Susquehanna Taking A More Conservative Approach To Retail For Q1

Susquehanna analyst Christopher Svezia adjusted price targets and estimates on several companies in the Footwear, Athletic & Apparel group Monday morning.

"While athletic footwear/apparel still remains a standout at retail, we are lowering estimates for most retailers given weak traffic, volatile weather and shifting buying patterns," the Susquehanna analyst wrote in a research note.

He believes outperformers among the group will need to include "a top-tier athletic assortment, a solid ecommerce platform," and a good start during the first quarter.

Svezia warned "we are starting to have some concerns around DSW Inc. DSW while key sporting goods bankruptcies/promotions are something to watch for the smaller regional players, particularly with no ecommerce Hibbett Sports, Inc. HIBB."

• Caleres Inc CAL - price target reduced from $36 to $33, Positive rating maintained
• DSW - price target lowered from $27 to $24, Neutral rating maintained
• Hibbett - price target lowered from $39 to $37, Neutral rating maintained
• Dicks Sporting Goods Inc DKS - FY16 and FY17 EPS estimates lowered by $0.02 each, price target of $53, Positive rating maintained
• Genesco Inc. GCO - FY17 EPS estimate lowered by $0.03, price target of $77, Positive rating maintained
• Shoe Carnival, Inc. SCVL - EPS estimates, $32 price target, Positive rating maintained