Open the filing on EDGARULTA BEAUTY ANNOUNCES THIRD QUARTER FISCAL 2025 RESULTS
Net Sales Increased 12.9% to $2.9 Billion Compared to $2.5 Billion in the Prior Year Quarter
Comparable Sales Increased 6.3%
Net Income was $230.9 Million or $5.14 Per Diluted Share
Company Increases Fiscal 2025 Guidance
Bolingbrook, IL - December 4, 2025 - Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) today announced consolidated financial results for the thirteen-week period (“third quarter”) and thirty-nine-week period (“first nine months”) ended November 1, 2025, compared to the same periods ended November 2, 2024, respectively.
| 13 Weeks Ended | 39 Weeks Ended |
|---|
| November 1, | November 2, | November 1, | November 2, |
|---|
| (Dollars in millions, except per share data) | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 |
| Net sales | $2,857.6 | $2,530.1 | $8,494.5 | $7,808.0 |
| Comparable sales | 6.3% | 0.6% | 5.2% | 0.3% |
| Gross profit (as a percentage of net sales) | 40.4% | 39.7% | 39.6% | 39.1% |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | $840.9 | $682.3 | $2,293.3 | $1,993.0 |
| Operating income (as a percentage of net sales) | 10.8% | 12.6% | 12.4% | 13.4% |
| Diluted earnings per share | $5.14 | $5.14 | $17.65 | $16.93 |
“Our third quarter results exceeded our expectations, reflecting the steady progress and momentum our team is building as we execute our Ulta Beauty Unleashed Strategy. Exciting assortment newness, improved in-store and digital experiences, and bold marketing efforts are resonating with our guests and drove strong sales results, market share gains, and growth across all categories and channels, with notable strength in ecommerce,” said Kecia Steelman, president and CEO. “As we look ahead to the all-important holiday season, we know many consumers’ wallets are pressured and they are seeking value. We are confident in our plans, and our teams are ready to make Holiday Happen Here at Ulta Beauty, driving excitement and delivering for our guests and their loved ones, now and into the new year.”
Third Quarter of Fiscal 2025 Compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024
- Net sales increased 12.9% to $2.9 billion compared to $2.5 billion, primarily due to increased comparable sales, the acquisition of Space NK, and net new store contribution.
- Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 6.3% compared to 0.6%, driven by a 3.8% increase in average ticket and a 2.4% increase in transactions.
- Gross profit increased 14.9% to $1.2 billion compared to $1.0 billion. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 40.4% compared to 39.7%, primarily due to lower
inventory shrink and higher merchandise margin, partially offset by unfavorable channel mix.
- Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased 23.3% to $840.9 million compared to $682.3 million. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 29.4% compared to 27.0%, primarily due to higher incentive compensation, store payroll and benefits, store expenses, and amortization of cloud-based software investments.
- Operating income was $309.4 million, or 10.8% of net sales, compared to $318.5 million, or 12.6% of net sales.
- The effective tax rate was 24.1% compared to 24.4%.
- Net income was $230.9 million compared to $242.2 million.
- Diluted earnings per share was flat at $5.14.
First Nine Months of Fiscal 2025 Compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal 2024
- Net sales increased 8.8% to $8.5 billion compared to $7.8 billion, primarily due to increased comparable sales, the acquisition of Space NK, and net new store contribution.
- Comparable sales increased 5.2% compared to 0.3%, driven by a 3.0% increase in average ticket and a 2.2% increase in transactions.
- Gross profit increased 10.1% to $3.4 billion compared to $3.1 billion. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 39.6% compared to 39.1%, primarily due to lower inventory shrink and higher merchandise margin, partially offset by deleverage of other revenue.
- SG&A expenses increased 15.1% to $2.3 billion compared to $2.0 billion. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 27.0% compared to 25.5%, primarily due to deleverage of store payroll and benefits, higher incentive compensation, and higher store expenses.
- Operating income was $1.1 billion, or 12.4% of net sales, compared to $1.0 billion, or 13.4% of net sales.
- The effective tax rate was 24.4% compared to 23.9%.
- Net income was $796.8 million compared to $807.8 million.
- Diluted earnings per share increased 4.3% to $17.65, compared to $16.93 which included a $0.10 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation.
Balance Sheet
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2025 totaled $204.9 million.
Merchandise inventories, net at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2025 increased 16.0% to $2.7 billion compared to $2.4 billion at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily due to inventory to support new brand launches, the acquisition of Space NK, and 63 net new Ulta Beauty stores.
