ULTA|Earnings Snapshot
EPS
| Qtr | Est | Actual | +/− |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2'27 | $6.16 | - | - |
| Q1'27 | $6.89 | $7.74 | +12.3% |
| Q3'25 | $4.60 | $5.14 | +11.7% |
| Q2'25 | $5.04 | $5.78 | +14.7% |
| Q1'25 | $5.80 | $6.70 | +15.5% |
| Q4'24 | $7.15 | $8.46 | +18.4% |
Revenue
| Qtr | Est | Actual | +/− |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q2'27 | $3.0B | - | - |
| Q1'27 | $3.2B | $3.2B | +0.3% |
| Q3'25 | - | $2.9B | - |
| Q2'25 | - | $2.8B | - |
| Q1'25 | - | $2.8B | - |
| Q4'24 | - | $3.5B | - |
Market Data
ULTA Stock Snapshot
ULTA is currently trading at $565.99, giving Ulta Beauty, Inc. a market cap of 24.30B and a P/E ratio of 20.4. Today's range spans $537.91–$566.73, with shares opening at $538.85 and moving up $0.85 (0.2%) from the prior close. DailyIQ's technical score sits at 82/100 (BUY) with a news sentiment reading of 50/100.
Over the past year ULTA has traded between $443.60 and $714.97 - the current price is +27.6% off the 52-week low and -20.8% from the high.
Algorithmic and quant fund activity in ULTA tends to intensify when the technical score crosses the 82/100 threshold - systematic models in large-cap Consumer Cyclical names trigger entry signals at these levels, adding momentum to what may have started as fundamental-driven buying. Signal: BUY. Sentiment: neutral (50/100). Price: $565.99 (in the middle of its 52-week range). The current P/E ratio stands at 20.4. Annual range: $443.60–$714.97.
The combination of a BUY signal (82/100) and neutral news sentiment (50/100) puts ULTA on the screens of active managers who run quality-momentum overlays — a cohort that can build meaningful positions at 24.30B in Consumer Cyclical market cap without immediately moving the stock. At $565.99 (in the middle of its 52-week range in the $443.60–$714.97 range), the entry discipline is clean and the potential re-rating if sentiment continues to improve is meaningful.
Company Insights: Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA)
Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA) stands as a dominant specialty retailer within the beauty sector, offering a comprehensive range of cosmetics, skincare, and haircare products alongside in-store salon services. Its multi-channel approach, combining physical stores, e-commerce, and mobile applications, caters to a broad consumer base across the United States, Mexico, and Kuwait. The company's strategic focus on both product breadth and experiential retail has positioned it as a key player in the dynamic beauty market. This integrated model aims to foster customer loyalty and drive consistent engagement.
The company has demonstrated a robust track record of exceeding earnings per share (EPS) expectations, surpassing analyst estimates in its last four reported quarters. This consistent performance, evidenced by figures like $5.14 EPS in Q3 2025 against a $4.60 estimate, suggests effective operational management and strong sales execution relative to cost structures. While specific year-over-year revenue growth data is not always consistently available, the recurring EPS beats underscore Ulta's profitability resilience. Investors closely monitor these earnings trends for insights into underlying business health.
Ulta Beauty's strategic initiatives, including the expansion of exclusive brand offerings like Hairstory and NassifMD Skincare, are designed to enhance its competitive differentiation and customer loyalty. Recent analyst sentiment, reflected in raised price targets from firms like Evercore ISI, indicates confidence in the company's future prospects. However, the market is also attentive to potential margin pressures and rising operational costs, particularly as the company navigates its Q4 earnings projections and the impact of promotional events and new product introductions.
Earnings Performance
Ulta Beauty has consistently surpassed EPS estimates for the last four reported quarters.
This trend indicates strong operational execution and profitability relative to expectations.
Investors closely watch these earnings beats as a key indicator of business health.
Strategic Brand Expansion
The company is actively expanding its portfolio of exclusive brands, such as Hairstory and NassifMD Skincare.
These exclusive offerings aim to enhance customer loyalty and differentiate Ulta's retail proposition.
Strategic brand additions are crucial for maintaining competitive edge in the beauty market.
Analyst Sentiment
Recent analyst reports show positive sentiment, with several firms raising price targets.
