PLAY), Planet Fitness (PNT), Freshpet (FRPT), Dutch Bros (BROS), Domino’s Pizza (DPZ), Crocs (CROX), Darden Restaurants (DRI), and Beyond Meat (BYND).