Ulta Beauty Inc. reported second‑quarter fiscal 2026 results that topped analyst expectations. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $6.55, beating the consensus estimate of $6.17, while revenue rose 8.9% to $3.04 billion, exceeding the $2.98 billion forecast.
Comparable sales increased 3.8% year over year, down from a 6.7% rise in the same quarter a year earlier. Operating income grew 10.1% to $379.6 million. Gross profit margin slipped marginally to 39.1% of net sales from 39.2%, reflecting the mix impact of the Space NK acquisition.
During the first half of fiscal 2026, Ulta repurchased 1.4 million shares at a total cost of $791.1 million.
The company also raised its full‑year guidance. Adjusted EPS is now projected between $28.70 and $29.00, up from $28.36‑$28.80, with the midpoint of $28.85 slightly above the $28.78 consensus. Net sales growth is expected to be 6.7%‑7.2% versus the prior 6%‑7% outlook, and comparable‑sales growth is forecast at 3.2%‑3.7%, up from 2.5%‑3.5%. The share‑repurchase authorization for fiscal 2026 was increased to $1.8 billion from $1.5 billion, with plans to use the remaining $1.0 billion by year‑end.
Following the release, Ulta’s shares initially rose in after‑hours trading but reversed in pre‑market activity on Friday, falling more than 3%. The closing price listed was 537.10, up 3.79% on the day.
