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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 29, 2022
or
☐ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to _____________
Commission File Number: 001-33764
ULTA BEAUTY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
1000 Remington Blvd., Suite 120
Bolingbrook, Illinois
(Address of principal executive offices)
38-4022268
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
60440
(Zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (630) 410-4800
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading symbol
ULTA
Name of each exchange on which registered
The NASDAQ Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405
of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit
such files). Yes No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or
emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth
company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any
new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal
control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that
prepared or issued its audit report.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the common stock on July
30, 2021, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $13,829,733,000.
The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of March 21, 2022 was 52,327,263 shares.
Information required in response to Part III of Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference from portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for
the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the
registrant’s fiscal year ended January 29, 2022.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
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Forward Looking Statements
Part I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Item 1.
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1A.
Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 2.
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 4A.
Executive Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 6.
[Reserved] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . .
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . . . .
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9B.
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 11.
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part IV
Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signatures
1
2
14
25
26
27
27
27
28
30
31
43
43
43
43
44
44
44
44
45
45
45
46
80
81
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Ulta Beauty,” the “Company” and similar
references mean Ulta Beauty, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context
otherwise requires.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995, which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial
performance. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,”
“believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “strategies” or other comparable words. Any forward-looking
statements contained in this Form 10-K are based upon our historical performance and on current plans, estimates, and
expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any
other person that the future plans, estimates, targets, strategies, or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved.
Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation:
changes in the overall level of consumer spending and volatility in the economy, including as a result of the
COVID-19 pandemic and geo-political events;
the impact of current inflationary cost pressures on payroll, benefits and supply chain;
our ability to sustain our growth plans and successfully implement our long-range strategic and financial plan;
the ability to execute our operational excellence priorities, including continuous improvement, Project SOAR
(our replacement enterprise resource planning platform), and supply chain optimization;
the negative impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have on our business, financial
condition, profitability, cash flows and supply chain, as well as consumer spending (including future uncertain
impacts);
epidemics, pandemics like COVID-19 or natural disasters that have and could continue to negatively impact
sales;
our ability to gauge beauty trends and react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner;
the possibility that we may be unable to compete effectively in our highly competitive markets;
the possibility that cybersecurity or information security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our
information or result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information;
the possibility of material disruptions to our information systems;
the failure to maintain satisfactory compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations;
the possibility that the capacity of our distribution and order fulfillment infrastructure and the performance of
our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers may not be adequate to support our expected future growth
plans;
changes in the wholesale cost of our products;
a decline in operating results that has and may continue to lead to asset impairment and store closure charges;
the possibility that new store openings and existing locations may be impacted by developer or co-tenant issues;
our ability to attract and retain key executive personnel;
the impact of climate change on our business operations and/or supply chain;
our ability to successfully execute our common stock repurchase program or implement future common stock
repurchase programs; and
other risk factors detailed in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC),
including risk factors contained in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended January 29, 2022, as such may be amended or supplemented in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports
on Form 10-Q.
Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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Item 1. Business
Overview
Part I
Ulta Beauty is the largest beauty retailer in the United States and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance,
skin care products, hair care products, and salon services. Key aspects of our business include:
One-of-a-kind Assortment. We offer guests a differentiated assortment of more than 25,000 products from
more than 600 well-established and emerging beauty brands across a variety of categories and price points. We
believe we offer the widest selection of beauty categories, including prestige and mass cosmetics, fragrance,
haircare, prestige and mass skincare, bath and body products, professional hair products, and salon styling tools.
Store Footprint. We operate more than 1,300 stores predominantly located in convenient, high-traffic
locations. With a bright and open store environment, we make it easy for guests to discover new products and
services. Our store design, fixtures, and open layout provide the flexibility to respond to consumer trends and
changes in our merchandising strategy. We also offer a full-service salon in every store featuring hair, eyebrow
and other beauty services.
Leading Digital Experiences. Through our website, Ulta.com, and our mobile applications, we offer guests
convenient, interactive and personalized digital experiences. Our digital channels enable always-on shopping
and discovery, and our diverse fulfillment options, including buy online pick-up in store, buy online pick-up
curbside, ship from store, ship to home, and same-day delivery, provide guests with value and convenience. In
addition to e-commerce platforms, we offer guests a variety of unique digital experiences, including virtual try-
on and skin analysis tools, which leverage augmented reality capabilities and artificial intelligence tools to
provide guests with personalized experiences.
Best-in-Class Loyalty Program. Our best-in-class loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, enables members to
earn points for every dollar spent on products and beauty services at Ulta Beauty, through purchases on our
private label and co-branded credit cards, and purchases at Ulta Beauty at Target. In addition to unique
membership benefits, members can redeem points for discounts on any product or service at Ulta Beauty. With
more than 95% of total sales coming from members, we are uniquely positioned with a deep understanding of
our customers and their preferences which enables us to personalize experiences and target communications and
promotions through our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform.
Great Guest Experiences. We cultivate human connection with warm and welcoming guest experiences across
all of our channels. Our knowledgeable and approachable store associates, our differentiated service offerings,
and our efforts to create relevant, compelling digital content are competitive advantages and enable us to build
strong engagement with guests.
We were founded in 1990 as a beauty retailer at a time when prestige, mass, and salon products were sold through
distinct channels — department stores for prestige products; drug stores and mass merchandisers for mass products; and
salons and authorized retail outlets for professional hair care products. We developed a unique specialty retail concept
that offers a broad range of brands and price points, select beauty services, and a convenient and welcoming shopping
environment. We define our target consumer as a beauty enthusiast, a consumer who is passionate about the beauty
category, uses beauty for self-expression, experimentation, and self-investment, and has high expectations for the
shopping experience. We estimate that female beauty enthusiasts represent approximately 60% of shoppers and 75% of
spend in the U.S. beauty category.
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The following description of our business should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Item 7 and our
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our strategy
We target beauty enthusiasts across multiple demographics and shopping behaviors. Beauty enthusiasts have a deep
emotional connection with beauty, and historically, this connection has not diminished in softer economic environments.
Our proprietary consumer research confirms engagement with the beauty category remains strong, but the unprecedented
disruption resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic has had sustained effects on the category. Consumers are approaching
their desire for normalcy with caution, reengaging in retail shopping visits while also holding to some of their new online
shopping behaviors. In addition, the operational and competitive landscape remains dynamic, and many costs are
increasing, including supply chain and labor costs.
Reflecting our understanding about how the consumer and beauty category are evolving, we have refreshed our strategic
framework to position Ulta Beauty for continued success. We are focused on six key strategic pillars designed to expand
our market leadership and drive longer-term profitable growth.
Drive breakthrough and disruptive growth through an expanded definition of All Things Beauty. Beauty enthusiasts
enjoy the experience of discovering and trying new products and increasingly include beauty as part of their self-care and
wellness journey. Reflecting these insights, our objective is to engage and continuously delight beauty enthusiasts with a
curated, differentiated, inclusive assortment focused on leading beauty and self-care trends. We are focused on four key
areas: maximizing growth in core categories, including makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance; driving growth of
cross-category strategic platforms, including Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty®, Black-owned and Black, Indigenous,
and People of Color (BIPOC)-founded Brands, and the Wellness Shop; differentiating our assortment through exclusive
brands and products, including our private label, Ulta Beauty Collection; and increasing profitability through assortment
management, inventory productivity, and promotional optimization.
Evolve the omnichannel experience through connected physical and digital ecosystems, All In Your World. Our guest
insights and member data confirm that beauty enthusiasts prefer to transact in physical stores, where they can discover
and interact with products and other beauty enthusiasts. At the same time, digital channels offer convenience, product
reviews, and price transparency. As a result, the guest journey is increasingly blurring across physical and digital
channels. To drive greater guest engagement across all channels, we intend to expand our physical footprint, continue to
differentiate our service offerings, and grow our buy anywhere, fill anywhere capabilities while further enhancing our
digital and mobile experiences and driving competitive advantage through digital innovation. Our objective is to deliver
a cohesive, industry-leading omnichannel experience that drives breakthrough engagement with our guests and unlocks
the combined potential of our physical and digital channels.
