THE WHAT? Ulta Beauty has raised its fiscal 2026 guidance after reporting an 8.9 percent increase in second-quarter net sales, supported by comparable sales growth, new stores and the acquisition of Space NK.
THE DETAILS Net sales reached US$3.0 billion, with comparable sales up 3.8 percent, operating income increasing 10.1 percent to US$379.6 million and diluted EPS rising 13.3 percent to US$6.55. The Space NK acquisition contributed to sales growth and increased expenses, while Ulta maintained inventory at US$2.4 billion despite new brand launches and store openings. Following the strong first-half performance, the beauty retailer has also increased its planned fiscal 2026 share repurchases from US$1.5 billion to US$1.8 billion.
THE WHY? The results demonstrate continued momentum in Ulta Beauty’s core US business while its Space NK acquisition adds a new international growth platform, strengthening the retailer’s position in prestige and specialty beauty.
Source: Ulta Beauty
