MetaCap

Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) vs Ulta Beauty (ULTA)

Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.

Summary

Ulta Beauty (ULTA) has outperformed Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) over the past year, losing 0.3% versus a loss of 40.7%. Over five years, ULTA leads with a +39.1% price change compared with +12.4% for DKS. Ulta Beauty is the larger company by market cap ($24.17 billion vs $13.28 billion), about 1.8 times the size, while Dick's Sporting Goods is growing revenue faster (+28.1% vs +9.7%).

On valuation, Dick's Sporting Goods trades at a lower forward P/E (10.3x vs 17.6x for Ulta Beauty). Dick's Sporting Goods pays a dividend yielding 3.65%, while Ulta Beauty does not currently pay one. Ulta Beauty converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 9.3% versus 4.9%.

Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology

Relative performance

DKS-40.73%ULTA-0.28%
+29%-11%-50%
Oct 8, 20251 yearOct 8, 2026
DKS+15.93%ULTA+49.12%
+122%+39%-44%
Oct 4, 20215 yearsOct 5, 2026

Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.

Head-to-head

DKS versus ULTA key metrics
MetricDKSULTA
Share price$134.79$565.27
Market cap$13.28B$24.17B
1-day change+0.12%+0.19%
YTD return-31.99%-6.74%
1-year return-40.73%-0.28%
5-year return+12.44%+39.06%
P/E ratio (TTM)14.6420.60
Forward P/E10.2517.62
EPS (TTM)$9.21$27.44
Dividend yield3.65%0.00%
Annual dividend$4.93$0.00
Revenue (latest FY)$17.22B$12.39B
Revenue growth (YoY)+28.06%+9.71%
Net income (latest FY)$849.24M$1.15B
Gross margin32.92%39.10%
Operating margin6.37%12.37%
Net margin4.93%9.31%
52-week high$244.38$714.97
52-week low$120.15$443.60
Distance from 52-week high-44.84%-20.94%
Analyst consensusbuybuy
Avg. price target upside+17.19%+11.71%
Average volume3.13M577.12K
Shares outstanding74.96M42.76M
Employees31,60021,382
SectorConsumer DiscretionaryConsumer Discretionary
IndustryOther Specialty StoresOther Specialty Stores

Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.

Key differences

  • ULTA has outperformed DKS by 40.4 percentage points over the past year.
  • Ulta Beauty trades at a higher earnings multiple (20.6x vs 14.6x trailing P/E).
  • Dick's Sporting Goods offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (3.65% vs 0.00%).
  • Dick's Sporting Goods grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+28.06% vs +9.71%).

About Dick's Sporting Goods

DKS stock →

DICK'S Sporting Goods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an omni-channel sporting goods retailer primarily in the United States. It provides hardlines, including sporting goods equipment, fitness equipment, golf equipment, and fishing gear products; and apparel.

Consumer Discretionary · Other Specialty Stores · 31,600 employees

About Ulta Beauty

ULTA stock →

Ulta Beauty, Inc. operates as a specialty beauty retailer in the United States, Mexico, and Kuwait.

Consumer Discretionary · Other Specialty Stores · 21,382 employees

DKS vs ULTA FAQ

Which is bigger, Dick's Sporting Goods or Ulta Beauty?

Ulta Beauty (ULTA) is larger, with a market capitalization of $24.17B compared with $13.28B for Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS).

Which stock has performed better over the past year, DKS or ULTA?

ULTA returned -0.28% over the past 12 months, compared with -40.73% for DKS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.

Which has the lower P/E ratio, DKS or ULTA?

DKS has the lower trailing P/E at 14.6, versus 20.6 for ULTA. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.

Which pays a higher dividend, Dick's Sporting Goods or Ulta Beauty?

Dick's Sporting Goods pays a dividend yielding 3.65%, while Ulta Beauty does not currently pay a regular dividend.

Are Dick's Sporting Goods and Ulta Beauty in the same industry?

Yes. Both are classified in the Other Specialty Stores industry within the Consumer Discretionary sector.

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