Expand and deepen our presence across the beauty journey, solidifying Ulta Beauty at the Heart of the Beauty
Community. To understand longer-term shifts in consumer values, perceptions, and behaviors, as well as of-the-moment
insights, we have developed a robust consumer research capability. In addition, with more than 95% of total sales
coming from members of our Ultamate Rewards loyalty program, we have unique insights about customer preferences
and behavior. Based on our proprietary insights, we know beauty enthusiasts have an emotional, personal, and deep
connection with beauty. Social media contributes to this connection, and we expect the influence and reach of beauty
will continue to grow as engagement with social platforms increases. To expand Ulta Beauty’s reach, relevancy, and
guest engagement, we intend to amplify our brand purpose; build a creator and content ecosystem to deliver compelling,
relevant beauty-tainment; leverage the power of live streaming and social selling; drive further innovation in our
Ultamate Rewards program; and use our member data to increase personalization and drive conversion. Our vision is to
expand and deepen our presence across the beauty journey to increase consumer acquisition and drive guest engagement,
loyalty, and share of wallet.
Drive operational excellence and optimization. Similar to other retailers, we are experiencing cost pressures from
macroeconomic trends, including rising wage rates and higher transportation and shipping costs. In addition, we are
managing ongoing headwinds from channel and category mix shifts. To mitigate the impact of these pressures and
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support our future growth, we have developed a continuous improvement capability to identify and activate meaningful,
cross-functional process optimization opportunities; we are upgrading our enterprise resource planning platform to
increase efficiency and support future growth; and we are enhancing our supply chain network to increase agility, speed
and cost-efficiency. Our vision is to deliver profitable growth and competitive advantage by optimizing our cost structure
to enable scale, developing agile operating processes that enable real-time visibility and decision-making, and building
new capabilities tailored to win in a rapidly evolving omnichannel world.
Protect and cultivate our world-class culture and talent. We have developed and nurtured a guest and associate-centric,
values-based and high-performance culture. These tenets are core to how we lead, how we engage with our guests and
partners, and how we make decisions. We value and encourage collaboration and enterprise thinking, and we respect and
listen to our associates to continually improve as a company. We have an experienced leadership team and committed,
passionate associates committed to living our values while caring for our guests and for each other. To support our
growth and enhance the guest experience, we will continue to attract, develop and retain talent at all levels and in all
functional areas, and we will continue to work to create an environment where every associate feels they can fully
contribute and have an opportunity to grow.
Expand our environmental and social impact. As a leader in the beauty industry, we have an opportunity to drive
positive impact. We believe that beauty is for everyone, regardless of age, size, ability, skin tone, culture, or gender, and
we strive to provide an environment where every associate feels they can realize their full potential and every guest is
optimally served, regardless of differences. We empower and inspire guests to make informed and sustainable product
choices through our unique Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty® program, and we strive to protect the beauty of our natural
environment and minimize our impact on the world around us by managing our stores’ energy, water, and waste
footprints. We are committed to making the world a better place, and we are focused on driving sustainable change in
areas where we can make the biggest impact and committed to collaborating with others to address shared challenges.
Our market
We operate within the large and growing U.S. beauty products and salon services industry. In 2021, this market
represented approximately $140 billion in sales, according to forecasted Euromonitor International and IBIS World Inc.
In 2021, the beauty products industry totaled approximately $91 billion and included cosmetics, haircare, fragrance, bath
and body, skincare, salon styling tools, and other toiletries. We estimate that Ulta Beauty had only a 9% share of the $91
billion beauty product industry. Within this market, we compete across all major categories as well as a range of price
points by offering prestige, mass, and salon products. In 2021, the salon services industry totaled approximately $49
billion and included hair, skin, and nail services. We estimate that Ulta Beauty had less than 1% share of this industry.
We have full-service hair salons and skin services in substantially every store and operate brow bars in most of our
stores, as well as makeup services through our salons. Due to remaining COVID-19 related restrictions, our services
offering was limited in our fiscal year ended January 29, 2022 (fiscal 2021), but we have plans to resume these services
as soon as it is safe to do so.
While both the industry and our business was impacted by ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, particularly in salon services,
our research indicates that Ulta Beauty continues to increase market share across most prestige beauty categories in the
overall U.S. market. We expect the beauty category will continue its recovery as consumers recover from the impacts of
COVID-19, and we remain confident that our differentiated and diverse business model, our commitment to strategic
investments, and our highly engaged associates will continue to drive market share gains for Ulta Beauty.
Competition
Our major competitors for prestige and mass products include traditional department stores, specialty stores, grocery
stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers, and the online capabilities of national retailers and brands, as well as pure-play
e-commerce companies. The market for salon services and products is highly fragmented. Our competitors for salon
services and products include chain and independent salons.
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Our retail channels
We are committed to meeting guests where and how they want to shop and strive to offer guests a compelling,
personalized shopping experience through our stores, website, mobile applications, and partnerships.
Stores. Our member data suggests our guests prefer to transact in physical stores, where they can discover and interact
with products and other beauty enthusiasts. In fiscal 2021, 75% of our loyalty members only shopped in Ulta Beauty
stores. Our retail stores are predominantly located in convenient, high-traffic locations such as power strip centers. Our
typical store is approximately 10,000 square feet, including approximately 950 square feet dedicated to our full-service
salon. Our retail store concept, including physical layout, displays, lighting, and quality of finishes, has changed over
time to reflect the rising expectations of our guests and our evolving merchandising and operating strategies.
We offer a full range of beauty services in all of our stores, focusing on hair, skin, makeup, and brow services. Our
current Ulta Beauty store format includes an open and modern salon area and a skin treatment room or dedicated skin
treatment area on the sales floor. In addition, most of our stores offer brow services on the sales floor. The salon features
a concierge desk, approximately five to ten stations, and a shampoo and hair color processing area. We employ highly
skilled, licensed professional stylists and estheticians who offer services as well as educational experiences, including
consultations, styling lessons, makeup applications, skincare regimens, and at-home care recommendations. Due to
ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, we operated at less-than-full capacity for salon and brow services for most of fiscal
2021. While we lifted capacity constraints for most salon and brow services in fiscal 2021, we were unable to offer
makeup services in all stores and skin services in most stores due to remaining COVID-19 related restrictions. We have
plans to resume these services as soon as it is safe to do so.
During fiscal 2021, 71% of new stores opened in existing shopping centers and 29% opened in new shopping centers.
All new stores were opened in existing markets. As of January 29, 2022, we operated 1,308 stores across 50 states.
In addition to opening new stores, we also remodeled, relocated, or refreshed (in-store fixtures and merchandising
upgrades) certain stores, as shown in the following table:
Fiscal year ended
January 29, January 30, February 1,
2022
2021
2020
Total stores beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stores opened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stores closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stores end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,264
48
(4)
1,308
1,254
30
(20)
1,264
1,174
86
(6)
1,254
Total square footage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average square footage per store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13,770,438 13,291,838
10,516
10,528
13,193,076
10,521
Stores remodeled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stores relocated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stores refreshed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
7
–
–
5
–
12
8
240
Our real estate vision is to make Ulta Beauty accessible and convenient to more consumers across a variety of markets, a
key driver of how we plan to expand our market share over time. We believe that over the long term, we have the
potential to grow our store footprint to between 1,500 to 1,700 freestanding Ulta Beauty stores in the United States. In
addition, over the long term we expect to open up to 800 Ulta Beauty at Target shops.
We leverage a variety of insights to identify the best new store locations and optimize our current store locations,
including beauty market share information and insights from our loyalty members. This insight-led, analytical approach
to site selection has resulted in a high performing real estate portfolio. The average investment required to open a new
Ulta Beauty store is approximately $1.4 million, which includes capital investments, net of landlord contributions, pre-
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opening expenses, and initial inventory, net of payables. Our net investment required to open new stores and the net sales
generated by new stores may vary depending on a number of factors, including geographic location.
Digital platform. In addition to store expansion, we continue to expand our digital capabilities as more of our guests
choose to engage with us across physical and digital platforms. In fiscal 2021, 17% of our loyalty members shopped in
Ulta Beauty stores and through our digital platforms. Our e-commerce platform has two key roles: generating direct
channel sales and profits by communicating with our guests in an interactive, enjoyable way that reinforces the Ulta
Beauty brand; and driving traffic to our stores, website, and native applications. Our omnichannel guests are extremely
valuable, historically spending nearly three times as much as retail-only guests. We continue to develop and add new
website and mobile features and functionality, marketing programs, new products and brands, and omnichannel
integration points. We intend to establish ourselves as a leading online beauty resource by providing our guests with a
rich online experience, with information on key trends and products, editorial content, expanded assortments, interactive
experiences, including virtual try-on capabilities, and social media content.
