Beauty Retail

Search documents
Ulta Beauty to Report Q2 Earnings: Here's What You Should Expect
ZACKS· 2025-08-26 15:41
Core Insights - Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA) is expected to report second-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings on August 28, after market close [1] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal second-quarter revenues is $2.65 billion, reflecting a 4% increase from the prior-year quarter [2] - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings has risen by 2.3% in the last 30 days to $4.98 per share, indicating a decline of 6% from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter [2] - Ulta Beauty has delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.9%, on average [2] Growth Drivers - Ulta Beauty is a leader in beauty retail, integrating mass, prestige, and luxury brands into a unique shopping experience [3] - The company's omnichannel strategy combines physical retail with digital innovations, enhancing customer engagement and sales through upgraded mobile app features and AI-driven personalized experiences [3] - Continued investments in marketing and social platforms are enhancing brand visibility, while a focus on product assortment and loyalty engagement is driving traffic [4] - The emphasis on skincare, particularly strong performances from brands like Sol de Janeiro and Tatcha, is contributing to growth [4] Challenges - Ulta Beauty's fiscal second-quarter performance is under pressure from rising selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which are expected to increase by 180 basis points to 27.1% of net sales [5] - Margin performance is likely to be affected by increased supply-chain expenses [5] - A persistent decline in the makeup category poses a risk to the company's growth momentum [5] Earnings Prediction - The model predicts an earnings beat for Ulta Beauty, supported by a positive Earnings ESP of +1.19% and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6][7]
Should Value Investors Buy Sally Beauty (SBH) Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-08-26 14:40
Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of value investing and highlights Sally Beauty (SBH) as a strong value stock currently being undervalued by the market [2][4][6] Company Analysis - Sally Beauty (SBH) has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) and an A grade for Value, indicating strong potential for value investors [4] - The stock is trading at a P/E ratio of 7.02, significantly lower than the industry average of 19.38, suggesting it is undervalued [4] - SBH's Forward P/E has fluctuated between 4.04 and 8.12 over the past year, with a median of 5.53, further indicating its valuation dynamics [4] - The P/S ratio for SBH is 0.36, compared to the industry's average P/S of 0.85, reinforcing the notion of undervaluation [5] Investment Outlook - The combination of SBH's low P/E and P/S ratios, along with a strong earnings outlook, positions it as an attractive value stock in the current market [6]
Ulta Faces Bigger Test From Shaky Consumer Spending Than Tariff Risks
Benzinga· 2025-08-25 16:22
Core Viewpoint - Ulta Beauty Inc. is entering its second-quarter earnings report with strong sales momentum and international expansion plans, despite facing margin pressures and changing consumer spending patterns [1]. Financial Performance - The company is expected to report second-quarter fiscal 2025 results on August 28, with earnings projected at $5.07 per share, an increase from the previous estimate of $4.87 but down from $5.30 a year ago [3]. - Revenue is forecasted to rise by 4.7% year-over-year to $2.67 billion, slightly above consensus estimates of $2.66 billion [4]. - Gross margins are anticipated to narrow by 20 basis points to 38.1%, while operating margins are expected to contract by 160 basis points to 11.3% [4]. Analyst Ratings and Forecasts - Telsey Advisory Group analyst Dana Telsey raised her price forecast for Ulta to $590 from $520, reflecting a 21.4x multiple on forward earnings, which is above recent trading levels but below Ulta's 10-year average [2]. - For fiscal 2025, Ulta reaffirmed guidance with sales expected between $11.5 billion and $11.7 billion and earnings per share between $22.65 and $23.30, while Telsey raised her EPS estimate to $23.45 [6]. Strategic Developments - Recent corporate updates include the planned conclusion of Ulta's Target shop-in-shop program in 2026, the acquisition of U.K.-based retailer Space NK, and international expansion initiatives in Mexico and the Middle East [5]. - Leadership changes are ongoing under new CEO Kecia Steelman, who took over in June following the departure of CFO Paula Oyibo [5]. Market Sentiment - Analysts from JPMorgan, Barclays, Oppenheimer, Canaccord, and DA Davidson have raised their price forecasts for Ulta, reflecting optimism despite margin challenges [8]. - Telsey highlighted consumer spending trends as a significant risk for the latter half of the year, with fragrance being a standout category while skincare, wellness, and makeup show mixed performance [7].
