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Ulta Beauty beat earnings estimates and raised guidance, but I maintain a neutral rating due to underlying concerns. ULTA's largest revenue segments—cosmetics and skincare & wellness—showed flat or declining performance, with overall comps growth barely above inflation. Comps growth is driven by e-commerce, while ongoing physical store expansion raises cost concerns and questions about long-term profitability.

Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its stake in shares of Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA – Free Report) by 9.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 133,471 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock after acquiring an additional 11,362 shares during the period. Allianz Asset Management GmbH owned 0.31% of Ulta Beauty worth $66,668,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of ULTA. Focus Partners Wealth boosted its holdings in Ulta Beauty by 231.6% in the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 3,744 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $1,372,000 after acquiring an additional 2,615 shares in the last quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Ulta Beauty by 48.9% during the first quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 4,795 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $1,758,000 after acquiring an additional 1,574 shares in the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ulta Beauty during the second quarter worth approximately $466,000. Jump Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of Ulta Beauty in the 2nd quarter worth $1,196,000. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Ulta Beauty by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 7,475 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $3,497,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. 90.39% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In ULTA has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Raymond James Financial restated a “strong-buy” rating and set a $700.00 price target on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research note on Friday, August 28th. TD Cowen reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research note on Tuesday, July 21st. Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their price objective on shares of Ulta Beauty from $799.00 to $731.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, June 3rd. Argus set a $550.00 target price on shares of Ulta Beauty in a report on Thursday, June 18th. Finally, Loop Capital reaffirmed a “hold” rating and issued a $550.00 price target on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research report on Wednesday, June 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have given a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Ulta Beauty presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $626.59.

Read Our Latest Stock Report on ULTA Ulta Beauty Price Performance NASDAQ ULTA opened at $564.12 on Tuesday. Ulta Beauty Inc. has a 1 year low of $443.60 and a 1 year high of $714.97. The firm has a market cap of $24.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.56, a PEG ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.85. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $507.23 and a 200-day moving average price of $528.09.

Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 27th. The specialty retailer reported $6.55 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.22 by $0.33. Ulta Beauty had a net margin of 9.34% and a return on equity of 45.40%. The company had revenue of $3.04 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.99 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $5.78 earnings per share. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 8.9% on a year-over-year basis. Ulta Beauty has set its FY 2026 guidance at 28.700-29.000 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Ulta Beauty Inc. will post 28.93 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling In other Ulta Beauty news, Director George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 383 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $475.84, for a total value of $182,246.72. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 2,404 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,143,919.36. This trade represents a 13.74% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.20% of the company’s stock.

About Ulta Beauty (Free Report)

Ulta Beauty, Inc (NASDAQ: ULTA) is a U.S.-based specialty retailer and beauty services provider focused on cosmetics, fragrance, skin care, hair care, bath and body, and beauty tools. The company operates a dual-format business that combines brick-and-mortar retail stores with an e-commerce platform, offering a broad assortment of national, prestige and mass-market brands alongside its own private-label products. In many locations Ulta also provides full-service salon treatments, positioning the company as a one-stop destination for product discovery and in-store services.

The retailer’s product mix spans color cosmetics, haircare and styling products, skin and body care, fragrance, and accessories, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences and price points.

See Also Five stocks we like better than Ulta Beauty 3 Under-the-Radar Defense Stocks With Record Backlogs This Korea ETF Has Soared, But the Rally May Not Be Over Why Guidewire’s Post-Earnings Plunge May Not Last Ride-Share Reckoning: Tesla Drives Into Uber’s Lane Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ULTA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA – Free Report).

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Baypointe Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA – Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 15,000 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock, valued at approximately $6,765,000. Ulta Beauty makes up about 16.2% of Baypointe Partners LLC’s holdings, making the stock its 2nd biggest holding.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. BlackRock Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Ulta Beauty during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,815,712,000. State Street Corp grew its holdings in shares of Ulta Beauty by 2.5% during the 4th quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,025,565 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $1,225,487,000 after acquiring an additional 50,305 shares during the period. Diamant Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Ulta Beauty by 52,171.0% during the 1st quarter. Diamant Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,474,042 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $77,050,000 after buying an additional 1,471,222 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Ulta Beauty by 1.8% in the fourth quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,240,210 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $747,587,000 after purchasing an additional 21,947 shares during the period. Finally, T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of Ulta Beauty by 0.3% in the 4th quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 974,223 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $589,415,000 after buying an additional 2,463 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.39% of the company’s stock.

Ulta Beauty Stock Up 1.0% ULTA stock opened at $557.11 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.85. Ulta Beauty Inc. has a 52 week low of $443.60 and a 52 week high of $714.97. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $503.61 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $529.93.

Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA – Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 27th. The specialty retailer reported $6.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $6.22 by $0.33. The business had revenue of $3.04 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.99 billion. Ulta Beauty had a return on equity of 45.40% and a net margin of 9.34%.The company’s quarterly revenue was up 8.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $5.78 earnings per share. Ulta Beauty has set its FY 2026 guidance at 28.700-29.000 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Ulta Beauty Inc. will post 28.93 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have weighed in on ULTA. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of Ulta Beauty from $750.00 to $631.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 3rd. Raymond James Financial reissued a “strong-buy” rating and issued a $700.00 target price on shares of Ulta Beauty in a report on Friday, August 28th. Argus set a $550.00 price objective on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research report on Thursday, June 18th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on Ulta Beauty from $700.00 to $630.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 3rd. Finally, Barclays cut their price target on Ulta Beauty from $647.00 to $645.00 and set an “overweight” rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 28th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have given a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $626.59.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Ulta Beauty

Key Stories Impacting Ulta Beauty Here are the key news stories impacting Ulta Beauty this week:

Positive Sentiment: Analyst upgrade supports the shares. Ulta Beauty gained attention after an analyst upgrade, adding to recent positive momentum and reinforcing confidence in the retailer’s earnings outlook. Ulta Beauty Trading Up After Analyst Upgrade Positive Sentiment: Recent earnings and guidance remain key catalysts. Ulta reported quarterly revenue of approximately $3.04 billion and adjusted earnings of $6.55 per share, exceeding consensus estimates. Sales increased 8.9% year over year, while the company raised fiscal 2026 earnings guidance to roughly $28.70–$29.00 per share. Continued growth in prestige hair care also supports the investment case. Ulta Beauty Earnings Beat Keeps Valuation In Focus Positive Sentiment: Loss-prevention efforts could help margins. Ulta is using Flock license-plate cameras at some stores, a move that may deter organized retail crime and reduce merchandise losses, although privacy and implementation considerations remain. Ulta Beauty Is Using Flock Cameras at Some Stores Neutral Sentiment: Investor conference participation may provide additional outlook commentary. Management’s upcoming conference appearance could offer updates on consumer demand, store growth and guidance, but no new financial information was announced. Ulta Beauty to Participate in Upcoming Investor Conference Neutral Sentiment: Promotional activity is intensifying. Ulta’s 21+ Days of Beauty and Labor Day promotions may drive traffic and sales, but heavier discounting could pressure margins. Ulta 21+ Days of Beauty Event Negative Sentiment: Valuation and slowing comps remain risks. Analysts noted that the earnings beat was accompanied by moderating comparable-sales growth, while valuation screens suggest the stock may already reflect much of the improved guidance. Ulta Beauty’s Earnings Beat Was Stronger Than the Stock’s Reaction Ulta Beauty Stock Could Be Overvalued Negative Sentiment: Shoplifting and competition remain headwinds. A reported shoplifting incident highlights ongoing shrink risk, while Target’s planned beauty studios could increase competitive pressure in beauty retail. Lexington Police Work to Identify Alleged Ulta Beauty Shoplifter Target Beauty Studios Debuting Insiders Place Their Bets In other Ulta Beauty news, Director George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 383 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction dated Monday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $475.84, for a total value of $182,246.72. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 2,404 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $1,143,919.36. This trade represents a 13.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. 0.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Ulta Beauty Company Profile (Free Report)

Ulta Beauty, Inc (NASDAQ: ULTA) is a U.S.-based specialty retailer and beauty services provider focused on cosmetics, fragrance, skin care, hair care, bath and body, and beauty tools. The company operates a dual-format business that combines brick-and-mortar retail stores with an e-commerce platform, offering a broad assortment of national, prestige and mass-market brands alongside its own private-label products. In many locations Ulta also provides full-service salon treatments, positioning the company as a one-stop destination for product discovery and in-store services.