We continue to improve our order fulfillment capabilities with increased speed of delivery through existing distribution
centers, fast fulfillment centers (e-commerce only), and select retail stores, and through more efficient processes
designed for e-commerce order fulfillment. In addition to ship to home order fulfillment, we offer guests “Buy Online,
Pick-up in Store,” “Curbside Pickup,” and “Store 2 Door,” which provides the ability for customers to order in-store and
have products delivered to their homes. In fiscal 2021, we launched same-day delivery for e-commerce orders in select
markets.
Partnerships
To expand our reach and introduce new guests to Ulta Beauty, we have formed a long-term partnership with Target
Corporation to create Ulta Beauty at Target, a “shop-in-shop” concept that offers a curated assortment of more than 50
established and emerging prestige brands across a variety of categories. Co-designed by Ulta Beauty and Target, the Ulta
Beauty at Target shop is intended to mirror the Ulta Beauty experience with a unique and elevated presentation in 1,000
square feet of dedicated space separate but adjacent to Target’s core beauty department. The shop is staffed by Target
team members who are trained by Ulta Beauty to provide recommendations and answer product questions. Members in
our loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, can accumulate points (but not redeem) for purchases made in the Ulta Beauty
at Target shop. Loyalty points can only be redeemed in Ulta Beauty stores, on Ulta.com or through our mobile
applications. As of January 29, 2022, Ulta Beauty at Target was available in approximately 100 Target locations and on
target.com. Over time, we believe Ulta Beauty at Target can be in up to 800 Target locations.
Merchandising
Strategy
We offer one of the most extensive product and brand selections in our industry, including a broad assortment of branded
and private label beauty products in cosmetics, fragrance, haircare, skincare, bath and body products, and salon styling
tools. Across our stores, Ulta.com and our mobile applications, we offer more than 25,000 products from more than 600
well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty’s own private
label, the Ulta Beauty Collection. Our merchandising team continually monitors beauty and fashion trends, historical
sales trends, and new product launches to keep Ulta Beauty’s product assortment fresh and relevant and to ensure that
our assortment reflects the diversity of our guests. We believe our broad selection of merchandise, from moderate-priced
brands to higher-end prestige brands, creates a unique shopping experience for our guests.
Certain beauty enthusiasts are growing more interested in choosing products that support their own personal well-being
and the well-being of workers, animals, communities, and the environment, and they are increasingly supporting brands
whose products and actions align with their own values. Reflecting this growing importance of these trends, in fiscal
2020 we launched Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty® in all stores, on Ulta.com, and on our mobile applications. This
holistic initiative provides transparency for guests to help them choose brands and products that reflect their personal
values and individual needs. Through this initiative, we certify brands and products across four key pillars, Clean
Ingredients, Cruelty Free, Vegan, and Sustainable Packaging, and recognize brands for their Positive Impact on our
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community. Displayed in stores on an endcap constructed of recycled and recyclable materials, the program launched
with 187 brands. As of January 29, 2022, more than 270 brands participated in the program, with more than half certified
in more than one pillar. As part of the launch, we published our “Made Without List,” an evolving ingredient standard
for clean beauty products, and established the Conscious Beauty Advisory Council, a coalition of experts at the forefront
of clean beauty, product development, and packaging sustainability. With the help of our Advisory Council, we will
ensure that Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty® will continue to evolve and grow as expectations and standards for clean
beauty continue to change.
During the past few years there has been a growing focus for consumers on self-care. Based on internal proprietary
research, 65% of consumers see the beauty category as being significantly connected to wellness. In response to this
trend, we launched The Wellness Shop in select stores and online that offers an assortment of products across five
platforms: everyday care, supplements and ingestibles, relax and renew, down there care, and spa at home.
We have a long tradition of being a diversity-forward company. We aspire to be beauty at its most inclusive and have
made several important commitments across our marketing, assortment and training efforts to ensure guests, associates,
partners and communities feel connected to and reflected at Ulta Beauty and are able to discover beauty on their own
terms. During fiscal 2021, we doubled the number of Black-owned brands in our assortment and are committed to
dedicate 15% of our total assortment to Black-owned, Black-founded and Black-led brands over time.
We believe our private label, the Ulta Beauty Collection, is a strategically important opportunity for growth and profit
contribution. Our objective is to provide quality, trend-right private label products to continue to strengthen our guests’
perception of Ulta Beauty as a contemporary beauty destination. Ulta Beauty manages the full development cycle of
these products from concept through production to deliver differentiated packaging and formulas that enhance our brand
image. The Ulta Beauty Collection has been certified in the Clean Ingredients and Cruelty Free pillars within the
Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty® program. We also offer products such as Tarte Double Duty Beauty cosmetics, IT
Brushes for Ulta Beauty, and CHI for Ulta Beauty hair care appliances that are permanently exclusive to Ulta Beauty.
Similarly, we offer a number of brands and products that are exclusive for a limited period of time or are offered in
advance of our competitors, such as Morphe, Colourpop, Juvia’s Place, Chanel and Florence. The Ulta Beauty Collection
and permanent Ulta Beauty exclusive products represented approximately 4.5% of our total net sales in fiscal 2021. Both
permanent and temporary exclusive products represented approximately 11.0% of our total net sales in fiscal 2021.
Categories
We offer a balanced portfolio across six primary categories: (1) cosmetics; (2) haircare products and styling tools; (3)
skincare; (4) fragrance and bath; (5) services; and (6) accessories and other, which includes other revenue sources such
as the private label and co-branded credit card programs, royalties derived from the partnership with Target, and deferred
revenue related to the loyalty program and gift card breakage.
The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of net sales attributed to each category for the periods
presented:
(Percentage of net sales)
Cosmetics (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Haircare products and styling tools (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skincare (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fragrance and bath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and other (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year ended
January 29,
January 30,
February 1,
2022
43%
20%
17%
14%
3%
3%
100%
2021
45%
20%
16%
12%
3%
4%
100%
2020
51%
18%
14%
9%
5%
3%
100%
(1) Certain sales departments were reclassified between categories in the prior year to conform to current year
presentation.
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Organization
Our merchandising team consists of a Chief Merchandising Officer who oversees the Senior Vice President of Cosmetics
and category Vice Presidents who in turn oversee Divisional Merchandise Managers and their teams of buyers. Our
Chief Merchandising Officer also oversees our centralized merchandise planning and forecasting group to ensure
consistent execution across our omnichannel platforms and our planogram team.
In stores, we present products in an open-sell environment using centrally produced planograms (detailed schematics
showing product placement in the store) and promotional merchandising planners. Our planogram team assists the
merchants and inventory teams to keep new products flowing into stores on a timely basis. All major product categories
undergo planogram revisions on a regular basis, and adjustments are made to assortment mix and product placement
based on current sales trends. Our visual team works with our merchandising team to develop strategic placement of
promotional merchandise, functional and educational signage, and creative product presentation standards in all of our
stores. All stores receive centrally produced promotional merchandising planners to ensure consistent implementation of
our marketing programs.
Planning and allocation
We have developed a disciplined approach to buying and a dynamic inventory planning and allocation process to support
our merchandising strategy. We centrally manage product replenishment to our stores through our merchandise planning
group. This group serves as a strategic partner to, and provides financial oversight of, the merchandising team. The
merchandising team creates a sales forecast by category for the year. Our merchandise planning group creates an open-
to-buy plan, approved by senior executives, for each product category. The open-to-buy plan is updated weekly with
point-of-sale (POS) data, receipts, and inventory levels and is used throughout the year to balance buying opportunities
and inventory return on investment. We believe this structure maximizes our buying opportunities while maintaining
organizational and financial control. POS data is used to calculate sales forecasts and to determine replenishment levels.
We determine promotional product replenishment levels using sales history from similar or comparable events. To
ensure our inventory remains productive, our planning and replenishment group, along with senior executives, monitor
the levels of clearance and aged inventory in our stores on a weekly basis.