Unveiling Ulta (ULTA) Q2 Outlook: Wall Street Estimates for Key Metrics
ZACKS· 2025-08-25 14:16
Core Insights - Analysts project Ulta Beauty (ULTA) will report quarterly earnings of $4.97 per share, a decline of 6.2% year over year, with revenues expected to reach $2.64 billion, an increase of 3.5% from the same quarter last year [1] Earnings Projections - The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised upward by 0.3% over the past 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts [2] - Revisions to earnings projections are crucial for predicting investor behavior and have a strong correlation with short-term stock price performance [3] Key Metrics Estimates - Total stores open at the end of the quarter are projected to be 1,466, up from 1,411 a year ago [5] - The number of stores opened during the quarter is estimated at 13, compared to 17 in the same quarter last year [5] - Total gross square feet at the end of the quarter is forecasted to reach 15,294 million square feet, an increase from 14,783 million square feet in the previous year [6] - Net sales per average total square footage is estimated at $175.52, up from $172.64 a year ago [6] - Total stores open at the beginning of the quarter are expected to be 1,451, compared to 1,395 a year ago [7] Market Performance - Over the past month, Ulta shares have recorded returns of +2.8%, slightly outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.7% change [7] - Based on its Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), Ulta is expected to perform in line with the overall market in the upcoming period [7]
Ulta Beauty Sales Momentum Builds As K-Beauty Expansion And Fewer Discounts Drive Growth
Benzinga· 2025-08-22 15:43
Core Viewpoint - Ulta Beauty Inc. is experiencing positive momentum ahead of its earnings report, driven by stronger sales trends, tighter promotions, and increased product innovation, leading to expectations of robust growth and higher profitability in the upcoming quarters [1] Group 1: Sales and Earnings Forecast - JP Morgan analyst Christopher Horvers raised his second-quarter comparable sales forecast to 4.8%, significantly above the Street's expectation of 2.5% and his previous estimate of 2% [2] - If Ulta meets the forecast, earnings could exceed the original full-year EPS guidance by approximately $1.40 in the first half [4] - Horvers projects EPS of $24.85 in 2025, $28.03 in 2026, and $31.64 in 2027, supported by a 3.5% same-store sales growth [4] Group 2: Product Innovation and Promotions - Product innovation has nearly quadrupled year over year, with the introduction of eight new K-Beauty brands, while Ulta has narrowed promotions to exclude fragrance and prestige categories [3] Group 3: Analyst Ratings and Price Forecasts - Horvers reaffirmed an Overweight rating on Ulta and raised his price forecast from $525 to $600, citing stronger comps and higher EPS [1] - Other analysts have also turned positive on Ulta, with Barclays upgrading the stock from Equal-Weight to Overweight and raising its forecast from $518 to $589 [6] - Oppenheimer reiterated an Outperform rating and increased its forecast from $510 to $600, while Canaccord Genuity maintained a Buy rating and boosted its forecast from $542 to $600 [7] Group 4: Market Position and Future Outlook - Ulta's unique mass-prestige mix, loyalty program data, and market-leading assortment position the company for sustainable margin expansion, share gains, and earnings growth [5] - The company is expected to provide a more meaningful full-year raise after modestly lifting first-quarter guidance [4]
Calling It Quits, Ulta Beauty And Target's Partnership Unravels
Forbes· 2025-08-15 17:10
Core Insights - Ulta Beauty and Target will end their five-year shop-in-shop partnership in August 2026, having established 600 locations, which is below the initial target of 800 [2][3] - The partnership's conclusion is expected to impact Target more negatively, as it is already facing declining sales and foot traffic, while Ulta is likely to benefit from distancing itself from Target's recent reputational issues [4][5] Ulta Beauty's Position - Ulta's reputation is tied to its partnerships, and the decision to end the collaboration with Target may enhance its standing as Target's reputation has declined [5] - Ulta's total royalties from Target were $23.7 million last year, down from $28.8 million in 2023, but the company anticipates only a minimal revenue impact of 1% or less from the partnership's end [10] - With the partnership ending, Ulta can refocus on its core business and growth opportunities, including the recent acquisition of British retailer Space NK and international expansion plans [12][13] Target's Challenges - Target has experienced ten consecutive quarters of flat or declining sales, with a recent 2.8% drop in net sales and a 3.8% decline in comparable sales in Q1 2025 [5] - Foot traffic to Target stores has decreased by 4% and 3% in the first and second quarters of this year, exacerbated by calls for boycotts [6] - Target's revenues peaked at $109.1 billion in 2022 but fell to $106.6 billion in 2024, with beauty being the only category to show growth [7][8] Future Outlook - Target is expected to guide for a low single-digit decline in sales this year, with employee confidence reportedly low, as 40% of employees have lost faith in the company [8][9] - The search for a new CEO is critical, with a strong preference among investors for an external candidate to lead the company through its challenges [9]
SBH's E-Commerce Sales Hit 11% of Net Sales: Can it Keep Rising?
