Stronger Q1 lifts Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA) full-year EPS outlook
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Ulta Beauty reported strong results for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. Net sales rose to $3.16 billion from $2.85 billion, with comparable sales up 5.3%. Gross profit margin improved to 40.1%, and diluted EPS increased to $7.74 from $6.70.
Net income was $340.5 million. Cash and cash equivalents were $166.3 million, and merchandise inventories reached $2.39 billion, reflecting new brands, the Space NK acquisition, and store growth. The company repurchased 958,323 shares for $555.0 million, with $1.3 billion remaining under its $3.0 billion authorization.
For fiscal 2026, Ulta Beauty maintained its net sales and comparable sales growth outlook but modestly raised its diluted EPS guidance to $28.36–$28.80 and narrowed operating income growth expectations to 6.5%–9%, signaling confidence in profitability for the year.
Positive
- Strong Q1 performance with upgraded EPS outlook: Net sales grew to $3.16 billion, diluted EPS rose to $7.74 from $6.70, gross margin expanded to 40.1%, and fiscal 2026 diluted EPS guidance was raised to $28.36–$28.80 while operating income growth was tightened to 6.5%–9%.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Ulta delivered double-digit growth and nudged full-year EPS guidance higher.
Ulta Beauty posted robust Q1 fiscal 2026 performance, with net sales at $3.16 billion and diluted EPS at $7.74, both up versus the prior-year quarter. Comparable sales growth of 5.3% and a higher gross margin of 40.1% show healthy demand and pricing/mix discipline.
Management slightly increased full-year diluted EPS guidance to $28.36–$28.80 and tightened operating income growth to 6.5%–9%, while keeping net sales and comparable sales growth ranges unchanged. This points to confidence in cost control and margin sustainability rather than relying solely on faster top-line expansion.
Capital returns remain significant: the company repurchased 958,323 shares for $555.0 million in the quarter, leaving $1.3 billion under its $3.0 billion authorization. Merchandise inventories increased 12.5% to $2.4 billion, tied to new brands, the Space NK acquisition, and 70 net new stores since May 3, 2025, which investors can track against future sales productivity.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
comparable sales financial
gross profit (as a percentage of net sales) financial
merchandise inventories, net financial
Earnings Snapshot
For fiscal 2026, Ulta Beauty maintained its net sales and comparable sales growth outlook, narrowed operating income growth to 6.5%–9%, and raised diluted EPS guidance to $28.36–$28.80.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM
CURRENT REPORT
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Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On June 2, 2026, Ulta Beauty, Inc. issued a press release regarding its consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended May 2, 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits.
The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index below are being furnished herewith.
Exhibit | | Description |
99.1 | Press release issued by Ulta Beauty, Inc. on June 2, 2026 announcing consolidated financial results for the first quarter ended May 2, 2026. | |
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document) |
2
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
ULTA BEAUTY, INC. | ||
Date: June 2, 2026 | By: | /s/ Rene G. Cásares |
Rene G. Cásares | ||
Chief Legal Officer | ||
3
Exhibit 99.1
ULTA BEAUTY ANNOUNCES FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 2026 RESULTS AND UPDATES FISCAL 2026 GUIDANCE
| ● | Net sales increased 11.1% |
| ● | Comparable sales increased 5.3% |
| ● | Operating income increased 11.6% to $448.3 million |
| ● | Diluted EPS increased 15.5% to $7.74 |
| ● | Returned $555.0 million of capital to shareholders through share repurchases |
Bolingbrook, IL – June 2, 2026 – Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) today announced consolidated financial results for the thirteen-week period (“first quarter”) ended May 2, 2026, compared to the same period ended May 3, 2025:
| | 13 Weeks Ended | ||||
| | May 2, | | May 3, | ||
(Dollars in millions, except per share data) | | 2026 | | 2025 | ||
Net sales | | $ | 3,163.9 | | $ | 2,848.4 |
Comparable sales | | | 5.3% | | | 2.9% |
Gross profit (as a percentage of net sales) | | | 40.1% | | | 39.1% |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | $ | 814.7 | | $ | 710.6 |
Operating income growth | | | 11.6% | | | 0.2% |
Diluted earnings per share | | $ | 7.74 | | $ | 6.70 |
“Fiscal 2026 is off to a strong start driven by broad-based growth across all channels and major categories. Our results demonstrate the strengths of our model, focused execution of our talented associates, and the effectiveness of our strategy in an uncertain macroeconomic landscape. I am particularly proud of our teams’ commitment to delighting our guests while also advancing our longer-term strategic initiatives with discipline,” said Kecia Steelman, president and chief executive officer. “Looking ahead, we remain focused on delivering long-term shareholder value through our strategic growth initiatives, continued prudent cost management, and our differentiated guest experience.”