The retailer’s product mix spans color cosmetics, haircare and styling products, skin and body care, fragrance, and accessories, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences and price points.

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BOLINGBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ulta Beauty, the nation's largest beauty retailer, has selected the 8 beauty and wellness brands that will participate in the fifth annual MUSE Accelerator Program, as part of Ulta Beauty's ongoing dedication to supporting brand development and retail readiness. Starting September 14, these early-stage brands spanning haircare, skincare, fragrance, cosmetics and body care, will kick-off an enriching 10-week journey that includes a robust curriculum, mentorshi.

Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA) shares are in the spotlight, with earnings on deck today, a technical setup testing the 200-day average and Edge Rankings all drawing attention.

Ulta Beauty stock is holding steady today. What should traders watch with ULTA? Earnings Preview & HistoryUlta is scheduled to report second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings today after market close. Analysts estimate EPS of $6.18 along with revenue of $2.95 billion. For the prior quarter, Ulta reported EPS of $7.74, beating the consensus estimate of $6.86. The company also posted revenue of $3.16 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $3.09 billion.

Ulta Watch: Comps, Margins, ExpansionInvestors will be closely tracking comparable sales trends, since Ulta faces its toughest comp comparison of the year against last year’s strong second-quarter results. Management’s commentary on fiscal 2026 guidance will also be in focus, after the company raised its diluted EPS outlook to a range of $28.36 to $28.80 last quarter while maintaining full-year net sales growth guidance of 6% to 7% and comparable sales growth guidance of 2.5% to 3.5%.

Gross margin trends should draw particular attention given management’s prior commentary on elevated fuel and transportation costs pressuring the outlook, along with updates on store expansion plans, including the Space NK integration and the company’s planned flagship Times Square location.

A Recovery Attempt Testing the 200-Day AverageAt $547.00, Ulta is back in a constructive spot versus its shorter-term trend gauges: it’s trading above the 20-day SMA ($529.66), 50-day SMA ($494.59), and 100-day SMA ($504.74), which typically keeps dip-buyers engaged on pullbacks. The catch is the longer-term reference point—ULTA is still trading below the 200-day SMA ($555.56), so rallies can run into supply as the stock approaches that zone.

MACD is the cleaner momentum lens right now: it’s below its signal line and the histogram is negative, which points to upside pressure cooling versus the prior upswing unless buyers can rebuild momentum. That "fading momentum" read fits a market where price is holding up, but follow-through needs to show up quickly to avoid another rollover.

The moving-average structure is mixed: the 20-day SMA is above the 50-day SMA (a bullish near-term alignment), but the 50-day SMA remains below the 200-day SMA after the death cross in May, which is a longer-term caution flag. In practical terms, ULTA is acting like a recovery attempt inside a bigger trend that still needs confirmation.

Key Resistance: $566.50 — a nearby ceiling that sits just above the current price and lines up with the stock’s need to clear the 200-day area to improve the longer-term trend read. Key Support: $493.00 — a nearby floor that’s close to the 50-day SMA zone, where buyers have a clearer technical reason to defend pullbacks. Benzinga Edge RankingsBelow is the Benzinga Edge scorecard for Ulta, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses compared to the broader market:

Momentum: Weak (Score: 22.12) — The stock’s recent pace is lagging, which fits the idea that rallies may need confirmation before they become trend moves. Quality: Strong (Score: 93.51) — The business scores well on quality factors, which can help support the stock during market pullbacks. Value: Neutral (Score: 54.77) — Valuation looks closer to the middle of the pack rather than screaming cheap or expensive. Growth: Strong (Score: 84.75) — Growth metrics screen well, which can keep longer-term investors interested if the chart firms up. The Verdict: Ulta’s Benzinga Edge signal reveals a quality-and-growth-leaning profile with weak momentum. For longer-term bulls, the setup improves if price can reclaim the 200-day area; for tactical traders, the low momentum score argues for waiting on cleaner upside confirmation or buying closer to support.

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Ulta Shares Climb HigherULTA Price Action: At the time of publication, Ulta shares are trading 1.13% higher at $549.35, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

Image via Shutterstock

This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

© 2026 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Cosmetics retailer Ulta Beauty (ULTA.O) raised its annual sales and profit forecasts on Thursday, ​betting that marketing and product assortment investments would drive demand as it ‌continues opening stores in the U.S.

Net sales climbed 8.9% to $3 billion, lifted by comparable sales, the Space NK acquisition and 13 net U.S. store openings in the second quarter — nearly half of its ​first-half total.

Despite sticky inflation, higher-income consumers and young shoppers continue to splurge on ​trendy and higher-margin fragrance and makeup brands.

Ulta Beauty Chief Executive Kecia ⁠Steelman said customers did not trade down in the second quarter, and are continuing ​to shop for prestige products.

"We've not seen any notable changes in consumer behavior in ​the quarter," Steelman said. "We're seeing increases in spend across the broader segmentation."

The company, which is in the midst of a turnaround under Steelman, has tapped that demand with celebrity brand exclusives such as ​rapper Megan Thee Stallion's Hot Girl Summer fragrance, and a push into TikTok Shop ​that has boosted Gen-Z sales.

In its earnings call, Ulta said nearly half of its sales are coming ‌from ⁠exclusive brands and products in its assortment.

"Shaky consumer confidence may even be working in Ulta Beauty's favor by reinforcing the 'lipstick effect' – the tendency for consumers to continue spending on smaller, affordable luxuries like beauty products," research firm Placer.ai said.

The company expects full-year sales ​to grow between 6.7% ​and 7.2%, up ⁠from its prior forecast of 6% to 7%.

Ulta expects annual earnings per share in the range of $28.70 to $29, compared with its prior ​forecast of $28.36 to $28.80 per share.

The company's quarterly sales of $3.04 billion ​beat analysts' ⁠average estimate of $2.96 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Its quarterly earnings per share of $6.55 topped estimates of $6.19.

"Ulta's strong quarter is a testament to the work the company has done ⁠to establish ​itself as shoppers' preferred beauty retailer, despite growing ​competition from the likes of Amazon and TikTok," eMarketer analyst Rachel Wolff said.

Ulta Beauty Inc (NASDAQ:ULTA) reported second-quarter revenue of $3 billion, topping analyst estimates of $2.96 billion, as the beauty retailer raised its full-year guidance.

Earnings per share came in at $6.55, up 13.3% year-over-year and ahead of the $6.18 estimate. Comparable sales rose 3.8%, a slowdown of 290 basis points from a year earlier. Operating income climbed 10.1% to $379.6 million.

Gross profit margin was 39.1%, down 10 basis points from a year ago. Net income totaled $282 million, with operating cash flow of $381.6 million.

The company now expects full-year net sales growth of 6.7% to 7.2%, up from a prior range of 6% to 7%. Comparable sales growth guidance was raised to 3.2%-3.7% from 2.5%-3.5%, and operating income growth is now seen at 8.3%-9.3%, up from 6.5%-9%.

Diluted EPS guidance was lifted to $28.70-$29.00 from $28.36-$28.80. Capital expenditure guidance was unchanged.