Brand partnerships
We have strong, active relationships with our brand partners. Our top ten brand partners, such as Estée Lauder
Companies and L’Oréal among others, represented approximately 54% and 56% of our total net sales in fiscal 2021 and
January 30, 2021 (fiscal 2020), respectively. We believe our brand partners view us as a significant distribution channel
for growth and brand enhancement, and we work closely with them to market both new and existing brands.
All brand partners and respective subcontractors and their facilities are subject to Ulta Vendor Standards, as applicable,
which set forth the ethical, legal, social, and workplace standards to meet in order to do business with Ulta Beauty. In
addition to complying with Ulta Vendor Standards, many brand partners have committed to help advance our mission to
maintain the beauty of our environment and minimize our impact on the world around us by offering sustainable
packaging. We have made a commitment that 50% of packaging from products sold at our stores will be recyclable,
refillable, or made from recycled or bio-sourced materials by 2025.
Marketing and advertising
We employ a multi-faceted marketing strategy to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to our stores, website, and
mobile applications, acquire new loyalty program members, improve guest retention, increase frequency of shopping,
and increase spend per member. We communicate with our guests and prospective guests through multiple vehicles,
including print advertising, digital and social media, and television and radio. These vehicles highlight the breadth of our
selection of prestige, mass and salon beauty products, new products and services, and special offers, as well as build our
emotional connection with guests. Our comprehensive public relations strategy enhances Ulta Beauty’s reputation as a
beauty destination, increases brand awareness, supports our charitable efforts related to the Ulta Beauty Charitable
Foundation, and drives awareness of new products, in-store events, and new store openings.
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The Ultamate Rewards loyalty program is an important tool to increase retention of existing guests and to enhance their
loyalty to the Ulta Beauty brand. Our CRM platform enables sophisticated analysis of the customer data in our loyalty
member database as well as greater personalization of our marketing campaigns and day-to-day communications. Our
data demonstrates that loyalty members spend more per visit as compared to non-members. The 37 million active loyalty
program members generated more than 95% of total net sales in fiscal 2021. Ultamate Rewards enables customers to
earn points based on their purchases at Ulta Beauty stores, through our digital platforms, and at Ulta Beauty at Target.
Points earned are valid for at least one year and may be redeemed on any product we sell or service we provide in Ulta
Beauty stores or through our digital platforms. To enhance our loyalty program, we offer co-branded and private label
credit cards. The credit cards drive higher wallet share and greater loyalty from our rewards members, provide increased
consumer insights, and offer attractive economics. Furthermore, we continue to expand our gift card program to increase
distribution in our store and online channels and to retail locations in store and online through partnerships with third
parties.
We are directing a growing percentage of our marketing expense towards digital, social media, and streaming
advertising. We believe these channels are highly effective in communicating with existing guests, as well as driving
consideration amongst those who have not yet shopped with us. Our marketing program has been effective in
communicating with our existing online, mobile, and retail guests in a targeted and relevant way. Our digital marketing
strategy includes search engine optimization, paid search, mobile advertising, social media, display advertising, and
other digital marketing channels. Digital marketing, coupled with our national TV and radio advertising, has helped us
increase brand awareness and consideration among those not familiar with Ulta Beauty, which we believe has resulted in
new guests.
Staffing and operations
Retail stores
Our current Ulta Beauty store format is typically staffed with a general manager, a services manager, and three associate
managers, along with approximately twenty-eight full- and part-time associates, including approximately four to eight
prestige consultants and five to ten licensed salon professionals. The management team in each store reports to the
general manager. The general manager oversees all store activities including salon management, inventory management,
merchandising, cash management, scheduling, hiring, and guest services. Members of store management receive bonuses
depending on their position and based upon various performance metrics. Each general manager reports to a District
Manager, who in turn reports to a Regional Vice President of Operations, who in turn reports to a Senior Vice President
of Stores, who in turn reports to the Chief Operating Officer, who in turn reports to the Chief Executive Officer. Each
store team receives additional support from time to time from recruiting specialists for the retail and salon operations,
regionally based talent development managers, a field loss prevention team, service district educators and service district
leaders, and brand partners.
Ulta Beauty stores are open seven days a week, typically eleven hours a day, Monday through Saturday, and seven hours
on Sunday. Our stores have extended hours during the holiday season.
Salon services
A typical salon is staffed with five to ten licensed salon professionals, including six or more stylists and one or two
estheticians. Our most productive salons have a guest coordinator and an assistant manager. Our services district
educators and brand partner education classes create a comprehensive educational program for approximately 5,400 Ulta
Beauty salon professionals.
Supply chain
Our vision is to build and operate a dynamic and agile end-to-end supply chain that improves operational efficiency,
performance, and guest experience to fuel organizational growth in an effective way. This includes enhanced systems
and processes as well as a modernized distribution center network to support our new store and e-commerce growth. We
operate four distribution centers that support both stores and e-commerce demand, and two fast fulfillment centers that
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support e-commerce orders only. In addition, 115 stores fulfill e-commerce orders as part of our ship-from-store
program. In the future, we expect to introduce a fourth type of facility, a market fulfillment center, which will focus on
our most productive products and support fulfilling ecommerce orders and stores, enabling us to improve service and
responsiveness, especially in markets with high store and population density.
Inventory is shipped from our suppliers to our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers. We replenish our stores
with such products primarily in eaches (i.e., less-than-case quantities), which allows us to ship less than an entire case
when only one or two of a particular product is required. Our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers use
warehouse management software systems to manage inventory to support product purchase decisions. Product is
delivered to stores using a broad network of contract and local pool (final mile) carriers.
Human capital management
We believe our associates, with their combined skills, knowledge, experiences, and commitment to serving our guests,
are among our most important resources and are critical to our continued success. We strive to make Ulta Beauty a great
place to work by leading with our hearts, caring for each other in everything we do, and demonstrating integrity,
authenticity and inclusivity in our daily actions.
The following table sets forth the approximate number of associates employed as of:
Full-time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part-time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
January 29,
2022
16,500
24,000
40,500
We have no collective bargaining agreements and have not experienced any work stoppages. We believe we have good
relationships with our associates.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where every associate feels he or she can be his or her authentic self and
every guest is optimally served, regardless of differences. A critical way we achieve this is by educating all associates on
the lived experiences of their peers and key moments in time that have cultural or heritage significance, as well as the
unconscious beliefs and biases that shape our behavior today. We embed diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts
through a cross-functional approach, led by our Chief Executive Officer, to ensure teams remain energized and
motivated to lead in this critical space and integrate DEI in all that we do. We accomplish this through inclusive
recruitment strategies, dedicating time to celebrate intersectionality and types of diversity that are not otherwise formally
recognized, encouraging associates to build personal habits through everyday inclusive actions, and managing a diverse
leaders program to empower, inspire and educate high-potential diverse associates.
In addition, we aim to ensure that all in-store experiences are equitable, fair, and unbiased. We take action to support this
goal by conducting quarterly mandatory trainings for in-store associates and providing weekly learning opportunities to
focus on guest perspectives and reinforce key takeaways. We offer similar training across the organization to help key
decision-makers and associates in their own learning journeys and support our Champion Diversity value and inclusion
competency.
The following table sets forth key metrics as of January 29, 2022:
Women . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
People of color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Board of
Directors
55%
45%
18%
Leadership
65%
35%
25%
All Other
Associates
91%
9%
49%
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Oversight and management
We strive to make sure that our associates are at the heart of every decision we make. The Chief Human Resources
Officer, along with the entire executive team, is responsible for developing and executing the Company’s human capital
strategy. This includes the attraction, acquisition, development, and engagement of talent and the design of associate
compensation and benefits programs. Our human capital objectives and initiatives, including the risks related to
compensation policies and practices, management development and leadership succession, diversity, equity, and
inclusion policies and practices, and implementation and compliance monitoring of our Code of Business Conduct, are
also overseen by individual Board committees as described in our Corporate Governance Guidelines.