Short-term debt at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was $551.7 million compared to $199.7 million at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024, as the Company drew on its revolving credit facility to support working capital needs and ongoing capital allocation priorities, including share repurchases and capital expenditures.
Share Repurchase Program
During the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company repurchased 426,914 shares of its common stock at a cost of $224.7 million. During the first nine months of fiscal 2025, the Company repurchased 1.7 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $693.0 million. As of November 1, 2025, $2.0 billion remained available under the $3.0 billion share repurchase program announced in October 2024.
Store Update
During the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company opened 28 new stores, remodeled 15 stores, and closed one store. During the first nine months of fiscal 2025, the Company opened 58 new stores, relocated four stores, remodeled 24 stores, and closed three stores. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company operated 1,500 Ulta Beauty stores totaling 15.6 million square feet across the U.S., excluding the 84 stores in the U.K. and Ireland operated by Space NK.
Fiscal 2025 Outlook
The Company is revising its previous guidance for fiscal 2025 as follows:
| Prior Fiscal 2025 Outlook | Updated Fiscal 2025 Outlook |
|---|
| Net sales | $12.0 billion to $12.1 billion | Approximately $12.3 billion |
| Comparable sales | 2.5% to 3.5% | 4.4% to 4.7% |
| New stores, net | approximately 63 | no change |
| Store remodel and relocation projects | 43-48 | no change |
| Operating margin | 11.9% to 12.0% | 12.3% to 12.4% |
| Diluted earnings per share | $23.85 to $24.30 | $25.20 to $25.50 |
| Share repurchases | approximately $900 million | no change |
| Interest expense, net | approximately $4 million | no change |
| Effective tax rate | approximately 24.5% | no change |
| Capital expenditures | $425 million to $500 million | no change |
| Depreciation and amortization expense | approximately $300 million | no change |
Conference Call Information
A conference call to discuss third quarter of fiscal 2025 results is scheduled for today, December 4, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 3:30 p.m. Central Time. Investors and analysts who are interested in participating in the call are invited to register for the live event at https://q3-2025-ulta-beauty-earnings-conference-call.open-exchange.net/.
A replay will be available on the company's Investor Relations website at https://www.ulta.com/investor. There will also be an archived webcast available for a limited time thereafter.
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 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 a joint venture in Mexico, a franchise in the Middle East, and its subsidiary, Space NK, a luxury beauty retailer operating in the U.K. and Ireland. 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 the Company’s current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. These statements can be identified 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 the Company’s historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future plans, estimates, targets, strategies or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation:
- macroeconomic conditions, including inflation and elevated interest rates, as well as prior labor, transportation, and shipping cost pressures, have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows (including future uncertain impacts, especially when combined with increased tariffs);
- changes in the overall level of consumer spending and volatility in the economy, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions, tariffs, and geopolitical events;
- our ability to sustain our growth plans and successfully implement our long-range strategic and financial plan, including our international expansion in Mexico, the Middle East, the U.K., and Ireland;
- the ability to execute our operational excellence priorities, including continuous improvement and supply chain optimization;
- our ability to gauge beauty trends and react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner;
- the possibility that we may be unable to compete effectively in our highly competitive markets;
- the possibility of significant interruptions in the operations of our distribution centers, fast fulfillment center, and market fulfillment centers;
- the possibility that cybersecurity or information security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information or result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information;
- the possibility of material disruptions to our information systems, including our Ulta.com website and mobile applications;
- the possibility that we will not realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Space NK for any reason, including due to challenges with integration and/or achieving anticipated acquisition synergies;