Ulta also expanded its stock repurchase authorization to $1.8 billion from $1.5 billion. The company repurchased $791.1 million in shares during the quarter.

"Our team delivered another impressive quarter of strong sales, profit, and earnings growth, demonstrating that we are executing with discipline and translating our Ulta Beauty Unleashed strategy into tangible benefits for our guests," said CEO Kecia Steelman.

"We continue to strengthen our position as the ultimate beauty discovery destination, leveraging our unique understanding of our guests to drive excitement and growth through compelling innovation, value, experiences, and convenience."

MarketBeat Week in Review – 08/03 - 08/07Ulta Beauty NASDAQ: ULTA reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 results that included 8.9% net sales growth, 10.1% operating profit growth and a 13.3% increase in diluted earnings per share, prompting the beauty retailer to raise its full-year sales and earnings outlook.

Chief Executive Officer Kecia Steelman said the company generated 3.8% comparable sales growth during the quarter, increased active loyalty-program members by 3% and saw higher average spending per member. Ulta’s loyalty program reached about 47 million active members.

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Ulta's Growth Is Real, But So Are the Risks“Our sales outpaced the U.S. beauty market in a dynamic environment,” Steelman said, adding that the company gained share in prestige beauty while maintaining flat share in mass beauty, according to Circana.

Quarterly Financial Results Net sales rose to $3 billion from $2.8 billion a year earlier. Excluding the impact of Space NK, the U.K. and Ireland beauty retailer Ulta acquired, total sales increased in the mid-single-digit range, Chief Financial Officer Chris DelOrefice said.

MarketBeat Week in Review – 06/01 - 06/05Comparable sales growth was driven by average ticket, largely reflecting category-mix shifts, while transactions were roughly flat from the prior year. E-commerce posted high-teens sales growth, marking Ulta’s sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit digital growth, while comparable-store sales increased modestly.

Ulta opened 13 net new U.S. stores and one new Space NK location during the quarter. More than half of e-commerce orders were fulfilled through its network of more than 1,500 store locations.

Gross margin was 39.1% of sales, compared with 39.2% a year earlier, primarily due to the Space NK business mix. SG&A expense increased 8.2% to $803 million, though it declined to 26.4% of sales from 26.6% a year earlier. Operating profit rose to $380 million, with operating margin improving to 12.5% from 12.4%. Net income increased 8.1% to $282 million. Diluted earnings per share rose to $6.55. DelOrefice said gross-margin management benefited from lower shrink, supply-chain productivity and preserved merchandise margin, partly offsetting channel-mix effects, higher fuel costs and slower growth in other revenue.

Category Performance and Merchandise Fragrance was Ulta’s strongest category, producing high-teens comparable sales growth. Management cited Mother’s Day and Father’s Day campaigns, new launches and continued strength in luxury brands including Prada, Carolina Herrera and YSL. The company also launched fragrances from Drake’s Better World Fragrance House, Khloé Kardashian, Megan Thee Stallion and Viktor&Rolf.

Haircare generated high-single-digit comparable sales growth, supported by prestige haircare, treatments and hair tools. Newer brands Amika and Moroccanoil, as well as Cécred, contributed to prestige haircare performance, while Shark and T3 supported growth in hair tools.

Makeup comparable sales were approximately flat. Prestige makeup grew at a low-double-digit rate, aided by launches from Charlotte Tilbury and Half Magic and continued momentum from Rare Beauty. However, mass makeup declined in the low-single-digit range as certain brands lapped major new-product introductions from the prior year.

Steelman said the company sees potential “green shoots” in makeup for the second half, citing consumer interest in more expressive eye looks and a fuller-face makeup routine, as well as planned new launches in both mass and prestige products.

Total skincare and wellness sales declined modestly, as growth in prestige and mass skincare and double-digit wellness growth was more than offset by lower body-care sales. Ulta said K-beauty sales increased at a robust double-digit rate, with nearly half of the category’s sales coming from exclusive brands or products. The company added five K-beauty brands during the quarter and said it also sees opportunity in broader global beauty trends, including Chinese beauty.

Digital, Marketplace and International Expansion Ulta said its TikTok Shop initiative generated more than 100 million impressions since launch. The retailer used its Chelsea, New York, store as a live-shopping studio and added brands to the social-commerce platform, including a live celebrity fragrance launch with rapper Ice Spice.

The company’s marketplace assortment ended the quarter with more than 450 brands and over 12,000 SKUs. Management said the marketplace has helped attract new and reactivate lapsed loyalty members while supporting growth at Ulta’s UB Media advertising business. UB Media posted double-digit growth from the second quarter of 2025, supported by connected-TV offerings and spending by core and marketplace brands.

Internationally, Space NK continued to report robust sales growth and market-share expansion, according to Steelman. Ulta also opened a store in Chiapas, Mexico, bringing its total store count there to 12. Its Middle East franchise partner, Alshaya Group, is progressing on additional stores planned for later this year, though Ulta said it is navigating geopolitical conditions in the region alongside the partner.

Outlook and Capital Returns Ulta raised its fiscal 2026 outlook and now expects net sales growth of 6.7% to 7.2%, with comparable sales growth of 3.2% to 3.7%. The company expects operating profit growth of 8.3% to 9.3% and diluted EPS of $28.70 to $29, representing annual growth of 11.9% to 13.1%.

For the second half, Ulta expects net sales growth of 4% to 5% and comparable sales growth of 2% to 3%, while maintaining an expectation of market-share gains. Management said the outlook reflects both the company’s first-half results and caution about an evolving macroeconomic environment, including consumers’ focus on value and higher everyday costs.

Ulta ended the quarter with $213 million in cash and short-term investments, $340 million in short-term debt and $2.4 billion in inventory. It repurchased $236 million of stock during the quarter, bringing year-to-date repurchases to $791 million. The company raised its fiscal-year buyback target to $1.8 billion and said it expects to complete its current board authorization during fiscal 2026.

About Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA)Ulta Beauty, Inc NASDAQ: ULTA is a U.S.-based specialty retailer and beauty services provider focused on cosmetics, fragrance, skin care, hair care, bath and body, and beauty tools. The company operates a dual-format business that combines brick-and-mortar retail stores with an e-commerce platform, offering a broad assortment of national, prestige and mass-market brands alongside its own private-label products. In many locations Ulta also provides full-service salon treatments, positioning the company as a one-stop destination for product discovery and in-store services.

The retailer's product mix spans color cosmetics, haircare and styling products, skin and body care, fragrance, and accessories, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences and price points.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

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Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA) Q2 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

With U.S. stock futures trading mixed this morning on Friday, some of the stocks that may grab investor focus today are as follows:

Wall Street expects MINISO Group Holding Ltd – ADR (NYSE:MNSO) to post quarterly earnings at 30 cents per share on revenue of $856.70 million before the opening bell, according to data from Benzinga Pro. MINISO shares rose 2.8% to $11.11 in after-hours trading. Marvell Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MRVL) reported better-than-expected financial results for the second quarter. Marvell posted second-quarter revenue of $2.74 billion, beating the consensus estimate of $2.71 billion. The chip designer reported adjusted earnings of 94 cents per share for the period, beating estimates of 92 cents per share, according to Benzinga Pro. Marvell shares fell 7.8% to $222.62 in the after-hours trading session. Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA) posted upbeat results for the second quarter and raised its FY2026 guidance. Ulta Beauty shares fell 3.4% to $522.00 in the after-hours trading session. Check out our premarket coverage here

Gap Inc (NYSE:GAP) reported better-than-expected second-quarter earnings and raised their FY26 EPS guidance above estimates. Gap raised its full-year adjusted earnings guidance from a range of $2.30 to $2.40 per share to a new range of $2.35 to $2.45 per share versus estimates of $2.34 per share. Gap shares jumped 15% to $23.90 in the after-hours trading session. Analysts expect Frontline Plc (NYSE:FRO) to post quarterly earnings at $2.60 per share on revenue of $760.64 million before the opening bell. Frontline shares rose 0.2% to $43.82 in after-hours trading. Photo via Shutterstock

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Ulta Beauty Inc (NASDAQ:ULTA) on Thursday posted better-than-expected earnings for the second quarter.