Firms like Evercore ISI and UBS express confidence in Ulta's future growth trajectory.
This external validation suggests market recognition of the company's strategic direction.
Valuation Metrics
Ulta Beauty currently trades at a P/E ratio of approximately 24.23.
Its 52-week trading range spans from $309.01 to $714.97, indicating significant price volatility.
Market capitalization stands at roughly $28.84 billion, reflecting its substantial presence in the retail sector.
Positioning ULTA
Ulta Beauty's consistent earnings beats and strategic brand initiatives present a compelling case for investors focused on retail growth. Exposure may warrant consideration during periods of positive analyst sentiment and successful new product launches. Conversely, investors should monitor potential margin pressures and rising operational costs, which could signal a need to reduce exposure.
ULTA Recent Earnings History
- Q3 2025
EPS: $5.14 actual vs $4.6 estimate (beat) · Revenue: $2,858M actual
- Q2 2025
EPS: $5.78 actual vs $5.04 estimate (beat) · Revenue: $2,788M actual
- Q1 2025
EPS: $6.7 actual vs $5.8 estimate (beat) · Revenue: $2,848M actual
- Q4 2024
EPS: $8.46 actual vs $7.15 estimate (beat) · Revenue: $3,488M actual
Key Metrics for ULTA
Ulta Beauty's performance hinges on its ability to drive traffic and sales across its diverse product categories and salon services. Investors closely monitor key retail metrics to gauge consumer demand and the effectiveness of Ulta's unique beauty-focused strategy.
Comparable Sales: Measures sales growth from stores open at least one year, including e-commerce. Strong comp sales growth indicates healthy consumer demand and effective merchandising for Ulta Beauty; a slowdown suggests weakening trends. This is a primary indicator of Ulta's top-line health and market share gains.
Gross Margin: Reflects the percentage of revenue remaining after accounting for the cost of goods sold. Expanding gross margins at Ulta Beauty signal efficient inventory management and pricing power; contracting margins suggest promotional pressure or rising costs. This metric is crucial for assessing Ulta's profitability and ability to fund growth initiatives.
Inventory Turnover: Indicates how many times Ulta Beauty's inventory is sold and replaced over a period. A higher turnover rate suggests efficient inventory management and strong sales; a declining rate can signal slow-moving stock or overstocking issues. This metric is vital for Ulta's operational efficiency and cash flow management.
Customer Acquisition Cost: The total cost of sales and marketing efforts to acquire a new customer. A decreasing CAC for Ulta Beauty indicates efficient marketing spend and strong brand appeal; a rising cost may signal increased competition or less effective campaigns. This is important for understanding the long-term profitability of Ulta's customer base.
Average Transaction Value: The average amount spent by a customer per purchase. An increasing ATV for Ulta Beauty suggests successful upselling or cross-selling strategies; a stagnant or declining ATV might indicate customers are buying fewer items or lower-priced goods. This metric helps assess Ulta's ability to maximize revenue per customer visit.
ULTA Competitive Positioning
Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA) is tracked alongside these names in Specialty Retail on DailyIQ.
Risk Factors
Ulta Beauty faces risks primarily from shifts in consumer spending on discretionary beauty products and challenges in maintaining its competitive edge in a dynamic retail environment. These factors could impact sales volume and profitability.
- Consumer Spending
Ulta's revenue is tied to discretionary beauty purchases, which are sensitive to economic downturns or reduced consumer confidence. A slowdown in consumer spending could lead to lower sales volumes and reduced profitability. This risk would materialize during periods of economic recession or high inflation.
- Brand Competition
The beauty market is highly competitive, with numerous brands and retailers vying for consumer attention. Increased competition from direct-to-consumer brands or other specialty retailers could erode Ulta's market share. This risk becomes more pronounced if Ulta fails to differentiate its product offerings or customer experience.
- Inventory Management
Managing a wide range of beauty products, including seasonal items and new launches, presents inventory risks. Overstocking can lead to markdowns and reduced margins, while understocking can result in lost sales opportunities. This risk is heightened during periods of unpredictable demand or supply chain disruptions.