We believe open and honest two-way communication is critical to maintaining strong associate engagement. We
regularly conduct an associate engagement survey to take the pulse of associates’ satisfaction with their roles, their
leaders, and company as a whole. Our executive team reviews associate engagement and satisfaction surveys to monitor
associate engagement and satisfaction with their role, their leader, and the Company as a whole. Our leadership team
also hosts roundtable sessions to dive deeper on specific topics as well as additional forums, including department town
halls, store and distribution center visits, and other small group gatherings.
Training and development
Our success is dependent, in part, on our ability to attract, train, retain, and motivate qualified associates at all levels of
the organization. We are committed to continually developing our associates and providing career advancement
opportunities. Our associates and management teams are essential to our store expansion strategy. We use a combination
of existing managers, promoted associates, and outside hires to support our new stores. The majority of our promotions
are internal. As we continue to promote and develop from within, we are building a bench of associates and leaders who
know our company inside and out.
All of our associates participate in an interactive new-hire orientation through which each associate becomes acquainted
with Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values. Through our learning management system and our digital workplace
system, we provide continuing education to associates throughout their careers at Ulta Beauty. Additionally, our
leadership development program prepares promising future leaders for new levels of responsibility.
Compensation and benefits
Our commitment to our associates and their well-being is one of our highest priorities. We have assembled a suite of
benefits that affirms and supports all that our associates contribute every day, including:
Health care coverage is offered to those who work more than 30 hours a week in any position. Coverage
extends to eligible dependents, including spouses, domestic partners and children under the age of 26. We offer
comprehensive medical plans that empower associates to choose the coverage that best suits them.
401(k) plan with up to a 4% company match.
Company-paid short-term disability pay at 80% of pay.
Disability and life insurance.
Additional insurance options, including legal, pet, home, and auto.
Discounts on retail products and salon services.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Paid time off, including an extended illness bank.
In addition, we believe wellness, like beauty, is more than skin deep, so we offer mental health resources, such as
counseling services and access to apps, financial wellness planning and guidance, and health apps and educational
resources for soon-to-be parents.
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Since 2017, the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation (UBCF) has supported the Associate Relief Program to assist
associates facing unforeseen financial hardship. The Associate Relief Program provides short-term financial support to
pay off medical bills or support temporary housing.
Sustainability
We strive to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. Our retail stores are focused on energy reduction efforts
by maintaining safe indoor air for all customers while products are being used in our salons, using adequate energy-
efficient lighting, managing the in-store temperatures, and making efficient use of water needed for our salon services. In
addition, we will continue to look for ways to reduce our carbon footprint by investments in renewable energy credits
and working with our brand partners to identify ways to work together to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
Information technology
We are committed to using technology to enhance our competitive position. We depend on a variety of information
systems and technologies (including cloud technologies) to maintain and improve our competitive position and to
manage the operations of our growing store base. We rely on computer systems to provide information for all areas of
our business, including supply chain, merchandising, POS, e-commerce, marketing, finance, accounting, and human
resources. Our core business systems consist mostly of purchased software programs that integrate together and with our
internally developed software solutions. Our technology also includes a company-wide network that connects all
corporate users, stores, and our distribution center infrastructure and provides communications for continual polling of
sales and merchandise movement at the store level.
We manage data security and privacy at the highest levels. Our Board of Directors is actively engaged in oversight of
cybersecurity, and it is part of the charter of our Audit Committee. Our Chief Executive Officer keeps the Board
informed on cybersecurity and privacy matters throughout the year. Our Security Operations Center constantly and
proactively monitors our network and application landscape for threats and anomalies. We have established processes for
sharing data and performing third-party risk assessment and regular disaster recovery planning and response readiness
testing. Our security approach also includes multiple layers of defense and testing of controls. We have strengthened our
data protection capabilities through investments and training. All Ulta Beauty associates have a role as stewards of
company data, and we educate them on how to keep data safe. As part of our annual Code of Business Conduct training,
we train associates on how to keep devices and data safe in public places; how to avoid security threats and phishing
scams; how to maintain a secure workplace; and everyday practices that help maintain the security of corporate digital
devices, data and systems.
We intend to leverage our technology infrastructure and systems where appropriate to gain operational efficiencies
through more effective use of our systems, people, and processes. In fiscal 2021, we began a multi-year upgrade of our
enterprise resource planning platform which will provide a flexible and scalable operating environment allowing for
greater business efficiency. We will continue to make investments in our information systems to facilitate growth and
enhance our competitive position.
Intellectual property
We have registered trademarks in the United States and other countries. The majority of our trademark registrations
contain the ULTA mark, including Ulta Beauty and two related designs, Ulta.com and Ulta Salon, Cosmetics &
Fragrance (and design). We maintain our marks and monitor filing deadlines for renewal and continued validity. All
marks that are deemed material to our business have been applied for or registered in the United States and select foreign
countries, including Canada, Mexico and other countries in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
We believe our trademarks, especially those related to the Ulta Beauty brand, “All Things Beauty. All In One Place. ®”,
“The Possibilities are Beautiful®”, “21 Days of Beauty®”, and “Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty®” have significant
value and are important to building brand recognition.
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Government regulation
We are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions, and similar
constraints. Such laws, regulations, and other constraints exist at the federal, state, or local levels in the United States.
The products we sell in our stores, such as cosmetics (including cannabidiol products), dietary supplements, food, over-
the-counter (OTC) drugs, medical devices, and styling tools, including our Ulta Beauty branded products, may be subject
to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state regulatory agencies,
and State Attorneys General (State AGs). Such regulations principally relate to the safety, labeling, manufacturing,
advertising, and distribution of the products. In addition, the salon services provided in our stores may be subject to state
and local regulations.
Products classified as cosmetics (as defined in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act) are not subject to pre-market
approval by the FDA, but the products must generally be safe and must be properly manufactured and labeled. Certain
products, such as sunscreens and acne treatments, are classified as OTC drugs, and certain ingestible products, such as
vitamins and minerals, are classified as dietary supplements. Both OTC drugs and dietary supplements have specific
regulatory requirements, including ingredient, labeling, manufacturing, and holding requirements. Products such as
wrinkle reducing lights may be classified as medical devices and, in addition to being subject to labeling and
manufacturing requirements, may also be subject to premarketing review by the FDA. Finally, products such as styling
tools (e.g. blow dryers and curling irons) are regulated by the CPSC, which has strict requirements including the
requirement to report certain product defects. The labeling and packaging of all of these products may also be subject to
the requirements of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and state specific requirements.
Further, statements we make in advertising, including statements about the safety or efficacy of products, pricing, and
environmental claims, are subject to federal and state consumer protection laws, which generally prohibit unfair or
deceptive practices.
Federal, state, municipal and local labor and employment statutes, laws, ordinances, regulations, mandates, and taxation
laws, to which most retailers are typically subject, also impact our day-to-day operations. We are also subject to typical
governmental and real estate land use restrictions and typical advertising and consumer protection laws (both federal and
state). Our services business is subject to state board regulations and state licensing requirements.
In our store leases, we require our landlords to obtain all necessary governmental approvals and permits for the site to be
used as a retail site, and we also ask them to obtain any governmental approvals and permits for our specific use (but at
times the responsibility for obtaining governmental approvals and permits for our specific use falls to us). As applicable,
we require our landlords to deliver a certificate of occupancy for any work they perform on our buildings or the shopping
centers in which our stores are located. If required by the municipality, we are responsible for delivering a certificate of
occupancy for any remodeling or build-outs that we perform and are responsible for complying with all applicable laws
in connection with such construction projects or build-outs.
Seasonality
Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuation. Significant portions of our net sales and profits are realized during the
fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to the holiday selling season. To a lesser extent, our business is also affected by
Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.
Available information
Our principal website address is www.ulta.com. We make available at this address under investor relations (at
https://ulta.com/investor), free of charge, our proxy statement, annual report to shareholders, annual report on
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon
as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information available on
our website is not incorporated by reference in and is not deemed a part of this Form 10-K. In addition, our filings with
the SEC may be accessed through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All statements made in any of our securities
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filings, including all forward-looking statements or information, are made as of the date of the document in which the
statement is included, and we do not assume or undertake any obligation to update any of those statements or documents
unless we are required to do so by law.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
The risks described below could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations,
or future growth. We could also be affected by additional risks that apply to all companies operating in the United
States, as well as other risks that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial. You
should carefully consider the following risks and all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form
10-K before making an investment in our common stock.
