Investing.com -- Ulta Beauty Inc (NASDAQ: ULTA) reported second-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations, with earnings and revenue both topping estimates as the beauty retailer posted solid growth. Shares gained 2% in after-hours trading Thursday.

The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $6.55, beating the analyst consensus of $6.17 by $0.38. Revenue increased 8.9% to $3.04 billion from $2.79 billion in the prior-year period, surpassing the estimate of $2.98 billion. Comparable sales rose 3.8%, though this was down from 6.7% growth in the same quarter last year. Operating income increased 10.1% to $379.6 million, while gross profit as a percentage of net sales declined slightly to 39.1% from 39.2%, primarily due to the impact of the Space NK business mix. The company repurchased 1.4 million shares at a cost of $791.1 million during the first six months of fiscal 2026.

"Our team delivered another impressive quarter of strong sales, profit, and earnings growth, demonstrating that we are executing with discipline and translating our Ulta Beauty Unleashed strategy into tangible benefits for our guests," said Kecia Steelman, president and chief executive officer.

For fiscal 2026, Ulta Beauty raised its full-year guidance. The company now expects earnings per share of $28.70 to $29.00, up from its prior range of $28.36 to $28.80. The midpoint of $28.85 is slightly above the analyst consensus of $28.78. Net sales growth is now projected at 6.7% to 7.2%, compared to the previous outlook of 6% to 7%, while comparable sales growth is expected to be 3.2% to 3.7%, up from 2.5% to 3.5%.

The company increased its stock repurchase plan for fiscal 2026 to $1.8 billion from $1.5 billion and expects to utilize the remaining $1.0 billion available under its current authorization by year-end.