In the golden era of Hollywood, stars like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn turned to cosmetics to create their iconic looks.

Today, the beauty industry is a thriving global market, and Ulta Beauty (ULTA) stands as a shining example of success.

But what if the stock falls after tonight’s earnings report?

As LikeFolio founder Landon Swan said on the Schwab network today, long-term investors, a post-earnings pullback could be an opportunity in disguise.

Positive Momentum with Consumers

Ulta's is a company well-positioned to benefit from consumers trading down to its generic and mass-market brands.

With Purchase Intent mentions growing by +40% YoY and web visits up by +5%, the LikeFokio data suggests a strong consumer momentum.

ULTA Social Mentions Up 28% YoY

The 28% increase in social mentions of Ulta reflects a growing interest and positive sentiment towards the brand.

This social buzz, especially among younger consumers, is a testament to Ulta's ability to connect with its audience.

Loyalty Programs and Market Share

ULTA's value proposition, including loyalty programs like the Ultamate Rewards program, accounts for ~95% of total sales. This gives ULTA a competitive advantage and a wealth of consumer insights.

According to Piper Sandler's Teen Survey in 2023, Ulta remains the Number 1 preferred beauty destination at 41% share, further solidifying its market dominance.

Cosmetic Industry Growth

The global cosmetics industry is on track to grow by +24% from 2023 to 2028, exceeding $128 billion. This growth trajectory aligns perfectly with Ulta's positioning in the market, offering a promising outlook for the company's long-term growth.

Short-Term Challenges: Expense and Theft

ULTA has faced challenges with inventory shrink, theft, and organized retail crime (ORC). These short-term issues have impacted the company's margins and could potentially lead to a fall in the stock after earnings.

Why a Fall Could Be an Opportunity

If ULTA's stock falls on news of these short-term challenges, it could present a golden opportunity for long-term investors.

The positive momentum with consumers, as revealed by LikeFolio data, indicates that these challenges are temporary roadblocks rather than fundamental flaws in the company's business model.

A dip in the stock price would allow investors to buy shares at a discount, capitalizing on ULTA's long-term growth potential.

The company's strong position in the teen market, innovative loyalty programs, and alignment with industry growth trends make it a compelling investment for the future.

Conclusion: Bullish Long-Term Outlook on ULTA

While the possibility of ULTA's stock falling after earnings might seem concerning at first glance, a deeper analysis reveals a silver lining.

The company's positive momentum with consumers, robust market share, and alignment with industry growth trends paint a bullish long-term outlook.

We are hoping for a fall in ULTA's stock price after earnings, not out of skepticism but out of optimism for the future.

This potential dip would provide a strategic entry point to invest in a company that continues to dazzle in the ever-evolving world of cosmetics.

In the words of the legendary Coco Chanel, "Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself." For investors looking to embrace the beauty of long-term growth, ULTA may just be the opportunity to do so.

For more detail, watch Landon Swan’s Schwab Network appearance.