Core Viewpoint - TD Cowen upgraded Ulta Beauty to Buy from Hold and increased its price target to $725 from $600, citing improved operational visibility and a strengthening growth trajectory under CEO Kecia Steelman [1] Group 1: Leadership and Operational Improvements - Under CEO Kecia Steelman, measurable gains have been observed in store execution, supply-chain reliability, and team alignment [2] - Ulta is positioned as the leading specialty beauty retailer, benefiting from a structurally attractive category with margins in the low- to mid-teens [2] Group 2: Strategic Advantages - Ulta's scale, loyalty ecosystem, and a broad assortment of approximately 29,000 SKUs are highlighted as strategic advantages [3] - Opportunities exist for Ulta to enhance its brand through improved editorial marketing, deeper influencer partnerships, increased TikTok engagement, and stronger community-driven initiatives [3] Group 3: Future Growth Potential - There is potential for Ulta to expand its wellness positioning and better integrate service offerings [4] - Ulta's global scale is expected to attract top-tier beauty brands and support sustained expansion, with the $725 price target based on 23x the firm's FY27 EPS estimate [4]