ODP Corp. (ODP) Exceeds Q3 Profit Projections
Earnings Performance: ODP Corp. reported quarterly earnings of $1.14 per share, significantly exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.82, marking a 39.02% earnings surprise. The company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times in the last four quarters.
Revenue Insights: The company generated revenues of $1.63 billion for the quarter, falling short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.66% and down from $1.78 billion a year ago. ODP has also topped revenue estimates three times in the past four quarters.
Stock Outlook: ODP Corp. shares have increased by 22.3% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 15.1% gain. The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market.
Industry Context: The Retail - Miscellaneous industry, to which ODP belongs, ranks in the top 29% of Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook. Meanwhile, Ulta Beauty is expected to report a decline in earnings, with a consensus EPS estimate of $4.47 for its upcoming quarter.
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- Ulta Beauty Growth Potential: Ulta Beauty's stock has surged approximately 70% over the past 12 months, with its diverse product line ranging from mass-market to luxury brands attracting more consumers and enhancing market competitiveness.
- Increased Consumer Engagement: By boosting foot traffic, Ulta is driving organic sales growth, with retail sales up 3% year-over-year, indicating strong consumer demand for its products.
- Loyalty Program as Growth Driver: Ulta's loyalty program effectively attracts customers, increasing their shopping frequency and thereby enhancing market share and shareholder returns.
- Arista Networks Risks Emerging: Arista faces margin compression and high customer concentration issues; despite a backlog of $18.5 billion in orders, intense competition threatens its profitability.
- Significant Sales Growth: e.l.f. Beauty reported a 38% year-over-year sales increase in Q3 2023, reaching $489.5 million, significantly exceeding the analyst consensus of $460 million, indicating robust market demand and brand appeal.
- Enhanced Profitability: Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) surged 68% from $0.74 to $1.24, surpassing the analyst expectation of $0.72, reflecting the company's success in cost control and operational efficiency.
- Market Share Expansion: The e.l.f. brand gained 130 basis points in the mass cosmetics market, with U.S. and international revenues rising 36% and 44% respectively, despite weak consumption in the U.K., showcasing the brand's global appeal.
- Optimistic Outlook: The company raised its fiscal 2026 sales guidance to a growth range of 22% to 33%, expecting Rhode to contribute $260 million to $265 million in revenue, demonstrating confidence in future growth and strategic positioning.
- Significant Sales Growth: e.l.f. Beauty's Q3 sales soared 38% year-over-year to $489.5 million, easily surpassing the analyst consensus of $460 million, indicating strong market demand and brand appeal.
- Improved Profitability: Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) surged 68% from $0.74 to $1.24, exceeding the analyst estimate of $0.72, reflecting the company's success in cost control and operational efficiency.
- Rhode Brand Contribution: The Rhode brand contributed $128 million in revenue during the quarter, bolstered by its successful launch at Sephora, further solidifying e.l.f.'s position in the rapidly growing beauty market.
- Optimistic Outlook: e.l.f. raised its fiscal 2026 sales guidance to an increase of 22% to 33%, with Rhode expected to contribute $260 million to $265 million in revenue, demonstrating the company's confidence in future growth and strategic positioning.
- Market Share Growth: e.l.f. Beauty has successfully captured market share in the mass cosmetics industry through a fast-follower strategy and influencer marketing, particularly leveraging strong distribution networks at Target and Ulta Beauty, driving U.S. consumption growth close to 12%.
- Acquisition Strategy: The recent acquisition of premium skincare brand Rhode, which achieved over $200 million in sales in less than three years, is expected to further drive sales growth through increased distribution and product promotion, especially in LVMH's Sephora stores.
- International Expansion Opportunities: Although e.l.f. is still in the early stages of international expansion, its global growth rate is around 8%, indicating strong international demand, with future potential to enhance market share by increasing shelf space at Walmart.
- Attractive Stock Valuation: With e.l.f. stock down about 40% from its highs, it trades at a forward P/E ratio of 26.5 and a PEG ratio below 0.5, indicating undervaluation; combined with future growth opportunities, now is an excellent time to buy the stock.

- UAE Store Opening: Ulta Beauty announced its first store opening at Mall of the Emirates on January 29, 2026, marking a significant entry into the Middle Eastern market, which is expected to attract a large local customer base.
- Diverse Product Offering: The new store will feature a wide range of products including cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances from well-known brands such as Ulta Beauty Collection and Morphe, aiming to meet the diverse beauty needs of UAE consumers.
- Launch Celebration Events: The opening day will feature special events with regional celebrities like Nadine Njeim, and activities will continue until February 7, including product demonstrations and showcases of local entrepreneurs, enhancing brand visibility.
- Strategic Expansion Plans: Following the UAE store launch, Ulta Beauty plans to expand to Dubai Mall and Red Sea Mall in Jeddah in 2026, demonstrating its long-term commitment and growth potential in the Middle Eastern market.

- Global Expansion Milestone: Ulta Beauty announced its new store opening at Mall of the Emirates on January 29, marking a significant step in its Middle Eastern expansion, which is expected to attract a large local customer base and enhance brand visibility.
- Partnership Strategy: The store opening is in collaboration with Alshaya Group, one of the world's leading retail franchise operators, which not only strengthens Ulta's market penetration in the Middle East but also lays the groundwork for future expansions.
- Comprehensive Beauty Experience: The new store will offer a wide range of products including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrances, along with professional makeup, skincare, brow, and nail services, aiming to provide a one-stop shopping experience that enhances customer satisfaction.
- Marketing Initiatives: To celebrate its debut in the UAE, Ulta Beauty will roll out a series of dynamic pre-launch and launch-week events at Mall of the Emirates, spotlighting local beauty brand founders, further strengthening the brand's connection with the local market.









