Ulta delivered a well-received second quarter, surpassing Wall Street’s expectations on both revenue and earnings. Management attributed this outperformance to robust growth in core categories, effective promotional strategies, and the ongoing traction of the Ulta Beauty Unleashed strategy. CEO Kecia Steelman highlighted that the company’s “comp sales growth of 6.7% was driven by balanced contribution from newness and core assortment growth,” emphasizing strong performance in fragrance, skincare, and loyalty membership expansion. Ulta also benefited from operational improvements, including lower inventory shrink and enhanced in-store execution, which contributed to improved margins and guest satisfaction.
Is now the time to buy ULTA? Find out in our full research report (it’s free).
Ulta (ULTA) Q2 CY2025 Highlights:
- Revenue: $2.79 billion vs analyst estimates of $2.68 billion (9.3% year-on-year growth, 4.2% beat)
- EPS (GAAP): $5.78 vs analyst estimates of $5.04 (14.7% beat)
- Adjusted EBITDA: $416 million vs analyst estimates of $375.2 million (14.9% margin, 10.9% beat)
- The company lifted its revenue guidance for the full year to $12.05 billion at the midpoint from $11.6 billion, a 3.9% increase
- EPS (GAAP) guidance for the full year is $24.08 at the midpoint, beating analyst estimates by 2%
- Operating Margin: 12.4%, in line with the same quarter last year
- Locations: 1,473 at quarter end, up from 1,411 in the same quarter last year
- Same-Store Sales rose 6.7% year on year (-1.2% in the same quarter last year)
- Market Capitalization: $23.81 billion
While we enjoy listening to the management's commentary, our favorite part of earnings calls are the analyst questions. Those are unscripted and can often highlight topics that management teams would rather avoid or topics where the answer is complicated. Here is what has caught our attention.
Our Top 5 Analyst Questions From Ulta’s Q2 Earnings Call
- Dana Telsey (Telsey Advisory Group) asked about the sustainability of comp growth and the impact of operational improvements. CEO Kecia Steelman stressed the ongoing momentum of the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan and noted the company remains prudent in its guidance due to consumer uncertainty.
- Michael Binetti (Evercore) questioned assumptions behind comp guidance and margin leverage. Steelman highlighted strong first-half performance and emphasized that while the operating environment is dynamic, long-term goals remain unchanged as Ulta focuses on strategic investments.
- Adrienne Yih (Barclays) inquired about the promotional environment and wellness strategy. Steelman explained Ulta is evolving its promotional calendar for profitable growth and sees significant opportunity in expanding the wellness category, targeting long-term growth to $1 billion.
- Simeon Gutman (Morgan Stanley) sought clarification on operating margin philosophy. Steelman stated Ulta is prioritizing operating profit dollars and balancing reinvestment with returns, aiming for sustained top-line momentum in a competitive sector.
- Susan Anderson (Canaccord Genuity) asked about the rationale for acquiring Space NK versus organic international growth. Steelman explained the acquisition offers a less capital-intensive entry into the U.K. market and provides operational learnings for future international expansion.
Catalysts in Upcoming Quarters
Looking ahead, the StockStory team is closely monitoring (1) the ramp-up and performance of Ulta’s new online marketplace and exclusive brand launches, (2) the integration and growth of Space NK in the U.K. and the opening of new stores in Mexico and the Middle East, and (3) the sustainability of margin improvements amid cost pressures and evolving promotional dynamics. Execution on digital innovation and wellness category expansion will also be key markers of progress.
Ulta currently trades at $530.01, in line with $530.29 just before the earnings. At this price, is it a buy or sell? The answer lies in our full research report (it’s free).
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