- E-commerce Growth
While Ulta has a strong online presence, continued growth depends on its ability to compete with pure-play e-commerce giants and evolving online shopping trends. Failure to innovate its digital platform or meet customer expectations for online convenience could hinder growth. This risk would manifest if competitors offer superior online experiences or pricing.
- Salon Services
Ulta's in-store salon services are a key differentiator but also carry operational risks. Challenges in staffing, maintaining service quality, or adapting to changing beauty trends could impact this segment. A decline in salon traffic or profitability would directly affect overall financial performance.
What Moves ULTA Stock?
Analyst Price Targets for ULTA
Here's where sell-side analysts stand on ULTA right now, based on the latest ratings DailyIQ has tracked.
Reflects the most recently tracked analyst ratings for ULTA and may lag real-time updates. Not a recommendation to buy or sell.
Frequently Asked Questions About ULTA
Is Ulta Beauty (ULTA) stock a good investment?
Ulta Beauty's investment appeal centers on its dominant position in the beauty retail market and its ability to consistently beat earnings expectations. The company benefits from a strong brand, a broad product selection, and a successful omni-channel strategy. Investors might consider Ulta's growth potential in a resilient consumer sector alongside its competitive landscape.
What drives Ulta Beauty's (ULTA) stock price?
The stock price of Ulta Beauty is primarily influenced by its sales performance, particularly in key categories like cosmetics and skincare, and its ability to manage costs effectively. Expansion of its loyalty program, success of exclusive brand partnerships, and overall consumer spending on beauty products are significant drivers. Analyst ratings and broader market sentiment towards retail stocks also play a role.
Does Ulta Beauty (ULTA) pay a dividend?
Ulta Beauty does not currently pay a regular cash dividend to its shareholders. Instead, the company has historically focused on reinvesting its earnings back into the business to fuel growth initiatives, such as store expansion and e-commerce development. Investors seeking income may need to look elsewhere or consider the potential for future dividend initiation.
What are the risks of investing in Ulta Beauty (ULTA) stock?
Key risks for Ulta Beauty include increased competition from online retailers and direct-to-consumer brands, potential shifts in consumer preferences, and economic downturns that could impact discretionary spending. Supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs, including labor and marketing expenses, also pose challenges. The company's reliance on a strong brand image means negative publicity could affect sales.
How is Ulta Beauty's (ULTA) valuation?
Ulta Beauty's valuation can be assessed using metrics like its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, which stands around 24.23 as of recent data. This P/E ratio should be compared against industry averages and the company's historical multiples to gauge whether the stock is trading at a premium or discount. Future growth prospects and profitability trends are key factors in determining its fair value.
What is Ulta Beauty's (ULTA) competitive advantage?
Ulta Beauty's competitive advantage lies in its unique 'store-within-a-store' concept, its broad assortment of prestige and mass beauty products, and its integrated loyalty program. The company also offers in-store salon services, creating a differentiated customer experience that is difficult for many competitors to replicate. Its strong e-commerce presence complements its physical footprint.
How is Ulta Beauty's (ULTA) growth strategy evolving?
Ulta Beauty's growth strategy involves expanding its exclusive brand offerings and enhancing its digital capabilities to drive online sales. The company continues to optimize its store fleet and invest in its loyalty program to foster customer retention. Strategic partnerships and a focus on emerging beauty trends are also central to its forward-looking plans.
What is the outlook for Ulta Beauty's (ULTA) earnings?
Recent earnings reports show Ulta Beauty consistently exceeding EPS estimates, indicating strong operational execution. While Q4 revenue is projected to grow, EPS may see a slight decline due to margin pressures. Investors will be closely watching upcoming earnings calls for management's commentary on cost management and sales momentum.
How does Ulta Beauty (ULTA) perform in different economic conditions?
Ulta Beauty has demonstrated resilience in various economic climates, benefiting from the relatively inelastic demand for beauty products. However, prolonged economic downturns could still impact discretionary spending, potentially affecting sales. The company's ability to offer a range of price points helps mitigate some of these risks.
What are Ulta Beauty's (ULTA) expansion plans?
Ulta Beauty is focused on expanding its market presence through strategic store openings and enhancing its e-commerce platform. The company is also actively pursuing international expansion in markets like Mexico and Kuwait. Further development of its private label and exclusive brand portfolio is also a key part of its growth strategy.
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