The company reported quarterly earnings of $6.55 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $6.16 per share. The company reported quarterly sales of $3.036 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $2.955 billion.

Ulta Beauty raised its FY2026 GAAP EPS guidance from $28.36-$28.80 to $28.70-$29.00 and also increased sales guidance from $13.136 billion-$13.260 billion to $13.223 billion-$13.285 billion.

“Our team delivered another impressive quarter of strong sales, profit, and earnings growth, demonstrating that we are executing with discipline and translating our Ulta Beauty Unleashed strategy into tangible benefits for our guests,” said Kecia Steelman, president and chief executive officer. “We continue to strengthen our position as the ultimate beauty discovery destination, leveraging our unique understanding of our guests to drive excitement and growth through compelling innovation, value, experiences, and convenience.”

Ulta Beauty shares fell 3.6% to trade at $520.68 on Friday.

These analysts made changes to their price targets on Ulta Beauty following earnings announcement.

B of A Securities analyst Lorraine Hutchinson maintained the stock with a Buy and lowered the price target from $685 to $650. Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane maintained the stock with a Buy and raised the price target from $648 to $667. Trending

Considering buying ULTA stock? Here’s what analysts think:

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Key Takeaways Ulta Beauty Q2 EPS rose 13.3% to $6.55 as net sales climbed 8.9% to $3.04 billion. ULTA posted 3.8% comparable sales growth, with e-commerce rising in the high-teens range. Ulta Beauty raised fiscal 2026 sales, comparable sales and EPS guidance after the strong quarter. Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA - Free Report) delivered another solid quarter as beauty newness, omnichannel demand and disciplined execution supported profitable growth. For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, earnings of $6.55 per share rose 13.3% year over year and beat the consensus estimate of $6.21.

Net sales increased 8.9% to $3,035.7 million, topping the consensus estimate of $2,973 million. Comparable sales jumped 3.8%, driven by higher average ticket, while transactions were roughly flat.

ULTA's Omnichannel Sales Stay FirmUlta Beauty continued to generate growth across stores and digital. E-commerce sales increased in the high-teens range, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit digital growth. Comparable-store sales posted modest growth as the company lapped a strong year-ago performance.

The company opened 13 net new Ulta Beauty stores and one net new Space NK store during the quarter. Excluding Space NK, total sales increased in the strong mid-single-digit range. Stores fulfilled more than 50% of e-commerce orders, allowing ULTA to use its physical network to improve omnichannel convenience and fulfillment efficiency.

Ulta Beauty's Category Mix Shows DivergenceFragrance remained the strongest category, generating high-teen comparable sales growth on successful gifting events and compelling newness. Haircare delivered high-single-digit comparable growth, supported by prestige haircare, treatments and hair tools. K-Beauty sales also increased at a robust double-digit rate, with nearly half of sales coming from exclusive brands or products.

Makeup comparable sales were approximately flat as prestige gains offset a low-single-digit decline in mass makeup. Skincare and wellness declined modestly, with growth in prestige and mass skincare and double-digit wellness gains more than offset by weaker body-care sales. Services generated mid-single-digit comparable growth on solid engagement in salon and specialty services.

ULTA Protects Profitability Amid Mix PressureGross profit increased 8.7% year over year to $1,186.95 million. Gross margin declined 10 basis points (bps) to 39.1%, primarily reflecting the Space NK business mix. Within the core Ulta Beauty business, lower shrink, supply-chain productivity and merchandise-margin preservation supported modest gross-margin improvement.

SG&A expenses increased 8.2% to $802.78 million, but declined 20 bps as a percentage of sales to 26.4%. Lower incentive compensation and corporate-overhead leverage partly offset Space NK costs and higher advertising investments. Operating income rose 10.1% to $379.64 million, while operating margin improved 10 bps to 12.5%. Net income increased 8.1% to $282.01 million.

Ulta Beauty Scales Loyalty and New Growth EnginesUlta Beauty ended the quarter with about 47 million active loyalty members, up 3% year over year, while average spending per member increased. The mobile app represented more than 60% of online sales, and management continued using personalization capabilities to drive incremental sales and engagement.

Marketplace expanded to more than 450 brands and over 12,000 SKUs, while UB Media delivered double-digit growth. Space NK generated robust sales growth and continued to gain market share. In Mexico, Ulta Beauty ended the quarter with 12 stores as the company continued expanding its international presence.

ULTA Maintains Disciplined Capital DeploymentMerchandise inventory was nearly flat year over year at $2,406.73 million, while inventory per store declined 4.1%. Cash and short-term investments totaled $213.45 million, while short-term debt was $339.58 million. First-half operating cash flow reached $381.59 million, and capital expenditures totaled $139.53 million.

ULTA repurchased $791.10 million of stock during the first six months of fiscal 2026. The company raised its fiscal 2026 repurchase target to $1,800 million and expects to use the remaining $1,000 million under its current share repurchase authorization by fiscal year-end.

Ulta Beauty Raises Fiscal 2026 OutlookManagement raised fiscal 2026 net sales growth guidance to 6.7-7.2% from 6-7% and comparable sales growth expectations to 3.2-3.7% from 2.5-3.5%. Operating income growth is now projected at 8.3-9.3%, up from 6.5-9%.  Earnings guidance increased to $28.70-$29.00 per share from $28.36-$28.80.

For the second half, Ulta Beauty expects net sales growth of 4-5%, comparable sales growth of 2-3%, operating profit growth of 6-8% and earnings growth of 9-12%. Full-year gross margin is expected to remain roughly flat, while operating margin could improve by up to 20 bps. Capital expenditures remain projected at $400-$450 million.

Shares of the Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 6.1% in the past three months against the industry’s 3.8% decline.

Stocks to ConsiderSally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (SBH - Free Report) , a retailer and distributor of professional beauty supplies, currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). SBH delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 6.4%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Sally Beauty’s current financial-year sales and EPS is expected to rise 0.8% and around 9%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figures.

Five Below, Inc. (FIVE - Free Report) operates as a specialty value retailer in the United States and currently holds a Zacks Rank #2. FIVE delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 70.1%, on average.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Five Below’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings indicates growth of 15.1% and 36.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.

Target Corporation (TGT - Free Report) offers guests fashionable, differentiated merchandise and everyday essentials at discounted prices. It currently has a Zacks Rank #2.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Target’s current financial-year sales and EPS indicates growth of 4.6% and 37.7%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers. TGT delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 10.5%, on average.

Beacon Pointe Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA – Free Report) during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 18,429 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock, valued at approximately $8,311,000.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Focus Partners Wealth increased its stake in shares of Ulta Beauty by 231.6% in the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 3,744 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $1,372,000 after buying an additional 2,615 shares during the period. Intech Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Ulta Beauty by 48.9% in the first quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 4,795 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $1,758,000 after acquiring an additional 1,574 shares during the last quarter. Sivia Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in Ulta Beauty in the second quarter valued at about $466,000. Jump Financial LLC acquired a new stake in Ulta Beauty in the second quarter worth about $1,196,000. Finally, Daiwa Securities Group Inc. increased its position in Ulta Beauty by 0.9% in the second quarter. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. now owns 7,475 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $3,497,000 after purchasing an additional 70 shares during the period. 90.39% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Ulta Beauty Stock Performance Shares of ULTA opened at $517.50 on Friday. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $497.56 and a 200 day simple moving average of $534.74. Ulta Beauty Inc. has a 52-week low of $443.60 and a 52-week high of $714.97. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.25 billion, a PE ratio of 18.86, a P/E/G ratio of 1.65 and a beta of 0.87.

Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 27th. The specialty retailer reported $6.55 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.22 by $0.33. Ulta Beauty had a net margin of 9.34% and a return on equity of 45.28%. The firm had revenue of $3.04 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.99 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $5.78 EPS. The business’s quarterly revenue was up 8.9% on a year-over-year basis. Ulta Beauty has set its FY 2026 guidance at 28.700-29.000 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Ulta Beauty Inc. will post 28.77 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have issued reports on ULTA shares. Loop Capital restated a “hold” rating and set a $550.00 target price on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research report on Wednesday, June 3rd. Argus set a $550.00 price target on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research report on Thursday, June 18th. TD Cowen reissued a “buy” rating on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research note on Tuesday, July 21st. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Ulta Beauty from $647.00 to $645.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their price objective on shares of Ulta Beauty from $750.00 to $631.00 and set an “overweight” rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, June 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have issued a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $626.59.

Check Out Our Latest Report on ULTA

Key Ulta Beauty News Here are the key news stories impacting Ulta Beauty this week:

Positive Sentiment: Quarterly results exceeded expectations. Ulta reported $6.55 in EPS versus the $6.20 consensus and revenue of approximately $3.04 billion, up 8.9% year over year and ahead of the $2.99 billion estimate. Comparable sales rose 3.8%, while digital sales, loyalty growth, new brands and stronger execution supported performance. Ulta Beauty Q2 Earnings Beat as Sales Rise, FY26 View Raised Positive Sentiment: Ulta raised its fiscal 2026 outlook and expanded capital returns. The company now expects EPS of $28.70–$29.00, up from $28.36–$28.80, and revenue of roughly $13.2–$13.3 billion. It also increased its planned share repurchases to $1.8 billion, which could provide support for per-share earnings. Ulta Beauty Targets Sales Growth and Buybacks Neutral Sentiment: Analysts remain broadly constructive, but estimates are mixed. DA Davidson raised its price target to $625 and maintained a Buy rating, while Bank of America lowered its target to $650 but also kept a Buy rating. The conflicting revisions suggest confidence in Ulta’s long-term share gains, alongside caution about valuation and execution risks. Negative Sentiment: The market reaction reflects concerns about forward momentum. Management indicated that third-quarter comparable-sales comparisons may be weaker than fourth-quarter comparisons, increasing the risk of a temporary slowdown. Investors are also focused on Target’s rollout of its own Beauty Studio in more than 600 stores, including five former Ulta locations in South Carolina, potentially intensifying competition for prestige beauty customers. Ulta is responding by emphasizing exclusive products and brand differentiation. Ulta Leans Into Exclusivity Amid Target Competition Insider Activity In related news, Director George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 383 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Monday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $475.84, for a total value of $182,246.72. Following the sale, the director directly owned 2,404 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,143,919.36. The trade was a 13.74% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Ulta Beauty Company Profile (Free Report)

Ulta Beauty, Inc (NASDAQ: ULTA) is a U.S.-based specialty retailer and beauty services provider focused on cosmetics, fragrance, skin care, hair care, bath and body, and beauty tools. The company operates a dual-format business that combines brick-and-mortar retail stores with an e-commerce platform, offering a broad assortment of national, prestige and mass-market brands alongside its own private-label products. In many locations Ulta also provides full-service salon treatments, positioning the company as a one-stop destination for product discovery and in-store services.

The retailer’s product mix spans color cosmetics, haircare and styling products, skin and body care, fragrance, and accessories, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences and price points.

Further Reading Five stocks we like better than Ulta Beauty 3 Financial Stocks Positioned for the Fed’s Next Move After Jackson Hole IREN’s AI Pivot Looks Real, But the Market Wanted a Faster Payoff After Earnings Boeing’s $131B F-15 Win: Mach 1 Momentum or Just Altitude? Okta Stock Surges 29%—Is $200 the Next Stop? Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ULTA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA – Free Report).

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On August 24, 2026, Ulta Beauty Inc
ULTA +3.32% 94

shares rose 3.3% today, closing at $538.76. This increase reflects a strong upward momentum in the stock, which has seen a 52-week range between $443.60 and $714.97.

GF Value™ verdict: Current price is $538.76, which is 4.3% below the GF Value™ estimate of $562.75.GF Score™: 94/100, indicating a strong overall performance across various metrics.Most notable signal: Insiders sold $0.7 million worth of shares over the past 12 months, without any buying activity.Is ULTA Overvalued or Undervalued?According to the GF Value™, Ulta Beauty Inc is currently undervalued by 4.3%, with a market price of $538.76 compared to its fair value estimate of $562.75. This gap presents a potential opportunity for investors, as the current price suggests some margin of safety. The GF Value™ is GuruFocus's proprietary estimate that assesses intrinsic value by analyzing historical trading multiples, past business growth, and future performance estimates. With a GF Valuation label of "Fairly Valued," it indicates that while there is some undervaluation, the stock is not significantly discounted.

While the stock's current price suggests an attractive entry point, it is essential to consider external market conditions and operational risks that could impact Ulta's financial performance. If the company's earnings do not meet expectations, the perceived undervaluation could shift, leading to potential downside risks.

How Does ULTA's Valuation Compare to Its History?MetricCurrentHistoricalP/E (TTM)20.2x19.4xForward P/E18.6xN/AThe current P/E ratio of 20.2x is above its 5-year median of 19.4x, indicating that the stock is trading at a premium compared to its historical valuation. This analysis aligns with the GF Value™ verdict, suggesting that while the stock is currently undervalued, it may not be as attractive when considering its historical P/E levels. Investors should weigh these factors when assessing potential entry points.

What Does ULTA's GF Score™ Tell Us?The GF Score™ evaluates a company's financial health and overall performance across various dimensions, providing a comprehensive view of its potential. For Ulta Beauty Inc, the score is an impressive 94/100, indicating strong fundamentals. The standout sub-ranks include Profitability (10/10) and Valuation (10/10), while the Momentum rank is lower at 5/10.

MetricRatingGF Score™94/100Financial Strength7/10Profitability10/10Growth9/10Valuation10/10Momentum5/10The high scores in Profitability and Valuation suggest that Ulta is operating efficiently and is well-positioned in the market. However, the lower Momentum rank indicates that the stock may not be experiencing strong upward price movement in the short term. This mix of strengths and weaknesses should be considered by those evaluating Ulta's long-term prospects.

What Are Gurus and Insiders Doing with ULTA?Nine gurus currently hold shares of Ulta Beauty Inc, with five increasing their positions and six trimming their holdings in recent quarters. This mixed activity shows a divided sentiment among institutional investors, which may reflect differing outlooks on the company's future performance. Such insights are valuable, as they highlight the stock's attractiveness to seasoned investors.

In terms of insider activity, the sale of $0.7 million in shares by insiders over the past 12 months, with no buying activity reported, raises some caution. This pattern may suggest that insiders are not optimistic about the near-term prospects of the company or simply looking to diversify their holdings. The absence of insider buying could be perceived as a lack of confidence in the stock's current valuation, adding another layer of complexity for potential investors.

What This Means for InvestorsBased on the GF Value™ assessment, Ulta Beauty Inc appears to be undervalued at its current price of $538.76, with a fair value estimate of $562.75. However, the premium P/E ratio relative to its historical median suggests investors proceed with caution. The mixed signals from guru and insider activity further complicate the outlook. Prospective investors should consider these factors and conduct further analysis before making investment decisions.

For more detailed information on Ulta Beauty Inc
ULTA +3.32% 94

, visit the Ulta Beauty Inc (ULTA) stock page, and explore the GF Value™ page for additional insights.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is ULTA's GF Score™?

Ulta Beauty Inc has a GF Score™ of 94/100, indicating strong overall performance across multiple metrics.

