Shares of Ulta Magnificence, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) soared over 10% on Friday. The inventory has gained 17% over the previous three months. The corporate delivered better-than-expected earnings outcomes for the third quarter of 2024 and raised its steerage for the total yr. Right here’s a take a look at how the wonder retailer carried out in Q3:
Outcomes beat estimates
In Q3 2024, Ulta Magnificence’s internet gross sales elevated 1.7% year-over-year to $2.53 billion, pushed primarily by new retailer contribution, partly offset by a drop in different income. Earnings per share rose 1% to $5.14 in comparison with final yr. The highest and backside line numbers surpassed projections.
Enterprise efficiency
As talked about on its quarterly convention name, Ulta Magnificence has been dealing with headwinds such because the normalization of the US magnificence class, a dynamic shopper setting, and stiff competitors, particularly within the status magnificence sector. Regardless of this, the corporate noticed an enchancment in its market share developments in status magnificence in Q3, pushed by a pickup within the make-up and hair classes in addition to energy within the perfume and skincare classes.
In Q3, Ulta Magnificence’s comparable gross sales grew 0.6%, pushed by will increase in transactions and common ticket. The perfume class noticed the best progress in comps, with a excessive single-digit improve pushed by males’s perfume, gender-neutral fragrances and new merchandise.
The skincare class recorded mid-single-digit comp progress as energy in physique care was partly offset by a drop in status skincare. Comp gross sales in each the make-up and hair care classes decreased within the low single-digit vary whereas the providers enterprise recorded low single-digit comp progress in the course of the third quarter.
Raised steerage
Ulta Magnificence barely raised its steerage for the total yr of 2024 based mostly on its Q3 outcomes but it surely nonetheless stays cautious of the buyer and working setting. The corporate now expects internet gross sales of $11.1-11.2 billion for FY2024 versus the earlier expectation of $11.0-11.2 billion. Comparable gross sales at the moment are anticipated to be down 1% to flat versus the prior outlook of down 2% to flat. Adjusted EPS is now anticipated to be $23.20-23.75 versus the earlier vary of $22.60-23.50.
Regardless of an encouraging efficiency to date, ULTA believes that elements like a compressed vacation season, a dynamic working setting, and uncertainty round shopper demand would possibly have an effect on the fourth quarter of 2024. The corporate expects comp gross sales to say no within the low single-digit vary in This autumn.