First Quarter of Fiscal 2026 Compared to First Quarter of Fiscal 2025
| ● | Net sales increased 11.1% to $3.2 billion, primarily due to increased comparable sales, the acquisition of Space NK, and sales from new stores. |
| ● | Comparable sales increased 5.3%, driven by a 3.7% increase in average ticket and a 1.6% increase in transactions. |
| ● | Gross profit increased 13.8% to $1.3 billion. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 40.1% compared to 39.1%, primarily due to lower inventory shrink and higher merchandise margin. |
| ● | Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 14.6% to $814.7 million, primarily due to the acquisition of Space NK. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 25.8% compared to 24.9%, primarily due to deleverage of corporate overhead due to strategic enterprise investments and store expenses, partially offset by leverage of advertising expenses. |
| ● | Operating income increased 11.6% to $448.3 million, or 14.2% of net sales. |
| ● | Diluted earnings per share increased 15.5% to $7.74. |
Balance Sheet and Capital Deployment
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026 were $166.3 million. Short-term investments at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026 were $55.0 million. Short-term debt at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was $144.9 million.
Merchandise inventories, net at the end of first quarter of fiscal 2026 increased 12.5% to $2.4 billion. The increase was primarily due to inventory to support new brand launches, the acquisition of Space NK, strategic investments in key categories, and 70 net new Ulta Beauty stores since May 3, 2025.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company invested $58.3 million in capital expenditures, primarily driven by investments in new and existing stores.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company repurchased 958,323 shares of its common stock at a cost of $555.0 million. As of May 2, 2026, $1.3 billion remained available under the $3.0 billion share repurchase program announced in October 2024.
Fiscal 2026 Outlook
Based on current estimates, the Company has updated its outlook for fiscal 2026.
| | | Initial Fiscal 2026 Outlook | | Updated Fiscal 2026 Outlook |
Net sales growth | | | 6% to 7% | | no change |
Comparable sales growth | | | 2.5% to 3.5% | | no change |
Operating income growth | | | 6% to 9% | | 6.5% to 9% |
Diluted earnings per share | | | $28.05 to $28.55 | | $28.36 to $28.80 |
Capital expenditures | | | $400 million to $450 million | | no change |
Conference Call Information
A conference call to discuss first quarter of fiscal 2026 results is scheduled for today, June 2, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 3:30 p.m. Central Time. During the conference call, a related presentation will be webcast live. Investors and analysts who are interested in participating in the call are invited to register for the live event at https://q1-2026-ulta-beauty-earnings-conference-call.open-exchange.net/.
A copy of the presentation and a replay of the webcast will be available and archived for a limited time on the company's Investor Relations website at https://www.ulta.com/investor.
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.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are included throughout this press release, and relate to matters such as our industry, business strategy, goals, and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, capital expenditures, liquidity, and capital resources and other financial and operating information. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “strategies,” or other comparable words.
Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates, and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates, targets, strategies, or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict or quantify. Our expectations, beliefs, and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that our expectations, beliefs, and projections will result or be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to changes in global, regional, or local economic, business, competitive, market, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
We believe that these factors include but are not limited to those described under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2026, as such risk factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and are accessible on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Any forward-looking statements made by us in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this press release. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions, or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint ventures, investments, or other strategic transactions we may make. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.
Investor Contact:
Kiley Rawlins, CFA
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
krawlins@ulta.com
Media Contact:
Natalie Navarre
Vice President, Public Relations & Social Marketing
nnavarre@ulta.com
Exhibit 1
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
| | 13 Weeks Ended | ||||||||
| | May 2, | | May 3, | ||||||
| | 2026 | | 2025 | ||||||
| | (Unaudited) | | (Unaudited) | ||||||
Net sales | | $ | 3,163,857 | | 100.0% | | $ | 2,848,367 | | 100.0% |
Cost of sales | | | 1,896,237 | | 59.9% | | | 1,734,148 | | 60.9% |
Gross profit | | | 1,267,620 | | 40.1% | | | 1,114,219 | | 39.1% |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 814,699 | | 25.8% | | | 710,613 | | 24.9% |
Pre-opening expenses | | | 4,665 | | 0.1% | | | 1,829 | | 0.1% |
Operating income | | | 448,256 | | 14.2% | | | 401,777 | | 14.1% |
Interest income, net | | | (652) | | (0.0%) | | | (3,547) | | (0.1%) |
Income before income taxes and equity net loss of affiliate | | | 448,908 | | 14.2% | | | 405,324 | | 14.2% |
Income tax expense | | | 106,860 | | 3.4% | | | 99,644 | | 3.5% |
Income before equity net loss of affiliate | | | 342,048 | | 10.8% | | | 305,680 | | 10.7% |
Equity net loss of affiliate | | | 1,579 | | 0.0% | | | 628 | | 0.0% |
Net income | | $ | 340,469 | | 10.8% | | $ | 305,052 | | 10.7% |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net income per common share: | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | 7.78 | | | | $ | 6.72 | | |
Diluted | | $ | 7.74 | | | | $ | 6.70 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | | 43,781 | | | | | 45,362 | | |
Diluted | | | 43,964 | | | | | 45,508 | | |
Exhibit 2
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
| | May 2, | | January 31, | | May 3, | |||
| | 2026 | | 2026 | | 2025 | |||
| | (Unaudited) | | | | | (Unaudited) | ||
Assets | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 166,300 | | $ | 424,243 | | $ | 454,629 |
Short-term investments | | | 55,000 | | | 70,000 | | | — |
Receivables, net | | | 248,240 | | | 296,217 | | | 225,146 |
Merchandise inventories, net | | | 2,386,417 | | | 2,181,127 | | | 2,121,519 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 165,647 | | | 169,361 | | | 138,396 |
Prepaid income taxes | | | — | | | 3,198 | | | — |
Total current assets | | | 3,021,604 | | | 3,144,146 | | | 2,939,690 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment, net | | | 1,420,091 | | | 1,434,062 | | | 1,251,287 |
Operating lease assets | | | 1,849,896 | | | 1,813,074 | | | 1,658,834 |
Goodwill | | | 224,628 | | | 226,421 | | | 10,870 |
Other intangible assets, net | | | 201,596 | | | 203,288 | | | — |
Deferred compensation plan assets | | | 52,606 | | | 53,391 | | | 47,467 |
Other long-term assets | | | 124,824 | | | 124,912 | | | 78,541 |
Total assets | | $ | 6,895,245 | | $ | 6,999,294 | | $ | 5,986,689 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 713,775 | | $ | 685,887 | | $ | 537,518 |