Is ULTA overvalued or undervalued?

Ulta Beauty Inc is currently undervalued, trading 4.3% below its GF Value™ estimate of $562.75.

What is ULTA's P/E ratio?

The P/E ratio for Ulta Beauty Inc is currently 20.2x, which is above its 5-year median of 19.4x, suggesting a premium valuation compared to its historical levels.

This stock alert was generated using automated technology and GuruFocus financial data to provide readers with timely and accurate market reporting. This content was reviewed by GuruFocus editorial team prior to publication. Please send any questions or comments about this story to [email protected].

Each week, Benzinga’s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the surface and deserve attention.

Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.

Here’s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending August 21:

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR): The real estate company has gained interest from readers as an AI trade related to its data centers. In late July, the company beat second-quarter estimates and raised guidance. Analysts have been raising price targets and several upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy. The stock’s above average attention from readers this week could point to increased interest in AI-related stocks and the data center trade being back on.

Brightspring Health Services (NASDAQ:BTSG): The home and community based health care stock saw strong interest from readers during the week. The stock was down 4% over the last five days, which comes after beating analyst estimates for both earnings per share and revenue in the second quarter, reported in late July. The company also raised guidance and saw analysts raise their price targets. The pullback in shares this week could be profit taking with the stock up over 140% in the last year, which could represent a potential opportunity to look at an entry point for the high growth name.

Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA): The largest specialized beauty retailer in the United States is on watch ahead of second-quarter financial results on Thursday and with the company’s partnership with Target ending. The beauty company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in seven straight quarters and nine of the last 10 quarters overall. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in eight of the last 10 quarters. Investors are likely to want to hear more on the company’s future growth plans and how it may make up for losing the Target partnership.

Sanmina Corporation (NASDAQ:SANM): The integrated manufacturing solutions stock saw shares trade lower on the week, but with increased reader attention. JPMorgan maintained a Neutral rating on the stock, while lowering the price target from $275 to $260. The company posted a double beat in July and raised full-year guidance. Shares are up over 70% over the last year, which could make the recent decline a pullback and a buying opportunity for investors. The company has been consistently beating analyst estimates, currently on a streak of eight straight double beats.

Riot Platforms (NASDAQ:RIOT): The digital infrastructure stock saw increased interest and a rising stock price with Bitcoin trading back over the $72,000 level. The company is a leading Bitcoin miner and the shares often rise and fall with volatility related to leading cryptocurrency. Riot is also working on AI deals as it becomes one of several cryptocurrency miners that are diversifying to using their power generation to help power data centers. Riot has signed a 20-year deal with Anthropic worth $9.1 billion and recently saw analysts raise their price targets, which could be related to the new growth opportunities for the company.

Stay tuned for next week’s report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and top market-moving stories here.

Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:

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The market expects Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) to deliver a year-over-year increase in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended July 2026. This widely-known consensus outlook is important in assessing the company's earnings picture, but a powerful factor that might influence its near-term stock price is how the actual results compare to these estimates.

The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on August 27. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.

While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on the earnings call, it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.

Zacks Consensus EstimateThis beauty products retailer is expected to post quarterly earnings of $6.19 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +7.1%.

Revenues are expected to be $2.97 billion, up 6.5% from the year-ago quarter.

Estimate Revisions TrendThe consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.95% lower over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.

Investors should keep in mind that the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts may not always get reflected in the aggregate change.

Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Earnings WhisperEstimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. Our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) -- has this insight at its core.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a more recent version of the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.

A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.

Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).

How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Ulta?For Ulta, the Most Accurate Estimate is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bullish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of +0.41%.

On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.

So, this combination indicates that Ulta will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate.

Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.

For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Ulta would post earnings of $6.9 per share when it actually produced earnings of $7.74, delivering a surprise of +12.17%.

Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates four times.

Bottom LineAn earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.

That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Ulta appears a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.

Expected Results of an Industry PlayerBath & Body Works (BBWI - Free Report) , another stock in the Zacks Retail - Miscellaneous industry, is expected to report earnings per share of $0.24 for the quarter ended July 2026. This estimate points to a year-over-year change of -35.1%. Revenues for the quarter are expected to be $1.5 billion, down 3.4% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for Bath & Body Works has been revised 2.4% up to the current level. Nevertheless, the company now has an Earnings ESP of +3.63%, reflecting a higher Most Accurate Estimate.

This Earnings ESP, combined with its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggests that Bath & Body Works will most likely beat the consensus EPS estimate. Over the last four quarters, the company surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times.

Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.

18.8.2026 22:02

Trhy v zámoří ke konci obchodní seance se začaly „uklidňovat“ přičemž je mírně uklidnil vývoj ceny ropy. Ta se nakonec posunula do mírně kladných čísel (WTI +0,41 %), a to díky komentářům prezidenta Trumpa ohledně vývoje v Hormuzu. Přesto indexy skončily v červených číslech a obzvláště čipovému sektoru se dnes nedařilo díky stálé obavě o kapitálových nákladech na AI infrastrukturu.

Proti proudu šly akcie Apple, které končí v kladných číslech (+1,45 %) Podobně tak i defenzivní sektor, kde kupříkladu Mastercard přidal +2,15 %.

V záporném teritoriu končí také cenné kovy, kdy zlato odepsalo - 1,65 % a stříbro výrazných -3,88 %. Mírně v kladných hodnotách končí kryptoměny, kde Bitcoin přidává +0,4 %. 

Index Dow Jones -0,22 % na 53343,64 b.
S&P 500 -0,69 % na 7691,92 b.
Nasdaq Composite -1,33 % na 26289,71 b.

Index S&P 500 -0,69 % na 7691,92 b. Nejsilnější sektory S&P Změna Nejslabší sektory S&P Změna Energie +1,8 % Informační technologie -1,9 % Zdravotní péče +1,6 % Průmysl -1,5 % Nezbytná spotřeba +1,1 % Základní materiály -0,9 % Nejsilnější akcie S&P Změna Nejslabší akcie S&P Změna Targa Resources Corp (TRGP) +7,1 % Coherent Corp (COHR) -13 % Insulet Corp (PODD) +6,0 % Lumentum Holdings (LITE) -9,9 % Ulta Beauty (ULTA) +4,8 % Seagate Technology Holdings (STX) -9,2 % Intuit (INTU) +4,4 % Sandisk Corp (SNDK) -9,0 % Monster Beverage Corp (MNST) +4,1 % Ciena Corp (CIEN) -8,9 %
Jan Pazourek, Fio banka, a.s.

18.8.2026 15:54, TRGP, HD, BIDU, META, KLAR, XOM

Index Dow Jones -0,09 % na 53411,87 b. S&P 500 -0,53 % na 7704,15 b. Nasdaq Composite -1,24 % na 26315,63 b.

Nejsledovanější americké indexy v úvodu úterního obchodování ztrácejí. V popředí poklesu jsou akcie spojené s výrobou čipů pro AI.

Společnost Meta Platforms (-3,7 %) dnes míří k soudu do ostře sledovanému střetu s koalicí státních generálních prokurátorů kvůli tvrzením, že firma záměrně navrhla Facebook a Instagram tak, aby u mladých uživatelů podporovaly kompulzivní chování a vznik závislosti.

Společnost Targa Resources (+6,2 %) oznámila, že uzavřela nové dvacetileté infrastrukturní smlouvy na bázi poplatků, které podpoří rozvoj těžebních lokalit společnosti ExxonMobil (+1,6 %) v Permské pánvi. V návaznosti na tyto dohody Targa zvýšila svůj odhad růstových kapitálových výdajů pro rok 2026 na přibližně 5,0 mld. USD.

