Why Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Shares Tumbled
Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of Ulta Salon, Cosmetics, & Fragrance were getting beaten with the ugly stick today, falling as much as 22% after a disappointing earnings report.
So what: The beauty-salon chain said adjusted earnings per share grew 22% to $0.72, but that was short of estimates at $0.74. Meanwhile, revenue improved 22.4% to $618.8 million, in line with expectations, and same-store sales increased 6.8%, including e-commerce sales. CEO Mary Dillon said the company delivered "solid top-line growth despite a challenging environment," but weak guidance seemed to spook investors. Ulta sees revenue of $853 million to $867 million for the current quarter, below the consensus at $894.8 million, and EPS of $1.07 to $1.10, short of estimates at $1.24.
Now what:Management cited softer retail trends at the end of third quarter for the lowered guidance in the key holiday quarter, and said it plans to use steep promotions to gain market share during the gift-giving season, which will put a dent into profit margins. Today's sell-off seems to be typical Wall Street shortsightedness as the report does not change the company's long-term outlook. The salon chain is still poised for long-term growth as it plans to nearly to double its store count, and same-store sales are growing at a steady pace. I'd expect shares to bounce back in time.
The growth stocks you need in your portfolio
Tired of watching your stocks creep up year after year at a glacial pace? Motley Fool co-founder David Gardner, founder of the No. 1 growth stock newsletter in the world, has developed a unique strategy for uncovering truly wealth-changing stock picks. And he wants to share it, along with a few of his favorite growth stock superstars, WITH YOU! It's a special 100% FREE report called "6 Picks for Ultimate Growth." So stop settling for index-hugging gains... and click HERE for instant access to a whole new game plan of stock picks to help power your portfolio.
The article Why Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Shares Tumbled originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Jeremy Bowman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance. The Motley Fool owns shares of Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Copyright © 1995 - 2013 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
