BOOT Holdings: Shares of Boot Barn Holdings (NYSE: BOOT), the Western apparel and lifestyle retailer, received a significant boost as Baird Equity Research upgraded its rating to “outperform” after Tuesday’s 20% stock pullback. The dip, triggered by the announcement that CEO Jim Conroy would be departing to join Ross Stores in November, created what Baird analyst Jonathan Komp describes as an “opportunistic buying moment” for investors.

Komp, who maintained his target price of $167—around 29% above Tuesday’s close—expressed confidence in Boot Barn’s growth trajectory despite the CEO transition. He highlighted that the leadership experience of the executive team, along with interim CEO John Hazen’s potential to become a permanent leader, should mitigate near-term disruption risks.

“Boot Barn remains well-positioned for growth,” Komp noted, pointing to the company’s commitment to achieving 15% annual unit growth for the third consecutive year. With shares having climbed about 69% year-to-date, he underscored that the recent drop brought valuation back below the peer median. Komp added, “We see a bull-case scenario with more than 50% upside over the next 12 months and limited downside of around 10-15%,” which strongly supports Baird’s upgraded “outperform” rating.

This rating and the underlying confidence in Boot Barn’s earnings potential highlight the stock as a compelling opportunity for growth investors, especially those interested in Western wear’s expanding market. With the leadership transition underway and a strong strategic foundation, Boot Barn stock could remain an attractive pick among specialty retail investors, making it one to watch closely in the coming quarters.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Please consult a qualified financial advisor or conduct your own research before making investment decisions.