Ulta Beauty Ups Its Game With New CFO, Retail Power Plays

Core Insights - Ulta Beauty has appointed Christopher DelOrefice as the new CFO, effective December 5, 2025, while Chris Lialios will serve as interim CFO until then [2] - The company has shown strong year-to-date performance, with stock gaining over 25% [2] - Telsey Advisory Group maintains an Outperform rating on Ulta Beauty with a price target of $610 [2] Leadership Changes - Christopher DelOrefice's appointment is seen as timely due to his finance, international, and public-company experience, which aligns with Ulta's evolving needs [3] - The company has ended its partnership with Target and acquired Space NK, indicating a strategic shift [3] Financial Performance - Ulta's late-August update indicated a strong operational performance, leading to an increased full-year outlook due to robust first-half execution [4] - Revenue, margins, and EPS exceeded expectations, driven by better category trends, sharper promotions, and reduced shrinkage [4] Strategic Initiatives - CEO Kecia Steelman is effectively implementing the Beauty Unleashed plan, enhancing brand relevance and growth [5] - Under Steelman's leadership, Ulta has launched UB Marketplace and opened partner stores in Mexico, expanding its market presence [5] Earnings Projections - Analysts project Ulta to report third-quarter earnings of $4.39 [6]