Ulta Salon (ULTA) Tops Q3 EPS by 7c; Muted Guidance

Ulta Salon (NASDAQ: ULTA) reported Q3 EPS of $0.91, $0.07 better than the analyst estimate of $0.84. Revenue for the quarter came in at $745.7 million versus the consensus estimate of $734 million. Comparable Sales Increased 9.5%

Ulta Salon sees Q4 2014 EPS of $1.21-$1.26, versus the consensus of $1.27.

The Company is raising its previously announced fiscal 2014 sales and earnings guidance. The Company now plans to:

• achieve comparable sales growth of approximately 8% to 9%, including the impact of the e-commerce business;
• expand square footage by approximately 15% with the opening of 100 new stores;
• increase total sales in the 20% range;
• remodel 12 locations;
• deliver earnings per share growth in the low 20s percentage range;
• incur capital expenditures of approximately $265 million in fiscal 2014, compared to $226 million in fiscal 2013; and
• generate free cash flow in excess of $100 million.

"We are pleased to announce excellent sales and earnings growth in the third quarter,” said Mary Dillon, Chief Executive Officer. “Strong same store sales were driven by a healthy balance of transaction and ticket growth. Continued strength in prestige and mass color cosmetics, the successful introduction of new products and brands, double digit comps in our salon business, a more effective and well executed marketing strategy, and rapid growth in e-commerce all contributed to our performance.”

For earnings history and earnings-related data on Ulta Salon (ULTA) click here.

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