BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – Ulta Beauty Inc. today reported broad-based growth across all channels and major categories in its fiscal first quarter.
Net sales increased 11.1% in the 13 weeks ended May 2, and comparable-store sales rose 5.3%. Ulta Beauty reported diluted earnings-per-share of $7.74, a 15.5% increase year on year.
Fiscal 2026 is off to a strong start, said Kecia Steelman, Ulta Beauty’s president and chief executive officer.
“Our results demonstrate the strengths of our model, focused execution of our talented associates, and the effectiveness of our strategy in an uncertain macroeconomic landscape,” Steelman said. “I am particularly proud of our teams’ commitment to delighting our guests while also advancing our longer-term strategic initiatives with discipline.
"Looking ahead, we remain focused on delivering long-term shareholder value through our strategic growth initiatives, continued prudent cost management, and our differentiated guest experience.”
The retailer said first-quarter net sales increased to $3.2 billion on the strength of the comp-sales growth, sales from the addition of 70 net new Ulta Beauty stores over the preceding 12 months, and its recent acquisition of Space NK, the British luxury beauty retailer that Ulta Beauty acquired last summer.
The first-quarter bump in comparable-store sales was driven by a 3.7% increase in average ticket, the company said, and a 1.6% increase in transactions.
Operating income increased 11.6% to $448.3 million, or 14.2% of net sales.
Ulta Beauty reaffirmed its full-year revenue guidance and raised its full-year projection for earnings per share.
Ulta Beauty said it introduced 20 new brands during the period. Fragrances was the retailer’s strongest category for the quarter, accounting for 12% of total revenue, up 1% year on year.
Ulta Beauty opened its first store in 1990 and has grown to more than 1,500 retail outlets across the United States. The company has been expanding its presence internationally through Space NK in the United Kingdom and Ireland, in Mexico through a joint venture, and through its franchise in the Middle East.
