ODP Corp. (ODP) Exceeds Q3 Profit Projections
Earnings Performance: ODP Corp. reported quarterly earnings of $1.14 per share, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.82, marking a 39.02% earnings surprise. The company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times in the last four quarters.
Revenue Insights: The company generated revenues of $1.63 billion for the quarter, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.66% and down from $1.78 billion a year ago. ODP has also topped revenue estimates three times in the past four quarters.
Stock Outlook: ODP Corp. shares have increased by 22.3% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 15.1% gain. The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market.
Industry Context: The Retail - Miscellaneous industry, to which ODP belongs, ranks in the top 29% of Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook. Meanwhile, Ulta Beauty is expected to report a decline in earnings, with a consensus EPS estimate of $4.47 for its upcoming quarter.
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- Market Share Growth: e.l.f. Beauty has successfully captured market share in the mass cosmetics industry through a fast-follower strategy and influencer marketing, particularly leveraging strong distribution networks at Target and Ulta Beauty, driving U.S. consumption growth close to 12%.
- Acquisition Strategy: The recent acquisition of premium skincare brand Rhode, which achieved over $200 million in sales in less than three years, is expected to further drive sales growth through increased distribution and product promotion, especially in LVMH's Sephora stores.
- International Expansion Opportunities: Although e.l.f. is still in the early stages of international expansion, its global growth rate is around 8%, indicating strong international demand, with future potential to enhance market share by increasing shelf space at Walmart.
- Attractive Stock Valuation: With e.l.f. stock down about 40% from its highs, it trades at a forward P/E ratio of 26.5 and a PEG ratio below 0.5, indicating undervaluation; combined with future growth opportunities, now is an excellent time to buy the stock.

- UAE Store Opening: Ulta Beauty announced its first store opening at Mall of the Emirates on January 29, 2026, marking a significant entry into the Middle Eastern market, which is expected to attract a large local customer base.
- Diverse Product Offering: The new store will feature a wide range of products including cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances from well-known brands such as Ulta Beauty Collection and Morphe, aiming to meet the diverse beauty needs of UAE consumers.
- Launch Celebration Events: The opening day will feature special events with regional celebrities like Nadine Njeim, and activities will continue until February 7, including product demonstrations and showcases of local entrepreneurs, enhancing brand visibility.
- Strategic Expansion Plans: Following the UAE store launch, Ulta Beauty plans to expand to Dubai Mall and Red Sea Mall in Jeddah in 2026, demonstrating its long-term commitment and growth potential in the Middle Eastern market.

- Global Expansion Milestone: Ulta Beauty announced its new store opening at Mall of the Emirates on January 29, marking a significant step in its Middle Eastern expansion, which is expected to attract a large local customer base and enhance brand visibility.
- Partnership Strategy: The store opening is in collaboration with Alshaya Group, one of the world's leading retail franchise operators, which not only strengthens Ulta's market penetration in the Middle East but also lays the groundwork for future expansions.
- Comprehensive Beauty Experience: The new store will offer a wide range of products including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances, along with professional makeup, skincare, brow, and nail services, aiming to provide a one-stop shopping experience that enhances customer satisfaction.
- Marketing Initiatives: To celebrate its debut in the UAE, Ulta Beauty will roll out a series of dynamic pre-launch and launch-week events at Mall of the Emirates, spotlighting local beauty brand founders, further strengthening the brand's connection with the local market.

- Global Expansion Milestone: Ulta Beauty is set to open its first UAE store at Mall of the Emirates on January 29, 2026, marking a significant expansion into the Middle East following its first store opening in Kuwait, demonstrating the company's ongoing global strategy.
- Diverse Product Offering: The new store will feature a comprehensive range of beauty products including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances from various renowned brands, aiming to meet the high demand for quality beauty products among UAE consumers and enhance brand influence.
- Launch Celebration Events: Ulta Beauty will roll out a series of pre-launch and launch-week events featuring local beauty brand founders, strengthening the brand's connection with the local market and expected to attract a large customer base, thereby increasing brand visibility.
- Future Expansion Plans: Following the Mall of the Emirates opening, Ulta Beauty plans to open additional stores at Dubai Mall on March 27 and Red Sea Mall in Jeddah on May 7, 2026, showcasing its long-term commitment and strategic positioning in the Middle East market.
- Active Options Trading: Ulta Beauty Inc saw options trading volume of 2,389 contracts, equating to approximately 238,900 shares, which represents 43.3% of its average daily trading volume over the past month, indicating heightened market interest in its future performance.
- High Call Option Volume: The $710 strike call option recorded 229 contracts traded today, representing about 22,900 underlying shares, reflecting investor optimism regarding Ulta Beauty's growth potential in the coming years.
- Credo Technology Options Activity: Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd experienced options trading volume of 22,772 contracts, approximately 2.3 million shares, also reaching 43.3% of its average daily trading volume over the past month, showcasing strong market engagement.
- Put Option Trading: For Credo, the $135 strike put option saw 3,071 contracts traded, representing around 307,100 shares, indicating market expectations for price volatility and a demand for risk management strategies.

- Market Challenges and Opportunities: The beauty, personal care, and household products sector faces slowing global consumption and structural tariff pressures in 2026, yet restructuring initiatives launched in 2025 are expected to yield positive impacts, helping companies navigate market challenges.
- Rating Upgrades: Raymond James analyst Olivia Tong upgraded Ulta Beauty (ULTA) from Outperform to Strong Buy, anticipating outsized growth in 2026, reflecting the company's success in attracting younger consumers and its effective loyalty programs.
- Sally Beauty's Growth Potential: Tong raised Sally Beauty Holdings (SBH) from Market Perform to Outperform, believing that the 'Sally Ignited' store refresh and partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats will enhance customer convenience and drive sales growth.
- Price Target Increases: Tong raised Ulta's price target by 31% to $790 and set a $19 target for Sally Beauty, reflecting optimism about both companies' future growth potential, contributing to their stock prices reaching multi-year highs.