Accrued liabilities | | | 462,065 | | | 551,380 | | | 346,960 |
Deferred revenue | | | 541,199 | | | 582,378 | | | 462,843 |
Current operating lease liabilities | | | 309,576 | | | 306,671 | | | 285,764 |
Accrued income taxes | | | 132,565 | | | 35,739 | | | 130,765 |
Short-term debt | | | 144,899 | | | 62,287 | | | — |
Total current liabilities | | | 2,304,079 | | | 2,224,342 | | | 1,763,850 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Non-current operating lease liabilities | | | 1,847,968 | | | 1,813,103 | | | 1,689,439 |
Deferred income taxes | | | 101,220 | | | 98,766 | | | 46,013 |
Other long-term liabilities | | | 61,023 | | | 59,632 | | | 57,084 |
Total liabilities | | | 4,314,290 | | | 4,195,843 | | | 3,556,386 |
| | | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Total stockholders’ equity | | | 2,580,955 | | | 2,803,451 | | | 2,430,303 |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | $ | 6,895,245 | | $ | 6,999,294 | | $ | 5,986,689 |
Exhibit 3
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
| | 13 Weeks Ended | ||||
| | May 2, | | May 3, | ||
| | 2026 | | 2025 | ||
| | (Unaudited) | | (Unaudited) | ||
Operating activities | | | | | | |
Net income | | $ | 340,469 | | $ | 305,052 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 81,399 | | | 72,033 |
Non-cash lease expense | | | 91,285 | | | 91,105 |
Deferred income taxes | | | 2,939 | | | 3,420 |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 10,490 | | | 11,418 |
Loss on disposal of property and equipment | | | 4,682 | | | 892 |
Equity net loss of affiliate | | | 1,579 | | | 628 |
Change in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | |
Receivables | | | 47,959 | | | (1,812) |
Merchandise inventories | | | (206,014) | | | (153,305) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 3,596 | | | (9,283) |
Income taxes | | | 100,013 | | | 88,934 |
Accounts payable | | | 21,757 | | | (24,920) |
Accrued liabilities | | | (112,354) | | | (32,716) |
Deferred revenue | | | (41,097) | | | (37,742) |
Operating lease liabilities | | | (90,459) | | | (88,100) |
Other assets and liabilities | | | 5,650 | | | (5,583) |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | | 261,894 | | | 220,021 |
| | | | | | |
Investing activities | | | | | | |
Proceeds from short-term investments | | | 15,000 | | | — |
Capital expenditures | | | (58,276) | | | (79,031) |
Other investments | | | (4,949) | | | (7,346) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (48,225) | | | (86,377) |
| | | | | | |
Financing activities | | | | | | |
Borrowings from short-term debt | | | 115,580 | | | — |
Payments on short-term debt | | | (32,252) | | | — |
Repurchase of common shares | | | (545,304) | | | (369,786) |
Stock options exercised | | | 1,354 | | | 481 |
Purchase of treasury shares | | | (10,799) | | | (12,911) |
Net cash used in financing activities | | | (471,421) | | | (382,216) |
| | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents | | | (191) | | | — |
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | | | (257,943) | | | (248,572) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 424,243 | | | 703,201 |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 166,300 | | $ | 454,629 |
Exhibit 4
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Store Update (Company-Operated)
The following table presents store activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2026:
| | United States | | International (Company-operated) |
Opened | | 18 | | 1 |
Closed | | 2 | | — |
Net | | 16 | | 1 |
| | | | |
Relocated | | 1 | | 1 |
The following table presents the number of stores as of May 2, 2026:
| | United States | | International (Company-operated) |
Number of stores | | 1,521 | | 87 |
Exhibit 5
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Sales by Category
The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of net sales by primary category:
| | 13 Weeks Ended | ||
| | May 2, | | May 3, |
| | 2026 | | 2025 |
Cosmetics | | 40% | | 40% |
Skincare and wellness | | 24% | | 25% |
Haircare | | 18% | | 18% |
Fragrance | | 12% | | 11% |
Services | | 4% | | 4% |
Other | | 2% | | 2% |
| | 100% | | 100% |