Ulta Beauty Reports Q4 Earnings, Lowers Guidance

Ulta Beauty's shares rose nearly 7% in pre-market trading after the company reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, exceeding sales and profit expectations despite a slight decline in net sales. The beauty retailer's profit of $8.46 per share surpassed analyst projections, reflecting solid consumer demand during the holiday season, partly driven by strategic discounts. However, Ulta issued a cautious outlook for 2025, citing internal challenges and intensified competition, and lowered its full-year earnings guidance below analyst forecasts. Meanwhile, analyst sentiment on Ulta is mixed, with some experts maintaining a 'Sell' rating while the overall consensus remains a 'Moderate Buy' with an average price target significantly higher than current levels. In contrast, shares of Universal Music Group fell as Bill Ackman announced plans to reduce his stake in the company. Additionally, Chipotle received a 'Buy' upgrade from Loop analysts, highlighting positive market sentiment towards its stock.