Největší americký obchodník s domácím vybavením Home Depot (+0,1 %) zveřejnil hospodářské výsledky za druhý kvartál. Celkové tržby meziročně vzrostly o 5,7 % na 47,86 mld. USD a porovnatelné tržby se zvýšily o 1,7 %, čímž překonaly očekávání trhu.

Švédská finančně-technologická společnost Klarna (-19,6 %) zveřejnila výsledky hospodaření za 2Q 2026. Výnosy i zisk na akcii překonaly odhady trhu. Firma nicméně snížila celoroční výhled objemu transakcí i výnosů, a to kvůli kurzovým vlivům a obezřetnějšímu pohledu na německý trh, který je pro Klarnu objemově největší. Společnost zároveň oznámila odchod finančního ředitele.

Čínská technologická společnost Baidu (-8,9 %), která provozuje mimo jiné největší čínský vyhledávač či autonomní vozidla Apollo, dnes oznámila výsledky za 2Q. Výnosy klesly již pátý kvartál v řadě, přičemž byly taženy dolů online marketingovými výnosy, které meziročně poklesly o 19 %. Byznys poháněný umělou inteligencí naopak rostl meziročně o 25 % a na výnosech hlavního byznysu se podílel polovinou.

Index S&P 500 -0,53 % na 7704,15 b. Nejsilnější sektory S&P Změna Nejslabší sektory S&P Změna Zdravotní péče +1,8 % Informační technologie -1,9 % Energie +1,1 % Průmysl -0,9 % Nezbytná spotřeba +1,1 % Komunikační služby -0,7 % Nejsilnější akcie S&P Změna Nejslabší akcie S&P Změna Targa Resources Corp (TRGP) +6,2 % Coherent Corp (COHR) -9,8 % Ulta Beauty (ULTA) +5,1 % Teradyne (TER) -8,0 % GoDaddy (GDDY) +5,0 % Marvell Technology (MRVL) -6,8 % Intuit (INTU) +4,8 % Flex (FLEX) -6,4 % Tapestry (TPR) +4,4 % Ciena Corp (CIEN) -6,3 % Zdroj: Bloomberg

Michal Bárta
Fio banka, a.s.
Prohlášení

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors, and Zacks Premium offers many different ways to do both.

Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.

Zacks Premium includes access to the Zacks Style Scores as well.

What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is given an alphabetic rating of A, B, C, D or F based on their value, growth, and momentum qualities. With this system, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on, meaning the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value ScoreFinding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth ScoreWhile good value is important, growth investors are more focused on a company's financial strength and health, and its future outlook. The Growth Style Score takes projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow into account to uncover stocks that will see long-term, sustainable growth.

Momentum ScoreMomentum traders and investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." This investing style is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook. Employing factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates, the Momentum Style Score can indicate favorable times to build a position in high-momentum stocks.

VGM ScoreWhat if you like to use all three types of investing? The VGM Score is a combination of all Style Scores, making it one of the most comprehensive indicators to use with the Zacks Rank. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, which helps narrow down the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank A proprietary stock-rating model, the Zacks Rank utilizes the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings outlook, to help investors create a successful portfolio.

Investors can count on the Zacks Rank's success, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +23.94% average annual return since 1988, more than double the S&P 500's performance. But the model rates a large number of stocks, and there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

With more than 800 top-rated stocks to choose from, it can certainly feel overwhelming to pick the ones that are right for you and your investing journey.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

As mentioned above, the Scores are designed to work with the Zacks Rank, so any change to a company's earnings outlook should be a deciding factor when picking which stocks to buy.

Here's an example: a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one with Style Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings outlook, and a bigger chance its share price will decrease too.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) Ulta Beauty, Inc., headquartered in Bolingbrook, IL, is an international specialty beauty retailer. Founded in 1990, the company changed its name to Ulta Beauty in January 2017.

ULTA is a #2 (Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 17.75; value investors should take notice.

For fiscal 2027, three analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.04 to $28.78 per share. ULTA boasts an average earnings surprise of +10%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, ULTA should be on investors' short list.

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BOLINGBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) today announced that it plans to release financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 on Thursday, August 27, 2026, after the market closes. The Company will host a webcast and conference call at 4:30 p.m. EDT / 3:30 p.m. CDT to discuss the financial results.

Information about Ulta Beauty’s financial results, including a link to the live webcast, will be available on the Company's Investor Relations website at https://www.ulta.com/investor. There will also be an archived webcast available for a limited time thereafter.

Please register for the live event at https://q2-2026-ulta-beauty-earnings-conference-call.open-exchange.net/.

About Ulta Beauty

Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) is the largest specialty beauty retailer in the U.S. and a leading destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care, hair care, wellness and salon services. Since opening its first store in 1990, Ulta Beauty has grown to more than 1,500 stores across the U.S. and redefined beauty retail by bringing together All Things Beauty. All in One Place®. With an expansive product assortment, professional salon services, and its beloved Ulta Beauty Rewards loyalty program, the company delivers seamless, personalized experiences across stores, Ulta.com and the Ulta Beauty App – where the possibilities are truly beautiful. Ulta Beauty is also expanding its presence internationally through its subsidiary, Space NK, a luxury beauty retailer operating in the U.K. and Ireland, its joint venture in Mexico, and its franchise in the Middle East. For more information, visit www.ulta.com.

More News From Ulta Beauty, Inc.

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Growth stocks are attractive to many investors, as above-average financial growth helps these stocks easily grab the market's attention and produce exceptional returns. However, it isn't easy to find a great growth stock.

By their very nature, these stocks carry above-average risk and volatility. Moreover, if a company's growth story is over or nearing its end, betting on it could lead to significant loss.

However, the task of finding cutting-edge growth stocks is made easy with the help of the Zacks Growth Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which looks beyond the traditional growth attributes to analyze a company's real growth prospects.

Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) is on the list of such stocks currently recommended by our proprietary system. In addition to a favorable Growth Score, it carries a top Zacks Rank.

Studies have shown that stocks with the best growth features consistently outperform the market. And returns are even better for stocks that possess the combination of a Growth Score of A or B and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy).

While there are numerous reasons why the stock of this beauty products retailer is a great growth pick right now, we have highlighted three of the most important factors below:

Earnings GrowthEarnings growth is arguably the most important factor, as stocks exhibiting exceptionally surging profit levels tend to attract the attention of most investors. And for growth investors, double-digit earnings growth is definitely preferable, and often an indication of strong prospects (and stock price gains) for the company under consideration.

While the historical EPS growth rate for Ulta is 10.4%, investors should actually focus on the projected growth. The company's EPS is expected to grow 12.2% this year, crushing the industry average, which calls for EPS growth of 8.5%.

Impressive Asset Utilization RatioAsset utilization ratio -- also known as sales-to-total-assets (S/TA) ratio -- is often overlooked by investors, but it is an important indicator in growth investing. This metric exhibits how efficiently a firm is utilizing its assets to generate sales.

Right now, Ulta has an S/TA ratio of 1.85, which means that the company gets $1.85 in sales for each dollar in assets. Comparing this to the industry average of 1.26, it can be said that the company is more efficient.

While the level of efficiency in generating sales matters a lot, so does the sales growth of a company. And Ulta is well positioned from a sales growth perspective too. The company's sales are expected to grow 6.6% this year versus the industry average of 0.8%.

Promising Earnings Estimate RevisionsBeyond the metrics outlined above, investors should consider the trend in earnings estimate revisions. A positive trend is a plus here. Empirical research shows that there is a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

There have been upward revisions in current-year earnings estimates for Ulta. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has surged 0.1% over the past month.

Bottom LineUlta has not only earned a Growth Score of B based on a number of factors, including the ones discussed above, but it also carries a Zacks Rank #2 because of the positive earnings estimate revisions.

You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

This combination indicates that Ulta is a potential outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors.

Looking for a stock that has been consistently beating earnings estimates and might be well positioned to keep the streak alive in its next quarterly report? Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) , which belongs to the Zacks Retail - Miscellaneous industry, could be a great candidate to consider.

