1020 ET - Ulta Beauty's increased outlook, which it shared during 1Q earnings Thursday, was a small uptick, but was fairly rare as many retailers have been withdrawing and lowering guidance this quarter, JPMorgan analysts note. This is especially impressive given that Ulta's original guidance was shared before Liberation Day tariffs sent shockwaves through the economy, they say. Ulta gained share in both mass and prestige markets, despite Amazon having more access, they say. Better-than-expected profitability shows new leadership -- CEO Kecia Steelman started in January -- is delivering better execution and a sharper focus on returns, the analysts add. Shares rise 14%. (katherine.hamilton@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

1049 ET - Ulta Beauty's stronger-than-expected 1Q earnings could ease concerns about competition from Amazon and Sephora at Kohl's, Oppenheimer analysts led by Rupesh Parikh say. Improving same-store sales -- which increased 2.9% in the quarter compared with the expected 0.2% growth -- are giving the analysts confidence Ulta can get that metric up to 3% to 4% and drive a significant profit inflection in fiscal 2026. That compares with Sephora's 1% gain in same-store sales. Analysts believe commentary suggested trends improved throughout the quarter into May. Ulta shares gain 12%. (katherine.hamilton@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

May 30, 2025 10:49 ET (14:49 GMT)

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