Ulta Beauty Stock News

As a new volatility regime is building up for the broader stock market, investors might have noticed a particular behavior during the sharp action days brought about by the DeepSeek debacle with the United States technology sector. This behavior, what traders choose to buy or sell during periods of high tension, can give investors a massive insight into what's coming next.

Ulta Beauty (ULTA -1.52%) could use a touch-up to its makeup with its shares down about 28% from their 52-week high. Nevertheless, investors focusing too much on the company's rough stock market performance from 2024 might be missing the bigger picture.

Ulta Beauty exhibits operational excellence and adaptability to the changing market trends. The company promoting its CEO from within the company instead of hiring an outsider indicates all the operation excellence they have demonstrated in the past will continue. The Haircare and Wellness category can be Ulta Beauty's growth engine moving forward.

The S&P 500 is still on a roll in 2025, up about 28% over the past year. However, the market does look inflated.

Michelle Mack, the California "queenpin" accused of running a retail crime ring that targeted Ulta Beauty stores, will have to pay the company and other retailers millions of dollars in restitution. Mack struck a plea deal with prosecutors last year and agreed to spend five years and four months in state prison.

For investors looking to beat the market, there's no need to become an expert in complex subjects such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or biotechnology. Simple ideas can produce market-beating stocks too, including cosmetics retailer Ulta Beauty (ULTA -2.01%).

2024 wasn't a great year for Ulta Beauty (ULTA -2.01%). It ended the year with Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A) (NYSE: BRK.B) selling a large chunk of his recently initiated position in the stock and a continuation of the pressure it's been experiencing the whole year.

Future returns remain investors' primary concern. However, looking at past stock returns can also impart wisdom.