Holiday shopping is in full swing.

If you haven’t started already, good luck!

At LikeFolio, we’re checking our list to see which companies are thriving AND which ones may be most likely to give investors a lump of coal this season.

Here are some high level takes and updates on some of our early calls, and also a few bonus names on our watchlist where a surprise may be brewing.

Shopify (SHOP)

• Most recently featured: October Trend Watch Report due to surging metrics and a pullback in its stock price.
• Company Update: Shopify's merchants achieved a record $4.1 billion in sales on Black Friday, marking a 22% increase from the previous year and significantly outpacing overall retail growth. This impressive performance sent Shopify shares surging to their highest level in over a year.
• Key takeaway: The eCommerce platform is outperforming both in-person shopping and online shopping trends at large.

• Outlook: Bullish

Ulta Beauty (ULTA)

• Most Recent Feature: Earnings call – Bullish due to elevated demand and rising eCommerce metrics.
  
• Company Update: Ulta Beauty's shares popped significantly after the company reported better-than-expected profit and sales for the third quarter. The beauty retailer announced a net income of $249.5 million, with net sales rising 6% year-over-year to $2.5 billion and comparable store sales increasing by 4.5%. Ulta also raised its full-year net sales forecast and expressed confidence about the upcoming holiday season.
  
• Key Takeaway: Ulta is being propelled by trend tailwinds and value shoppers. Cosmetics are surging in popularity due to shifting consumer trends like(multi-step skincare routines, rising demand for makeup, and increased adoption among younger demographics.
  
• Outlook: Bullish

Watchlist

FIGS (FIGS)

• Most Recent Feature: November Trend Watch Report, due to growing consumer demand for high-quality medial apparel.
• Key Takeaways: FIGS is positioning itself as the Lululemon for medical staff (or anyone who wears scrubs to work). Its partnership with New Balance is enhancing its brand value, and new product drops are sparking demand.
• Outlook: Bullish

Solo Brands (DTC)

• Most Recent Feature: November Trend Watch Report, as consumers lean into products that help create experiences, like Solo Brands’ Solo Stove and ORU Kayak.
• Key Takeaways: Over the last month DTC has received extra brand buzz thanks to a viral collaboration with Snoop Dogg and its “no smoke” Solo Stove. Demand has accelerated since this report was issued on the back of effective marketing. This may be one of the hottest gifts of the year.
• Outlook: Bullish

The Naughty List

Some names in our universe aren’t faring so well. In fact, we’re tracking relative holiday weakness for several large names that may surprise you.

Stay tuned for a bearish run-down next week.