- the failure to maintain satisfactory compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations;
- changes in the good relationships we have with our brand partners, our ability to continue to obtain sufficient merchandise from our brand partners, and/or our ability to continue to offer permanent or temporary exclusive products of our brand partners;
- our ability to effectively manage our inventory and protect against inventory shrink;
- changes in the wholesale cost of our products and/or interruptions at our brand partners’ or third-party vendors’ operations;
- epidemics, pandemics or natural disasters, which could negatively impact sales;
- the possibility that new store openings and existing locations may be impacted by developer or co-tenant issues;
- our ability to attract and retain key executive personnel;
- the impact of climate change on our business operations and/or supply chain;
- our ability to successfully execute our common stock repurchase program or implement future common stock repurchase programs;
- a decline in operating results which could lead to asset impairment and store closure charges; and
- other risk factors detailed in the Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including risk factors contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2025, as such may be amended or supplemented in its subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
The Company’s filings with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
| 13 Weeks Ended |
|---|
| November 1, | November 2, |
|---|
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|
| (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) |
|---|
| Net sales | $2,857,623 | 100.0% | $2,530,100 | 100.0% |
| Cost of sales | 1,701,958 | 59.6% | 1,524,456 | 60.3% |
| Gross profit | 1,155,665 | 40.4% | 1,005,644 | 39.7% |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 840,920 | 29.4% | 682,259 | 27.0% |
| Pre-opening expenses | 5,326 | 0.2% | 4,883 | 0.2% |
| Operating income | 309,419 | 10.8% | 318,502 | 12.6% |
| Interest expense (income), net | 4,123 | 0.1% | (1,674) | (0.1%) |
| Income before income taxes and equity net loss of affiliate | 305,296 | 10.7% | 320,176 | 12.7% |
| Income tax expense | 73,436 | 2.6% | 77,997 | 3.1% |
| Income before equity net loss of affiliate | 231,860 | 8.1% | 242,179 | 9.6% |
| Equity net loss of affiliate | 985 | 0.0% | - | 0.0% |
| Net income | $230,875 | 8.1% | $242,179 | 9.6% |
| Net income per common share: | | | | |
| Basic | $5.16 | | $5.16 | |
| Diluted | $5.14 | | $5.14 | |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding: | | | | |
| Basic | 44,731 | | 46,928 | |
| Diluted | 44,895 | | 47,092 | |
Exhibit 2
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
| 39 Weeks Ended |
|---|
| November 1, | November 2, |
|---|
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|
| (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) |
|---|
| Net sales | $8,494,459 | 100.0% | $7,808,035 | 100.0% |
| Cost of sales | 5,132,879 | 60.4% | 4,754,434 | 60.9% |
| Gross profit | 3,361,580 | 39.6% | 3,053,601 | 39.1% |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses | 2,293,270 | 27.0% | 1,992,993 | 25.5% |
| Pre-opening expenses | 12,260 | 0.1% | 11,957 | 0.2% |
| Operating income | 1,056,050 | 12.4% | 1,048,651 | 13.4% |
| Interest income, net | (837) | (0.0%) | (13,100) | (0.2%) |
| Income before income taxes and equity net loss of affiliate | 1,056,887 | 12.4% | 1,061,751 | 13.6% |
| Income tax expense | 257,875 | 3.0% | 253,903 | 3.3% |
| Income before equity net loss of affiliate | 799,012 | 9.4% | 807,848 | 10.3% |
| Equity net loss of affiliate | 2,210 | 0.0% | - | 0.0% |
| Net income | $796,802 | 9.4% | $807,848 | 10.3% |
| Net income per common share: | | | | |
| Basic | $17.70 | | $17.00 | |
| Diluted | $17.65 | | $16.93 | |
| Weighted average common shares outstanding: | | | | |
| Basic | 45,016 | | 47,519 | |
| Diluted | 45,151 | | 47,710 | |
Exhibit 3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
| November 1, | February 1, | November 2, |
|---|
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|
| (Unaudited) | | (Unaudited) |
|---|
| Assets | | | |
| Current assets: | | | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | $204,921 | $703,201 | $177,782 |
| Receivables, net | 237,352 | 223,334 | 213,621 |
| Merchandise inventories, net | 2,743,639 | 1,968,214 | 2,365,186 |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 158,394 | 129,113 | 135,514 |
| Prepaid income taxes | 26,465 | 4,946 | 62,759 |
| Total current assets | 3,370,771 | 3,028,808 | 2,954,862 |
| Property and equipment, net | 1,366,504 | 1,239,295 | 1,264,419 |
| Operating lease assets | 1,710,804 | 1,609,870 | 1,619,055 |
| Goodwill | 392,606 | 10,870 | 10,870 |
| Other intangible assets, net | 6,089 | 204 | 281 |
| Deferred compensation plan assets | 52,684 | 47,951 | 48,872 |
| Other long-term assets | 112,834 | 64,695 | 60,127 |
