BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Ulta Beauty Inc. today reported financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter, including revenue that exceeded analysts estimates and earnings that were slightly below forecasts.
Net sales increased 11.8% in the 13 weeks ended January 31, and comparable-store sales were up 5.8%. For the full year, net sales increased 9.7% to $12.4 million and comps were up 5.4%.
Per-share earnings in the fourth quarter came in a $8.01, two cents below the consensus estimate. Full-year EPS was $25.64.
“The Ulta Beauty team closed the year with momentum, delivering strong fourth-quarter and full-year sales and continued market share gains,” aid Kecia Steelman, president and chief executive officer. “Our better-than-planned financial performance reflects our continued focus on serving our guests and consistently delivering great experiences through better execution, compelling newness, more seamless and convenient experiences, and bold new merchandising and marketing strategies. I am proud of how our team is embracing and executing our Ulta Beauty Unleashed strategy.”
Positioned for sustainable, profitable growth
Steelman said Ulta Beauty is well positioned for sustainable, profitable growth in 2026 and beyond and is building on recent successes to extend its position as “the unmatched beauty and wellness destination for all guests across all ages and life stages.”
The retailer said its gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly due in part to a deleveraging of fixed expenses and revenue, though that was offset by lower inventory shrink and supply chain efficiencies.
During fiscal 2025, the company invested $434.8 million in capital expenditures to support new stores, relocations, and remodels, investments in information technology systems, and supply chain optimization.
It repurchased 2 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $890.5 million, excluding excise taxes. As of January 31, 2026, $1.8 billion remained available under the $3 billion share repurchase program.
For fiscal 2026, Ulta Beauty said it expects net sales growth of 6% to 7% and diluted earnings per share of between $28.05 and $28.55. The midpoint of that EPS guidance, at $28.30, was slightly less than the $28.40 at the midpoint what analysts had expected for 2026. It is projecting 2026 same store sales of 2.5% to 3.5%.
Ulta Beauty launching soon on TikTok Shop
“We are pleased to announce today an expanded strategic integration with TikTok,” Steelman said during today's earnings call. “Next week, we will launch Ulta Beauty on TikTok Shop, where guests can purchase immediately as they engage with content from Ulta Beauty and our brands on the platform.”
Lauren Brindley, the company's chief merchandising and digital officer, wrote on LinkedIn that Ulta Beauty will be the first specialty retailer on TikTok Shop when it launches with more than 15 brands and 25 exclusive bundles.
While brands and creators sell through dedicated stores on TikTok Shop, few multi-brand retailers have joined the platform.
"Ulta Beauty is the beauty authority. We know what people want before they know they want it. We hunt for the best new brands and products to keep discovery front-and-center. We take our jobs seriously . . . make people feel confident and beautiful . . . and have a lot of fun while we do it," Brindley wrote. "This partnership allows us to bring that spirit to even more people."
Added Brindley, "What does this mean for our brand partners? Awareness and growth. We aren't just a distribution channel. We are invested in our brands' success. We want them to become the most in demand beauty brands – and this partnership gives them the amplification and reach to get there."
