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Compared to Estimates, Ulta (ULTA) Q4 Earnings: A Look at Key Metrics

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For the quarter ended January 2026, Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) reported revenue of $3.9 billion, up 11.8% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $8.01, compared to $8.46 in the year-ago quarter.

The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.81 billion, representing a surprise of +2.2%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +0.07%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $8.01.

While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health.

Since these metrics play a crucial role in driving the top- and bottom-line numbers, comparing them with the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated about them helps investors better project a stock's price performance.

Here is how Ulta performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts:
  • Comparable sales - YoY change: 5.8% versus the nine-analyst average estimate of 4.1%.
  • Total stores open at end of the quarter: 1,591 versus the seven-analyst average estimate of 1,509.
  • Number of stores opened during the quarter: 7 compared to the 10 average estimate based on six analysts.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Other: 2% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 2%.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Fragrance: 17% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 19%.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Haircare: 19% compared to the 19% average estimate based on two analysts.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Cosmetics: 35% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 37%.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Services: 3% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 3.1%.

View all Key Company Metrics for Ulta here>>>

Shares of Ulta have returned -4.5% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -2.3% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating that it could perform in line with the broader market in the near term.

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