ZACKS· 2025-08-15 15:15
Core Insights - Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.'s digital channel is becoming a significant revenue driver, with global e-commerce sales reaching $99 million in Q3 of fiscal 2025, accounting for 10.6% of net sales, an increase from 9.7% year-over-year despite a 1% decline in overall sales [1][9] E-Commerce Performance - Sally Beauty Supply generated $43 million in e-commerce sales, representing 8.2% of segment revenues, while Beauty Systems Group achieved $56 million, or 13.7% of its revenues, indicating a positive trend in marketplace activity and direct site traffic [2] Growth Drivers - Growth is supported by strategic digital initiatives such as marketplace integration, enhanced fulfillment capabilities, and the Licensed Colorist OnDemand service, which promotes online engagement and increases basket size [3][5] - Targeted promotions and product innovation are attracting first-time customers to the e-commerce platform [3] Market Challenges - Sustaining growth may face challenges as consumers remain value-focused, leading to selective trade-down in certain categories; however, marketplace expansion and personalized experiences are expected to help e-commerce capture a larger share of total sales [4] Future Outlook - Continued investment in customer engagement and operational efficiency positions Sally Beauty's digital channel to drive growth in traffic, conversion rates, and market share [5]
Target and Ulta Beauty to End Shop-in-Shop Partnership Next Year
PYMNTS.com· 2025-08-14 19:21
Core Viewpoint - Target and Ulta Beauty have mutually agreed not to renew their shop-in-shop partnership, which will expire in August 2026, while continuing to provide services until that date [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership Details - The Ulta Beauty experience at Target will remain available until August 2026, allowing customers to access beauty products and link their Ulta Beauty Rewards and Target Circle accounts [2]. - Both companies are committed to ensuring a seamless shopping experience and product availability through the end of the partnership [3]. Group 2: Future Plans - Ulta Beauty will continue to offer beauty and wellness products through its own omnichannel experience, including the upcoming Ulta Beauty Marketplace [4]. - Target plans to provide a differentiated beauty assortment and new experiences for its customers [4]. Group 3: Background and Challenges - The partnership began in November 2020, with Ulta Beauty merchandise offered in 100 Target locations and online [7]. - Ulta Beauty faced challenges during the pandemic, including layoffs due to store closures and a shift to online sales [7]. - Target has experienced 10 consecutive quarters of flat or declining sales, which may have influenced the decision to end the partnership [5]. - Issues such as messy in-store operations, retail theft, and insufficient staffing have been cited as contributing factors to the partnership's conclusion [6].
Ulta and Target will end deal for in-store beauty shops next year
CNBC· 2025-08-14 14:12
At a investor presentation in New York City in March, CEO Brian Cornell highlighted beauty as a growth category for Target and cited it as reason for confidence in Target's long-term business. He said the company gained market share in the beauty and its sales in the category rose by nearly 7% in the fiscal year that ended in early February. Target has added new brands to its beauty department. At a growing number of stores, it also has mini Ulta Beauty shops with prestige brands. Ulta Beauty and Target sai ...
EWCZ vs. SBH: Which Beauty Retail Stock is a Better Buy Now?
ZACKS· 2025-07-29 16:45
Core Insights - European Wax Center (EWCZ) and Sally Beauty Holdings (SBH) target different segments within the beauty and personal care industry, with EWCZ focusing on a service-driven model through franchised waxing centers, while SBH emphasizes retailing professional-grade beauty products [1][2] European Wax Center (EWCZ) - EWCZ is developing a data-rich, digital-first marketing platform to enhance guest acquisition, introducing new tools in Q1 2025 to measure advertising effectiveness and reduce cost per acquisition [3] - The company is enhancing franchisee profitability and operational support by expanding the franchisee support team and increasing engagement with the learning management system by 50% [4] - EWCZ is adopting a disciplined expansion strategy, targeting underpenetrated areas for new center openings in 2026, supported by improved market planning tools and a rigorous site approval process [5] - Despite strategic advancements, EWCZ faces rising SG&A costs and elevated interest expenses, leading to a projected net reduction in center count for 2025 [6] - EWCZ's stock gained 54.8% over three months, outperforming SBH's 27.2% gain, reflecting strength in its digital and franchise model [9][16] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EWCZ's 2025 earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year growth of 35.6%, with estimates remaining unchanged at 61 cents [12] Sally Beauty Holdings (SBH) - SBH is focused on enhancing customer centricity, accelerating high-margin owned brand growth, and improving operational efficiency, with global e-commerce sales reaching $94 million in Q2 fiscal 2025, a 6% increase [7] - The company is executing a brand refresh starting May 2025 to enhance its position as a beauty destination, with positive feedback from initial store updates in Orlando [8] - Operational excellence is a priority for SBH, with the Fuel for Growth program delivering $20 million in pre-tax savings in the first half of fiscal 2025, and adjusted SG&A declining by $11 million in Q2 [10] - Despite these efforts, SBH is navigating a challenging macro environment with cautious consumer spending and softness in hair care categories [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SBH's fiscal 2025 EPS suggests a year-over-year growth of 3.6%, with estimates remaining unchanged at $1.75 [14] Comparative Analysis - EWCZ's forward P/E ratio is 7.51X, higher than SBH's 5.52X, indicating a market premium for EWCZ's growth potential [17] - EWCZ is better positioned for long-term growth due to its franchise-based model and digital marketing execution, while SBH's strengths in owned brands and cost control may be limited by softer category trends [19]