Strong first-quarter performance drives sales growth, while updated fiscal 2026 guidance reflects evolving consumer demand and market conditions.
Ulta Beauty, Inc, today announced consolidated financial results for the thirteen-week period (“first quarter”) ended May 2, 2026, compared to the same period ended May 3, 2025:
Fiscal 2026 is off to a strong start driven by broad-based growth across all channels and major categories. 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. I am particularly proud of our teams’ commitment to delighting our guests while also advancing our longer-term strategic initiatives with discipline,” said Kecia Steelman, president and chief executive officer. “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.”
First Quarter of Fiscal 2026 Compared to First Quarter of Fiscal 2025
- Net sales increased 11.1% to $3.2 billion, primarily due to increased comparable sales, the acquisition of Space NK, and sales from new stores.
- Comparable sales increased 5.3%, driven by a 3.7% increase in average ticket and a 1.6% increase in transactions.
- Gross profit increased 13.8% to $1.3 billion. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 40.1% compared to 39.1%, primarily due to lower inventory shrink and higher merchandise margin.
- Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 14.6% to $814.7 million, primarily due to the acquisition of Space NK. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 25.8% compared to 24.9%, primarily due to deleverage of corporate overhead due to strategic enterprise investments and store expenses, partially offset by leverage of advertising expenses.
- Operating income increased 11.6% to $448.3 million, or 14.2% of net sales.
- Diluted earnings per share increased 15.5% to $7.74.
Balance Sheet and Capital Deployment
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026 were $166.3 million. Short-term investments at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026 were $55.0 million. Short-term debt at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was $144.9 million.
Merchandise inventories, net at the end of first quarter of fiscal 2026 increased 12.5% to $2.4 billion. The increase was primarily due to inventory to support new brand launches, the acquisition of Space NK, strategic investments in key categories, and 70 net new Ulta Beauty stores since May 3, 2025.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company invested $58.3 million in capital expenditures, primarily driven by investments in new and existing stores.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company repurchased 958,323 shares of its common stock at a cost of $555.0 million. As of May 2, 2026, $1.3 billion remained available under the $3.0 billion share repurchase program announced in October 2024.
Conference Call Information
A conference call to discuss first quarter of fiscal 2026 results is scheduled for today, June 2, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 3:30 p.m. Central Time. During the conference call, a related presentation will be webcast live. Investors and analysts who are interested in participating in the call are invited to register for the live event at https://q1-2026-ulta-beauty-earnings-conference-call.open-exchange.net/.
A copy of the presentation and a replay of the webcast will be available and archived for a limited time on the company’s Investor Relations website at https://www.ulta.com/investor.
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 more than 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 its subsidiary, Space NK, a luxury beauty retailer operating in the U.K. and Ireland, its joint venture in Mexico, and its franchise in the Middle East.