Business, Operational and Strategic Risks
We may not be able to sustain our growth plans and successfully implement our long-range strategic, operational and
financial plans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and
cash flows.
Our continued and future growth largely depends on our ability to implement our long-range strategic, operational and
financial plans and successfully open and operate new stores on a profitable basis. There can be no assurance that we
will be successful in implementing our growth plans, long-range strategic imperatives and/or operational excellence
priorities, including continuous improvement, Project SOAR (our replacement enterprise resource planning platform)
and supply chain optimization, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, profitability, and cash flows.
If we are unable to gauge beauty trends and react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner, our sales
may decrease.
We believe our success depends in substantial part on our ability to:
recognize and define product and beauty trends;
anticipate, gauge, and react to changing consumer preferences (including relating to sustainability of product
sources and packaging, ingredient transparency, and animal welfare) in a timely manner;
translate market trends into appropriate, saleable product, and service offerings in our stores and salons in
advance of our competitors;
develop and maintain vendor relationships that provide us access to the newest merchandise on reasonable
terms; and
distribute merchandise to our stores in an efficient and effective manner and maintain appropriate in-stock
levels.
If we are unable to anticipate and fulfill the merchandise needs of the consumer, our net sales may decrease and we may
be forced to increase markdowns of slow-moving merchandise, either of which could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Any significant interruption in the operations of our distribution centers could disrupt our ability to deliver
merchandise to our stores in a timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, profitability, and cash flows.
We distribute products to our stores without supplementing such deliveries with direct-to-store arrangements from
vendors or wholesalers. We are a retailer carrying over 25,000 beauty products that change on a regular basis in response
to beauty trends, which makes the success of our operations particularly vulnerable to disruptions in our distribution
infrastructure. Any significant interruption in the operation of our supply chain infrastructure, such as disruptions in our
information systems, disruptions in operations due to fire, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events, labor
disagreements, inventory availability, or shipping and transportation problems, could drastically reduce our ability to
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receive and process orders and provide products and services to our stores and guests, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. In addition, shipping and transportation
costs represent a component of our cost structure and an increase in shipping and transportation costs, including as a
result of inflationary pressures, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability,
and cash flows.
Our e-commerce platform exposes us to certain additional risks which could adversely affect our results of
operations.
We offer most of our beauty products for sale through our Ulta.com website and through our mobile applications. As a
result, we encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by internet-based businesses, including risks related to
our ability to attract and retain customers on a cost-effective basis and our ability to operate, support, expand, and
develop our internet operations, website, mobile applications and software, and other related operational systems.
Although we believe that our omnichannel participation is a distinct advantage for us due to synergies and the potential
for new customers, supporting product offerings through these channels can create issues that have the potential to
adversely affect our results of operations. For example, if our e-commerce platform successfully grows, it may do so in
part by attracting existing guests, rather than new guests, who choose to purchase products from us online or through our
mobile applications rather than from our physical stores, thereby reducing the financial performance of our stores. In
addition, offering different products through each channel could cause conflicts and cause some of our current or
potential internet or mobile customers to consider competing distributors of beauty products. Offering products through
our internet channel or through our mobile applications could also cause some of our current or potential vendors to
consider competing internet or mobile offerings of their products either on their own or through competing distributors.
Additionally, omnichannel retailing is rapidly evolving, and we must keep pace with changing guest expectations and
new developments by our competitors. As we continue to grow our e-commerce platform, the impact of attracting
existing rather than new guests, conflicts between product offerings online or through our mobile applications and
through our stores, and opening up our channels to increased competition from pure-play e-commerce companies could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. In addition, if we are
unable to make, improve, or develop relevant guest-facing technology in a timely manner, our ability to compete and our
results of operations could be adversely affected.
Increased costs or interruption in our third-party vendors’ overseas sourcing operations could disrupt production,
shipment, or receipt of some of our merchandise, which could result in lost sales and could increase our costs.
We directly source the majority of our Ulta Beauty branded product components and gifts with purchase and other
promotional products through third-party vendors using foreign factories. In addition, many of our vendors use overseas
sourcing to varying degrees to manufacture some or all of their products. Any event causing a sudden disruption of
manufacturing or imports from such foreign countries, including the imposition of additional import restrictions, geo-
political events, unanticipated political changes, increased customs duties, and legal or economic restrictions on overseas
suppliers’ ability to produce and deliver products, could result in substantial disruptions in our supply chain (including
inventory availability) and materially harm our operations. We have no long-term supply contracts with respect to such
foreign-sourced items, many of which are subject to existing or potential duties, tariffs, or quotas that may limit the
quantity of certain types of goods that may be imported into the United States from such countries. Our business is also
subject to a variety of other risks generally associated with sourcing goods from abroad, such as political instability,
disruption of imports by labor disputes, and local business practices. Our sourcing operations may also be hurt by health
concerns regarding infectious diseases in countries in which our merchandise is produced (such as COVID-19), adverse
weather conditions or natural disasters that may occur overseas, or acts of war or terrorism in the United States or
worldwide, to the extent these acts affect the production, shipment, or receipt of merchandise. Our future operations and
performance will be subject to these factors, and these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, profitability, and cash flows or may require us to modify our current business practices and incur
increased costs.
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Diversion of exclusive salon products, or a decision by manufacturers of exclusive salon products to utilize other
distribution channels, could negatively impact our revenue from the sale of such products, which could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
The retail products that we sell in our salons are meant to be sold exclusively by professional salons and authorized
professional retail outlets. However, incidents of product diversion occur, which involve the selling of salon exclusive
haircare products to unauthorized channels such as drug stores, grocery stores, or mass merchandisers. Diversion could
result in adverse publicity that harms the commercial prospects of our products (if diverted products are old, tainted, or
damaged), as well as lower product revenues should consumers choose to purchase diverted product from these channels
rather than purchasing from one of our salons. Additionally, the various product manufacturers could, in the future,
decide to utilize other distribution channels for such products, therefore widening the availability of these products in
other retail channels, which could negatively impact the revenue we earn from the sale of such products.
The capacity of our distribution and order fulfillment infrastructure and the performance of our distribution centers
and fast fulfillment centers may not be adequate to support our expected future growth plans, which could prevent the
successful implementation of these plans or cause us to incur excess costs to expand this infrastructure, which could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
We currently operate four distribution centers, which house the distribution operations for Ulta Beauty retail stores
together with the order fulfillment operations of our e-commerce platform, and two fast fulfillment centers (e-commerce
only). In 2014, we began a multi-year supply chain project, which focused on, among other things, adding capacity and
system improvements to support expanded omnichannel capabilities. To support our expected future growth and to
maintain the efficient operation of our business, it is likely additional distribution facilities will be added in the future.
Our failure to effectively upgrade and expand our distribution capacity on a timely basis to keep pace with our
anticipated growth in stores and the performance of our distribution centers could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Our comparable sales and quarterly financial performance may fluctuate for a variety of reasons, which could result
in a decline in the price of our common stock.
Our comparable sales and quarterly results of operations have fluctuated in the past, and we expect them to continue to
fluctuate in the future. A variety of factors affect our comparable sales and quarterly financial performance, including:
general U.S. economic conditions and, in particular, the retail sales environment;
changes in our merchandising strategy or mix;
performance of our new and remodeled stores;
the effectiveness of our inventory management;
timing and concentration of new store openings, including additional human resource requirements and related
pre-opening and other start-up costs;
cannibalization of existing store sales by new store openings;
timing and effectiveness of our marketing activities;
seasonal fluctuations due to weather conditions;
actions by our existing or new competitors; and
hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, mudslides, other natural disasters, epidemics or pandemics, and
geo-political events.
Accordingly, our results for any one fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any
other quarter, and comparable sales for any particular future period may decrease. In that event, the price of our common
stock may decline.
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We rely on our good relationships with brand partners to purchase prestige, mass, and salon beauty products on
reasonable terms. If these relationships were to be impaired, or if certain brand partners were to change their
distribution model, or are unable to supply sufficient merchandise to keep pace with our growth plans, we may not be
able to obtain a sufficient selection or volume of merchandise on reasonable terms, and we may not be able to
respond promptly to changing trends in beauty products, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our
competitive position, business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
We have no long-term supply agreements with brand partners and, therefore, our success depends on maintaining good
relationships with our brand partners. Our business depends to a significant extent on the willingness and ability of our
brand partners to supply us with a sufficient selection and volume of products to stock our stores. Some of our prestige
brand partners may not have the capacity to supply us with sufficient merchandise to keep pace with our growth plans.
