Ulta Beauty Inc. reported a robust first quarter, surpassing Wall Street's expectations with earnings per share of $6.70 against the anticipated $5.81. The company's net sales increased by 4.5% to $2.8 billion, driven by a 2.9% rise in comparable sales. Ulta's performance was bolstered by strong consumer demand for beauty products, particularly in the fragrance category, which saw double-digit growth. CEO Kecia Steelman attributed the success to Ulta's turnaround plan, which includes in-store improvements and new marketing strategies, such as the launch of Beyoncé's hair-care line. At the end of the quarter, Ulta operated 1,451 stores. Costco Wholesale Corp. also delivered strong third-quarter results, with earnings exceeding forecasts despite ongoing tariff concerns. The retailer's net income and sales growth were supported by its ability to navigate economic turbulence through strategic sourcing and maintaining low prices on key commodities like butter and eggs. Costco's shares rose as investors recognized the company's resilience and ability to maintain profitability amidst market volatility. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. experienced a significant decline in its stock price, falling nearly 18% after mixed results from a late-stage trial of its experimental drug itepekimab for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While the drug showed a 27% reduction in exacerbations in one study, it failed to meet its goal in another, casting uncertainty over its regulatory path and potential market entry. Summit Therapeutics Inc. reported mixed results from a Phase 3 trial of its lung cancer drug ivonescimab. The drug successfully delayed tumor progression by reducing the risk of death or disease progression by 48% but did not demonstrate a survival benefit, with a 21% reduction in death risk not meeting statistical significance. This could delay its approval process in the U.S. and impact its potential as a blockbuster drug. Summit's shares dropped 21% following the announcement. Zscaler Inc. saw its stock rise 8% after reporting third-quarter results that exceeded expectations, fueled by growth in artificial intelligence (AI) security solutions. The company's revenue increased by 23% to $678 million, and billings rose by 25% to $785 million. Zscaler reported adjusted earnings of 84 cents per share and raised its full-year outlook, reflecting strong demand for its zero-trust security platform.
$ULTA nothing to cover up here. 52wk high, led the SPX last Friday. Management expects comp sales growth of flat to 1%, indicating a transitional year. Stable operating cash flow indicates underlying business resilience in a difficult environment. @gainify_io https://t.co/U2vyBlLDlz
🇺🇸 Continued consumer demand, turnaround plan boost Ulta Beauty sales https://t.co/hPpXEJBOy9
🇺🇸 Costco CEO explains how the chain kept prices low as tariffs and egg costs hit retailers hard https://t.co/uMQ7bhKfPF