NASDAQ:ULTA

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Ulta Beauty Edges Higher After Strong Quarter and Raised Earnings Outlook

Shares of Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) were modestly higher in premarket trading after the company reported strong first-quarter results and raised its full-year earnings outlook.

The beauty retailer posted first-quarter net sales of $3.16 billion, up 11.1% year-over-year, while comparable sales increased 5.3%, driven by higher transaction volumes and larger average purchases. Diluted earnings per share rose 15.5% to $7.74, comfortably outpacing sales growth as profitability improved.

Gross margin expanded to 40.1% from 39.1% a year earlier, benefiting from lower inventory shrink and stronger merchandise margins. Operating income increased 11.6% to $448.3 million, reflecting broad-based strength across product categories and sales channels.

Management highlighted continued momentum despite an uncertain consumer environment, citing strong execution, new brand launches, and contributions from the recent acquisition of Space NK. The company also returned $555 million to shareholders through share repurchases during the quarter.

Reflecting the strong start to the year, Ulta raised its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance. The company now expects diluted earnings per share of $28.36 to $28.80, up from its previous forecast of $28.05 to $28.55, while maintaining its outlook for 6% to 7% sales growth.

The muted stock reaction suggests investors had largely anticipated solid results, but the report reinforced Ulta's ability to deliver growth, margin expansion, and shareholder returns despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.
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WS Investor 06-03-26

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WS Investor 01-11-26
Ulta Beauty Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Fiscal 2024 Results
Bolingbrook, IL – March 13, 2025 – Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) announced its fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2024 financial results, reflecting strong profitability despite a slight decline in net sales due to an extra week in fiscal 2023.

Key Financial Highlights
Q4 FY 2024 vs. Q4 FY 2023
Net Sales: $3.49B (-1.9% YoY)
Comparable Sales: +1.5% YoY
Gross Profit Margin: 38.2% (vs. 37.7%)
Operating Income: $516.3M (14.8% of sales)
Net Income: $393.3M (vs. $394.4M)
Earnings Per Share (EPS): $8.46 (vs. $8.08)
New Stores Opened: 8 (net)
Full-Year FY 2024 vs. FY 2023
Net Sales: $11.3B (+0.8% YoY)
Comparable Sales: +0.7% (vs. 5.7% last year)
Gross Profit Margin: 38.8% (vs. 39.1%)
Operating Income: $1.6B (13.9% of sales)
Net Income: $1.2B (vs. $1.3B)
EPS: $25.34 (vs. $26.03)
New Stores Opened: 60 (net)
CEO Commentary
Kecia Steelman, President & CEO, stated:
"Despite a challenging retail environment, we outperformed expectations in Q4, delivering strong revenue and EPS. We are focused on long-term growth and strategic investments to optimize our business in fiscal 2025."

Fiscal 2025 Outlook
Net Sales: $11.5B – $11.6B
Comparable Sales Growth: 0% – 1%
Operating Margin: 11.7% – 11.8%
EPS: $22.50 – $22.90
New Stores Opened: ~60
Share Repurchases: ~$900M
Strategic Focus for 2025
Investments in business optimization to enhance profitability and long-term value.
Expansion of beauty services and e-commerce to drive customer engagement.
Continued store growth with planned remodels and relocations.
Ulta Beauty remains financially strong with $703M in cash and no outstanding credit facility borrowings, positioning the company for continued success in the evolving beauty industry.
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ME NEWS 03-14-25
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06-03-26Global Finance News