| Total assets | $7,012,292 | $6,001,693 | $5,958,486 |
| Liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | | |
| Current liabilities: | | | |
| Accounts payable | $759,001 | $563,761 | $593,219 |
| Accrued liabilities | 473,949 | 380,241 | 333,463 |
| Deferred revenue | 462,964 | 500,585 | 405,040 |
| Current operating lease liabilities | 290,716 | 288,114 | 284,985 |
| Accrued income taxes | - | 46,777 | - |
| Short-term debt | 551,721 | - | 199,700 |
| Total current liabilities | 2,538,351 | 1,779,478 | 1,816,407 |
| Non-current operating lease liabilities | 1,732,219 | 1,635,120 | 1,656,317 |
| Deferred income taxes | 45,312 | 42,593 | 91,729 |
| Other long-term liabilities | 63,396 | 56,149 | 65,024 |
| Total liabilities | 4,379,278 | 3,513,340 | 3,629,477 |
| Commitments and contingencies | | | |
| Total stockholders’ equity | 2,633,014 | 2,488,353 | 2,329,009 |
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $7,012,292 | $6,001,693 | $5,958,486 |
Exhibit 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
| 39 Weeks Ended |
|---|
| November 1, | November 2, |
|---|
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|
| (Unaudited) | (Unaudited) |
|---|
| Operating activities | | |
| Net income | $796,802 | $807,848 |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | |
| Depreciation and amortization | 218,985 | 197,075 |
| Non-cash lease expense | 260,632 | 235,950 |
| Deferred income taxes | (1,613) | 5,808 |
| Stock-based compensation expense | 30,324 | 27,691 |
| Loss on disposal of property and equipment | 7,398 | 7,280 |
| Equity net loss of affiliate | 2,210 | - |
| Change in operating assets and liabilities: | | |
| Receivables | (13,138) | (5,682) |
| Merchandise inventories | (702,678) | (623,050) |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (14,088) | (19,916) |
| Income taxes | (67,994) | (69,818) |
| Accounts payable | 123,911 | 54,210 |
| Accrued liabilities | 6,567 | (45,777) |
| Deferred revenue | (41,642) | (31,551) |
| Operating lease liabilities | (261,864) | (250,267) |
| Other assets and liabilities | (21,628) | 12,240 |
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 322,184 | 302,041 |
| Investing activities | | |
| Capital expenditures | (243,262) | (300,536) |
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | (386,793) | - |
| Other investments | (25,445) | (6,108) |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (655,500) | (306,644) |
| Financing activities | | |
| Borrowings from short-term debt | 1,641,844 | 199,700 |
| Payments on short-term debt | (1,118,683) | - |
| Repurchase of common shares | (703,960) | (765,384) |
| Stock options exercised | 30,103 | 9,200 |
| Purchase of treasury shares | (13,505) | (23,566) |
| Debt issuance costs | (763) | (4,159) |
| Net cash used in financing activities | (164,964) | (584,209) |
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (498,280) | (588,812) |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | 703,201 | 766,594 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | $204,921 | $177,782 |
Exhibit 5
Store Update
| Total stores open | Number of stores | Number of stores | Total stores |
|---|
| at beginning of the | opened during the | closed during the | open at end |
|---|
| Fiscal 2025 | quarter | quarter | quarter | of the quarter (1) |
| 1 Quarter | 1,445 | 6 | 0 | 1,451 |
| 2 Quarter | 1,451 | 24 | 2 | 1,473 |
| 3 Quarter | 1,473 | 28 | 1 | 1,500 |
(1)Excludes 84 stores in the U.K. and Ireland operated by Space NK as of the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
| | Gross square feet for | | |
|---|
| Total gross square | stores opened or | Gross square feet for | Total gross square |
|---|
| feet at beginning of | expanded during the | stores closed | feet at end of the |
|---|
| Fiscal 2025 | the quarter | quarter | during the quarter | quarter (1) |
| 1 Quarter | 15,110,170 | 53,037 | 0 | 15,163,207 |
| 2 Quarter | 15,163,207 | 212,267 | 21,926 | 15,353,548 |
| 3 Quarter | 15,353,548 | 244,275 | 8,890 | 15,588,933 |
(1)Excludes 84 stores in the U.K. and Ireland operated by Space NK as of the third quarter of fiscal 2025.
Exhibit 6
Consolidated Sales by Category
The following tables set forth the approximate percentage of net sales by primary category:
| 13 Weeks Ended |
|---|
| November 1, | November 2, |
|---|
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|
| Cosmetics | 41% | 41% |
| Skincare and wellness | 24% | 23% |
| Haircare | 19% | 20% |
| Fragrance | 11% | 10% |
| Services | 3% | 4% |
| Other | 2% | 2% |
| 100% | 100% |
| 39 Weeks Ended |
|---|
| November 1, | November 2, |
|---|
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|
| Cosmetics | 40% | 41% |
| Skincare and wellness | 24% | 24% |
| Haircare | 19% | 19% |
| Fragrance | 11% | 10% |
| Services | 4% | 4% |
| Other | 2% | 2% |
| 100% | 100% |
Contacts
Kiley Rawlins, CFA
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations krawlins@ulta.com
Crystal Carroll
Senior Director, Public Relations ccarroll@ulta.com
Exhibit 1