The outlook for equity markets this year looks uncertain, with one market strategist describing the new year as “stepping into a house of cards.” “The stock market may fluctuate in 2025, but significant opportunities will arise for those focused on individual stock picks,” Michele Schneider, chief market strategist at Marketgauge.com, noted. “The sell-off in December could impact near-term sentiment, but patience may be key to capitalizing on opportunities when the market resets in January,” she added in an outlook note. From beauty labels to electric vehicle companies, here are four stocks Schneider expects to beat the market this year. Ulta Beauty Among Schneider’s top picks is Ulta Beauty , a U.S. retailer specializing in beauty and cosmetics products. The company operates an e-commerce platform and has over 1,000 stores across the U.S., making it one of the largest beauty retailers in the country, the strategist said. She also likes its AI-powered features such as its recently launched Ulta Beauty Virtual Artist, which enables consumers to try on makeup virtually. Shares in Ulta Beauty have lost around 9.4% over the last 12 months. According to FactSet data, analysts’ average price target on the stock is $429.16, which implies 3.6% upside. AbbVie Elsewhere in the beauty and healthcare space, Schneider is betting on pharmaceutical giant AbbVie , which works across aesthetics, immunology, oncology and neuroscience. The strategist is particularly keen on its aesthetics division, given that it owns Botox-maker, Allergan. “Botox is one of the most well-known and widely used aesthetic treatments globally, primarily known for its cosmetic use in reducing wrinkles and fine lines,” she explained, meaning it fits into the “vanity trade.” Shares in AbbVie are up around 11.8% over the last 12 months. Just over 60% of analysts covering the stock give it a buy or overweight rating, according to FactSet data. Their average price target of $179.44 gives it upside potential of 13.7%. Rivian Automotive In the closely watched electric vehicle space, Schneider is betting on Rivian Automotive . The company is known for its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV and is now looking to “disrupt the automotive industry with sustainable, high-performance vehicles,” the strategist noted. She also observed that it’s “ramping up production at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois, to meet growing demand.” After a tough 2024, shares in Rivian have fallen nearly 35% over the last 12 months. Analysts are divided on the stock, with just 39% of them giving it a buy or overweight rating. Their average price target is $14.83, according to FactSet data, giving it potential upside of 11.9%. Chewy Inc Schneider also identified online retailer Chewy as a stock to watch this year. The company operates one of the largest e-commerce platforms for pet products such as food, toys and medications. It’s “known for its customer service,” the strategist said, and is now expanding its suite of offerings to include prescription medications and pet insurance. She also likes that it is looking to improve the customer experience on its platform through the use of AI and machine learning. Shares in Chewy are up over 60% in the last 12 months. Some 55% of analysts give it a buy or overweight rating, according to FactSet data. Their average price target of $36.57 gives it 8% upside potential.
