Ulta Salon (ULTA) Tops Q4 EPS by 15c; Issues Solid Outlook
Ulta Salon (NASDAQ: ULTA) reported Q4 EPS of $1.69, $0.15 better than the analyst estimate of $1.54. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.27 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.23 billion.
Comparable Sales Increased 12.5%.
“Our fourth quarter results capped an exceptional year during which we made significant progress against our strategic imperatives, while achieving outstanding sales and earnings growth. We continue to benefit from the powerful combination of strong demand in the beauty category and Ulta Beauty’s highly differentiated offering that propels our business to transcend prevailing trends across the retail landscape,” said Mary Dillon, Chief Executive Officer. “Today we are pleased to announce an accelerated share repurchase plan that demonstrates our commitment to creating and returning value to shareholders.”
GUIDANCE:
Ulta Salon sees Q1 2016 EPS of $1.25-$1.30, versus the consensus of $1.22. Ulta Salon sees Q1 2016 revenue of $1.016-1.033 billion, versus the consensus of $1.01 billion.
For fiscal 2016, the Company plans to:
- achieve comparable sales growth of approximately 8% to 10%, including the impact of the e-commerce business;
- increase total sales in the mid to high teens percentage range;
- grow e-commerce sales in the 40% range;
- expand square footage by approximately 11% with the opening of 100 net new stores;
- remodel 12 locations;
- deliver earnings per share growth in the range of 18% to 20%, including the impact of the new Dallas distribution center, the accelerated rollout of prestige brand boutiques, the accelerated share repurchase program, and continued open market share repurchases; and
- incur capital expenditures in the $390 million range in fiscal 2016, compared to $299 million in fiscal 2015. The planned increase in capital expenditures includes approximately $80 million to fund an accelerated rollout of prestige brand boutiques and enhancements to the Ulta Beauty Collection and fragrance fixtures in hundreds of stores.
For earnings history and earnings-related data on Ulta Salon (ULTA) click here.