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Ulta (ULTA) Reports Q1 Earnings: What Key Metrics Have to Say

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For the quarter ended April 2026, Ulta Beauty (ULTA - Free Report) reported revenue of $3.16 billion, up 11.1% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $7.74, compared to $6.70 in the year-ago quarter.

The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.11 billion, representing a surprise of +1.64%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +12.2%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $6.90.

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.

As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately.

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: 5.3% versus the eight-analyst average estimate of 4.3%.
  • Total stores open at end of the quarter: 1,608 compared to the 1,517 average estimate based on six analysts.
  • Number of stores opened during the quarter: 19 versus the five-analyst average estimate of 13.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Other: 2% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 2%.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Fragrance: 12% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 11%.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Haircare: 18% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 18%.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Cosmetics: 40% versus the two-analyst average estimate of 39.2%.
  • Net Sales by Primary Category - Services: 4% compared to the 3.8% average estimate based on two analysts.

View all Key Company Metrics for Ulta here>>>

Shares of Ulta have returned -3.3% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.3% 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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