We also have strategic partnerships with certain core brands, which have allowed us to benefit from the growing
popularity of such brands. Any of our other core brands could in the future decide to scale back or end its partnership
with us and strengthen its relationship with our competitors, which could negatively impact the revenue we earn from the
sale of such products. If we fail to maintain strong relationships with our existing brand partners, or if we fail to continue
acquiring and strengthening relationships with additional brand partners of beauty products, our ability to obtain a
sufficient amount and variety of merchandise on reasonable terms may be limited, which could have a negative impact
on our competitive position.
During fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020, merchandise supplied to Ulta Beauty by our top ten brand partners accounted for
approximately 54% and 56% of our net sales, respectively. There continues to be vendor consolidation within the beauty
products industry. The loss of or a reduction in the amount of merchandise made available to us by any one of these key
vendors, or by any of our other brand partners, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
profitability, and cash flows.
Use of social media may adversely impact our reputation.
There has been a substantial increase in the use of social media platforms, including blogs, social media websites, and
other forms of internet-based and mobile communications, which allow individuals access to a broad audience of
consumers and other interested persons. Negative commentary regarding us or the products we sell may be posted on
social media platforms and similar devices at any time and may be adverse to our reputation or business. Customers
value readily available information and often act on such information without further investigation and without regard to
its accuracy or source. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction.
We also use social media platforms as marketing tools. For example, we maintain Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok,
and Pinterest accounts. As laws and regulations rapidly evolve to govern the use of these platforms and devices, the
failure by us, our employees, or third parties acting at our direction to abide by applicable laws and regulations in the use
of these platforms and devices could adversely impact our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
If we fail to retain our existing senior management team or attract qualified new personnel at all levels, such failure
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Our business requires disciplined execution at all levels of our organization. This execution requires an experienced and
talented management team. If we were to lose the benefit of the experience, efforts, and abilities of key executive
personnel, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Furthermore, our ability to manage our retail expansion will require us to continue to train, motivate, and manage our
associates. We will need to attract, motivate, and retain additional qualified executive, managerial, and merchandising
personnel and store and distribution center associates. Competition for this type of personnel is intense, especially in
light of the labor pressures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, and we may not be successful in attracting,
assimilating, and retaining the personnel required to grow and operate our business profitably. In addition, fluctuations in
the cost of labor, including as a result of inflationary pressures on wages, could negatively impact our profitability and
cash flows.
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Our secured revolving credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants that could limit our operational flexibility,
including our ability to open stores.
We have a $1.0 billion secured revolving credit facility with a term expiring in March 2025. Substantially all of our
assets are pledged as collateral for outstanding borrowings under the agreement. Outstanding borrowings bear interest at
either a base rate plus a margin of 0% to 0.125% or the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin of 1.125% to
1.25% and the unused line fee is 0.20% per annum. The credit facility agreement contains usual and customary
restrictive covenants relating to our management and the operation of our business. These covenants, among other
things, limit our ability to grant liens on our assets, incur additional indebtedness, pay cash dividends and redeem our
stock, enter into transactions with affiliates, and merge or consolidate with another entity. These covenants could restrict
our operational flexibility and any failure to comply with these covenants or our payment obligations would limit our
ability to borrow under the credit facility and, in certain circumstances, may allow the lenders thereunder to require
repayment.
Economic, Market and Other External Risks
The health of the economy may affect consumer purchases of discretionary items such as beauty products and salon
services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Our results of operations may be materially affected by conditions in the capital markets and the economy generally. We
appeal to a wide demographic consumer profile and offer an extensive selection of beauty products sold directly to retail
consumers and premium salon services. Uncertainty in the economy could adversely impact consumer purchases of
discretionary items across all of our product categories, including prestige beauty products and premium salon services.
Factors that could affect consumers’ willingness to make such discretionary purchases include: general business
conditions, inflationary pressures, levels of employment, interest rates, tax rates, the availability of consumer credit,
consumer confidence in future economic conditions, and risks related to epidemics or pandemics like COVID-19 and
geo-political events. In the event of a prolonged period of inflation, a prolonged economic downturn or an acute
recession, consumer spending habits could be adversely affected, and we could experience lower than expected net sales.
In addition, a general deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect our commercial partners including our
brand partners as well as the real estate developers and landlords who we rely on to construct and operate centers in
which our stores are located. A bankruptcy or financial failure of a significant vendor or a number of significant real
estate developers or shopping center landlords could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
profitability, and cash flows. Additionally, volatility and disruption to the capital and credit markets may have a
significant, adverse impact on global economic conditions, resulting in inflationary or recessionary pressures and
declines in consumer confidence and economic growth, which, in turn, may lead to declines in consumer spending.
Reduced consumer spending could cause changes in customer order patterns and changes in the level of merchandise
purchased by our customers, and may signify a reset of consumer spending habits, all of which may adversely affect our
business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, a negative impact on our business, financial condition,
profitability, cash flows and supply chain, as well as consumer spending.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in federal, state, and local governments implementing numerous measures to try to
contain the virus, such as travel restrictions, border closings, restrictions on public gatherings, quarantining of people
who may have been exposed to the virus, shelter-in-place restrictions, and limitations or shutdowns of business
operations. In response to government recommendations and for the health and safety of our associates (i.e., employees)
and guests, on March 19, 2020 we temporarily closed all stores across the U.S. As a result of this decision, we
experienced a significant reduction in customer traffic and demand which resulted in our sales and results of operations
being negatively impacted in fiscal 2020. While we have reopened all stores and resumed most of our in-store services,
the potential temporary reclosing of certain stores in the future is possible. COVID-19 could also negatively impact our
future results of operations by weakening demand for our products and services and/or by disrupting our supply chain.
The pandemic and its various impacts have also changed consumer behavior and consumption of beauty products due to
the closures of offices, retail stores and other businesses and the significant decline in social gatherings.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and could continue to have, a negative impact on our business, financial condition,
profitability, cash flows and supply chain, although the full extent is still uncertain. As the pandemic continues to evolve
and new variants continue to emerge, the extent of the impact on our business, financial condition, profitability, cash
flows and supply chain will depend on future developments, including, but not limited to, the potential temporary
reclosing of certain of our stores, the potential temporary restrictions on certain of our stores operating hours and/or in
store capacity, the duration of potential future quarantines, shelter-in-place and other travel restrictions within U.S. and
other affected countries, the continued duration of the pandemic, government actions to contain the virus and/or treat its
impact, the duration, timing and severity of the impact on consumer spending, and how quickly and to what extent
normal economic and operating conditions can resume, all of which are still uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Epidemics, pandemics like COVID-19, natural disasters, or other catastrophes or crises that have and could continue
to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Epidemics, pandemics, or other public health crises, natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, wildfires,
earthquakes, and mudslides, as well as acts of violence or terrorism, have resulted in the temporary closure of our stores
and, in the future, could also result in physical damage to our properties, the temporary reclosing of our stores, the
temporary closing of our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers, the temporary lack of an adequate work force,
the temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of products (or a substantial increase in the cost of those products)
from domestic or foreign suppliers, the temporary disruption in the delivery of goods both to and from our distribution
centers and fast fulfillment centers (or a substantial increase in the cost of those deliveries), the temporary reduction in
the availability of products in our stores and/or the temporary reduction in visits to stores by customers. Accordingly, if
one or more epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters, and/or acts of violence or terrorism were to occur (as it is with the
continuing COVID-19 pandemic), it has and could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, profitability, and cash flows or may require us to incur increased costs.
We may be unable to compete effectively in our highly competitive markets.
