Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Net Sales Net sales increased 9.3% to $2.8 billion year-over-year. This growth was driven by better-than-planned sales performance, improved in-store execution, and strategic promotional activities.

Operating Profit Operating profit was 12.4% of sales, a decrease of 50 basis points year-over-year. This was due to higher incentive compensation, store payroll, and corporate overhead costs.

Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) Diluted EPS increased 9.1% to $5.78 year-over-year. This was supported by strong sales performance and lower inventory shrink.

Comparable Sales Comparable sales increased 6.7%, driven by a 3.7% increase in transactions and a 2.9% increase in average ticket. Growth was supported by both store and digital channels.

Gross Margin Gross margin increased 90 basis points to 39.2% of sales year-over-year. This was due to lower inventory shrink and higher merchandise margin, partially offset by supply chain fixed costs.

SG&A Expenses SG&A expenses increased 15% to $742 million, or 26.6% of sales, up from 25.3% last year. The increase was driven by higher incentive compensation, store payroll, and corporate overhead.

E-commerce Sales E-commerce sales increased in the low double-digit range year-over-year, contributing to overall comparable sales growth.

Loyalty Membership Loyalty membership grew 4% year-over-year to a record 45.8 million members. This growth was attributed to enhanced marketing efforts and customer engagement strategies.

Fragrance Category Sales Fragrance sales delivered robust double-digit growth year-over-year, driven by successful activations, newness, and exclusive brand launches.

Skin Care and Wellness Category Sales Sales in the skin care and wellness category increased in the high single-digit range year-over-year, led by growth in body care, wellness, and new brand launches.

Makeup Category Sales Makeup category sales delivered mid-single-digit comp growth year-over-year, supported by newness and key brand expansions.

Hair Care Category Sales Hair care category sales increased in the mid-single-digit range year-over-year, supported by professional hair care, accessories, and hair tools.

Services Services delivered a low single-digit comp growth year-over-year, driven by cutting and color services.