When looking at the last two reports, this beauty products retailer has recorded a strong streak of surpassing earnings estimates. The company has topped estimates by 6.15%, on average, in the last two quarters.

For the most recent quarter, Ulta was expected to post earnings of $6.9 per share, but it reported $7.74 per share instead, representing a surprise of 12.17%. For the previous quarter, the consensus estimate was $8 per share, while it actually produced $8.01 per share, a surprise of 0.13%.

Price and EPS Surprise

Thanks in part to this history, there has been a favorable change in earnings estimates for Ulta lately. In fact, the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction) for the stock is positive, which is a great indicator of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with its solid Zacks Rank.

Our research shows that stocks with the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time. In other words, if you have 10 stocks with this combination, the number of stocks that beat the consensus estimate could be as high as seven.

The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is related to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.

Ulta has an Earnings ESP of +1.20% at the moment, suggesting that analysts have grown bullish on its near-term earnings potential. When you combine this positive Earnings ESP with the stock's Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), it shows that another beat is possibly around the corner.

Investors should note, however, that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss, but a negative value does reduce the predictive power of this metric.

Many companies end up beating the consensus EPS estimate, though this is not the only reason why their shares gain. Additionally, some stocks may remain stable even if they end up missing the consensus estimate.

Because of this, it's really important to check a company's Earnings ESP ahead of its quarterly release to increase the odds of success. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.

Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $548.66, moving -2.92% from the previous trading session. The stock fell short of the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.06% for the day. At the same time, the Dow lost 0.11%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.32%.

The beauty products retailer's stock has climbed by 20.45% in the past month, exceeding the Retail-Wholesale sector's gain of 7.55% and the S&P 500's gain of 3.42%.

Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Ulta Beauty in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company is predicted to post an EPS of $6.16, indicating a 6.57% growth compared to the equivalent quarter last year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $2.97 billion, up 6.45% from the prior-year quarter.

Regarding the entire year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates forecast earnings of $28.78 per share and revenue of $13.21 billion, indicating changes of +12.25% and +10.28%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

Investors should also take note of any recent adjustments to analyst estimates for Ulta Beauty. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.

Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.

Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.06% higher. Ulta Beauty is holding a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) right now.

Looking at valuation, Ulta Beauty is presently trading at a Forward P/E ratio of 19.64. This represents a premium compared to its industry average Forward P/E of 16.29.

Investors should also note that ULTA has a PEG ratio of 1.76 right now. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. The Retail - Miscellaneous industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.82 as trading concluded yesterday.

The Retail - Miscellaneous industry is part of the Retail-Wholesale sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 157, positioning it in the bottom 37% of all 250+ industries.

The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

To follow ULTA in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.

Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $543.86, demonstrating a +1.77% change from the preceding day's closing price. The stock lagged the S&P 500's daily gain of 1.79%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 1.71%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq appreciated by 2.59%.

The beauty products retailer's stock has climbed by 18.1% in the past month, exceeding the Retail-Wholesale sector's gain of 8.07% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.72%.

The upcoming earnings release of Ulta Beauty will be of great interest to investors. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $6.16, showcasing a 6.57% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $2.97 billion, up 6.4% from the year-ago period.

For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $28.77 per share and revenue of $13.21 billion, which would represent changes of +12.21% and +10.27%, respectively, from the prior year.

Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Ulta Beauty. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.

Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. Investors can capitalize on this by using the Zacks Rank. This model considers these estimate changes and provides a simple, actionable rating system.

The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.01% higher. Ulta Beauty is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Investors should also note Ulta Beauty's current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 18.58. For comparison, its industry has an average Forward P/E of 15.83, which means Ulta Beauty is trading at a premium to the group.

Also, we should mention that ULTA has a PEG ratio of 1.67. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. The Retail - Miscellaneous industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.75 as trading concluded yesterday.

The Retail - Miscellaneous industry is part of the Retail-Wholesale sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 155, putting it in the bottom 37% of all 250+ industries.

The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.

Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.

Posted by Defense World Staff on Aug 3rd, 2026

Edgestream Partners L.P. purchased a new stake in Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA – Free Report) during the first quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 3,631 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock, valued at approximately $1,898,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Oddo BHF Asset Management Sas raised its position in Ulta Beauty by 4.4% in the 1st quarter. Oddo BHF Asset Management Sas now owns 4,029 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $2,106,000 after buying an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. Bull Harbor Capital LLC acquired a new position in Ulta Beauty during the 1st quarter worth approximately $800,000. Arkadios Wealth Advisors grew its stake in shares of Ulta Beauty by 14.9% during the 1st quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 657 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $343,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares in the last quarter. Amundi grew its stake in shares of Ulta Beauty by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 476,481 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock worth $249,061,000 after acquiring an additional 6,747 shares in the last quarter. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Ulta Beauty by 61.7% in the first quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,670 shares of the specialty retailer’s stock valued at $873,000 after purchasing an additional 637 shares during the last quarter. 90.39% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Ulta Beauty Price Performance Shares of Ulta Beauty stock opened at $512.83 on Monday. Ulta Beauty Inc. has a 12-month low of $443.60 and a 12-month high of $714.97. The stock has a market cap of $22.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.23, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.87. The business’s 50 day moving average is $477.49 and its 200-day moving average is $552.88.

Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:ULTA – Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, June 2nd. The specialty retailer reported $7.74 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.89 by $0.85. Ulta Beauty had a return on equity of 44.77% and a net margin of 9.36%.The company had revenue of $3.16 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.12 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $6.70 EPS. The firm’s revenue for the quarter was up 11.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Ulta Beauty has set its FY 2026 guidance at 28.360-28.800 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Ulta Beauty Inc. will post 28.77 EPS for the current year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. Loop Capital reissued a “hold” rating and issued a $550.00 price objective on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research report on Wednesday, June 3rd. Guggenheim began coverage on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research report on Monday, April 20th. They issued a “buy” rating for the company. Evercore set a $635.00 price target on shares of Ulta Beauty in a research note on Wednesday, June 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of Ulta Beauty from $475.00 to $450.00 and set an “underweight” rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, June 3rd. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group reduced their price objective on shares of Ulta Beauty from $799.00 to $731.00 and set a “buy” rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nineteen have assigned a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus target price of $638.09.

View Our Latest Report on ULTA

Insider Transactions at Ulta Beauty In other Ulta Beauty news, Director George R. Mrkonic, Jr. sold 383 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, June 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $475.84, for a total value of $182,246.72. Following the completion of the sale, the director owned 2,404 shares in the company, valued at $1,143,919.36. This trade represents a 13.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 0.20% of the company’s stock.

About Ulta Beauty (Free Report)

Ulta Beauty, Inc (NASDAQ: ULTA) is a U.S.-based specialty retailer and beauty services provider focused on cosmetics, fragrance, skin care, hair care, bath and body, and beauty tools. The company operates a dual-format business that combines brick-and-mortar retail stores with an e-commerce platform, offering a broad assortment of national, prestige and mass-market brands alongside its own private-label products. In many locations Ulta also provides full-service salon treatments, positioning the company as a one-stop destination for product discovery and in-store services.

The retailer’s product mix spans color cosmetics, haircare and styling products, skin and body care, fragrance, and accessories, catering to a wide range of consumer preferences and price points.

Featured Stories Five stocks we like better than Ulta Beauty 3 Fixed-Income ETFs Show Why Yield Is Only Part of the Income Story AbbVie Quietly Solved Its Biggest Problem—Now What? Rio Tinto’s Results Make the Case for Looking Beyond Tech in the AI Trade Strategy’s Structural Strength: Hidden in a $8 Billion Illusion Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ULTA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ulta Beauty Inc. (NASDAQ:ULTA – Free Report).

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