Oppenheimer analyst Rupesh Parikh raised his price target for Ulta Beauty (ULTA) to $390 from $370 given the company's meaningful overlap with J.C. Penney (JCP) stores that have a Sephora inside and following media reports saying that the latter has hired advisors to explore debt restructuring options. While the company subsequently confirmed that it has not hired advisors for an in-court restructuring or bankruptcy, the analyst points out that he views Ulta Beauty as a potential beneficiary of any store rationalization down the road at J.C. Penney. Parikh says Ulta remains a top pick, and reiterates an Outperform rating on the shares.

Wells Fargo lowered the firm's price target on Ulta Beauty to $350 from $450 and keeps an Underweight rating on the shares. The category is slowing faster than anticipated as the competitive backdrop has become more challenging, the firm says. Margins will likely continue to erode as the need to invest accelerates, Wells adds.