The markets for beauty products and salon services are highly competitive with few barriers to entry. We compete
against a diverse group of retailers, both small and large, including regional and national department stores, specialty
retailers, drug stores, mass merchandisers, high-end and discount salon chains, locally owned beauty retailers and salons,
online capabilities of national retailers, pure-play e-commerce companies, catalog retailers, and direct response
television, including television home shopping retailers and infomercials. We believe the principal bases upon which we
compete are the breadth of merchandise, our value proposition, the quality of our guests’ shopping experience, and the
convenience of our stores as one-stop destinations for beauty products and salon services. Many of our competitors are,
and many of our potential competitors may be, larger and have greater financial, marketing, and other resources and
therefore, may be able to adapt to changes in customer requirements more quickly, devote greater resources to the
marketing and sale of their products, generate greater national brand recognition, or adopt more aggressive pricing
policies than we can. As a result, we may lose market share, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
A reduction in traffic to, or the closing of, the other destination retailers in the shopping areas where our stores are
located could significantly reduce our sales and leave us with excess inventory, which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
As a result of our real estate strategy, most of our stores are located in off-mall shopping areas known as power centers.
Power centers typically contain three to five big-box anchor stores along with a variety of smaller specialty tenants. As a
consequence of most of our stores being located in such shopping areas, our sales are derived, in part, from the volume
of traffic generated by the other destination retailers and the anchor stores in power centers where our stores are located.
Customer traffic to these shopping areas may be adversely affected by the closing of such destination retailers or anchor
stores, or by a reduction in traffic to such stores resulting from a regional or global economic downturn, an outbreak of
flu or other viruses (such as COVID-19), a general downturn in the local area where our store is located, or a decline in
the desirability of the shopping environment of a particular power center. Such a reduction in customer traffic would
reduce our sales and leave us with excess inventory, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. We may respond by increasing markdowns, initiating marketing
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promotions, or transferring product to other stores to reduce excess inventory, which would further decrease our gross
profits and net income.
Increases in the demand for, or the price of, raw materials used to build and remodel our stores could hurt our
profitability.
The raw materials used to build and remodel our stores are subject to availability constraints and price volatility caused
by weather, supply conditions, government regulations, general economic conditions, inflationary pressures and other
unpredictable factors. As a retailer engaged in an active building and remodeling program, we are particularly vulnerable
to increases in construction and remodeling costs. As a result, increases in the demand for, or the price of, raw materials
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Our stock repurchase programs could affect the price of our common stock and increase volatility and may be
suspended or terminated at any time, which may result in a decrease in the trading price of our common stock.
We may have in place from time to time, a stock repurchase program. Any such stock repurchase program adopted will
not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock and may be suspended
or discontinued at any time, which could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. The timing and actual
number of shares repurchased under any such stock repurchase program depends on a variety of factors including the
timing of open trading windows, price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and other market conditions. We may
affect repurchases under any stock repurchase program from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated
transactions or otherwise, including accelerated stock repurchase arrangements. Repurchases pursuant to any such stock
repurchase program could affect our stock price and increase its volatility. The existence of a stock repurchase program
could also cause our stock price to be higher than it would be in the absence of such a program and could potentially
reduce the market liquidity for our stock. There can be no assurance that any stock repurchases will enhance stockholder
value because the market price of our common stock may decline below the levels at which we repurchased shares of
common stock. Although our stock repurchase program is intended to enhance stockholder value, short-term stock price
fluctuations could reduce the program’s effectiveness.
Climate change might adversely impact our business operations and/or our supply chain.
Scientific consensus shows that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have caused and will in the
future cause changes in weather patterns around the globe. Climatologists predict these changes will result in the
increased frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters which could disrupt our business operations or those
of our suppliers. These weather events could also lead to an increased rate of temporary store closures and reduced
customer traffic at our stores. In addition, concern about climate change and greenhouse gases may result in new or
additional legal, legislative, and/or regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of climate change on the
environment. Any such new requirements could increase our operating costs for things like energy or packaging, as well
as our product supply chain and distribution costs.
There is also increased focus, including by investors, guests, and other stakeholders, on climate change and other
environmental, social, governance (ESG) and sustainability matters, including single use plastic, energy, waste and
worker safety.
Concern about climate change might cause consumer preferences to change, including moving away from products or
ingredients considered to have high climate change impact and towards products that are more sustainably made, and we
expect to incur additional costs in connection with our ESG and sustainability initiatives.
Our reputation could be damaged if we do not (or are perceived not to) act responsibly with respect to these matters and,
taken together, these matters could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, profitability and
cash flows, as well as our ability to meet the needs of our customers.
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Information Security, Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, Regulatory and Legal Risks
Cybersecurity or information security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information, result in the
unauthorized disclosure of confidential guest, employee, Company and/or business partners’ information, damage
our reputation, and expose us to liability, which could negatively impact our business.
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, process, and store sensitive and confidential data, including our
proprietary business information and that of our guests, suppliers and business partners, and personally identifiable
information of our guests and employees, in our data centers and on our networks. The secure processing, maintenance,
and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. We rely on commercially available systems, software,
tools, and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission, and storage of confidential information. Despite
the security measures we have in place and continual vigilance in regard to the protection of sensitive information, our
systems and those of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to security breaches, denial-of-service attacks ,
break-ins, phishing attacks, social engineering, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, human
errors, or other similar events. Furthermore, we allow certain of our employees to work remotely, as certain of our third-
party service providers also allow, and this remote working environment may increase cybersecurity related risks. Any
such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost,
or stolen. Any such access, disclosure, or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability
under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and cause a
loss of confidence in our business, products, and services, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition,
profitability, and cash flows.
We are subject to risks relating to our information technology systems, and any failure to adequately protect our
critical information technology systems, successfully upgrade our information technology systems or any material
disruption of our information systems could negatively impact financial results and materially adversely affect our
business operations, particularly during the holiday season.
We are dependent on a variety of information systems, including management, supply chain and financial information,
and various other processes and transactions, to effectively manage our business. We also plan to expand and upgrade
our information systems (including replacing our enterprise resource planning platform through Project SOAR) to
support historical and expected future growth. The failure of these projects, the failure of our information systems to
perform as designed or breaches of security could have an adverse effect on our business and results of our operations.
Any material disruption of our systems could disrupt our ability to track, record, and analyze the merchandise that we
sell and could cause delays or cancellation of customer orders or impede the manufacture or shipment of products, the
processing of transactions, our ability to receive and process e-commerce orders, and/or the reporting of financial results.
Our e-commerce operations are increasingly important to our business. The Ulta.com website and our mobile
applications serve as an effective extension of Ulta Beauty’s marketing and prospecting strategies by exposing potential
new customers to the Ulta Beauty brand, product offerings, and enhanced content. As the importance of our website,
mobile applications, and e-commerce operations to our business continues to grow, we are increasingly vulnerable to
downtime and other technical failures. Our failure to successfully respond to these risks could reduce e-commerce sales
and damage our brand’s reputation.
Failure to maintain satisfactory compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations may
subject us to negative financial consequences, including civil or criminal penalties, and harm our brand and
reputation.
Complex local, state and national laws and regulations apply to the collection, use, retention, protection, disclosure,
transfer and other processing of personal data. These privacy and data protection laws and regulations are quickly
evolving, with new or modified laws and regulations proposed and implemented frequently (such as those enacted by
California and certain other states) and existing laws and regulations subject to new or different interpretations and
enforcement. Complying with these laws and regulations may cause us to incur substantial costs, require changes to our
business practices and limit our ability to obtain data used to provide a differentiated guest experience. In addition, our
failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations or other obligations to which we may be subject relating to
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personal data, or to protect personal data from unauthorized access, use or other processing, could result in enforcement
actions and regulatory investigations against us, claims for damages by guests and other affected individuals, fines and/or
damage to our brand and reputation, any of which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, profitability,
and cash flows.
Litigation and other legal or regulatory proceedings or claims and the outcome of such litigation, proceedings or
claims, including possible fines and penalties, could have a material adverse effect on our business and any loss
contingency accruals may not be adequate to cover actual losses.
From time to time, we are subject to litigation, including potential class action and single-plaintiff litigation and other
legal or regulatory proceedings or claims in the ordinary course of our business operations regarding, but not limited to,
employment matters, consumer claims, security of consumer and employee personal information, contractual relations
with suppliers, marketing and infringement of trademarks, and other intellectual property rights. Litigation to defend
ourselves against claims by third parties, or to enforce any rights that we may have against third parties, may be
necessary, which could absorb significant management time, result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources,
causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. We establish accruals
for potential liability arising from litigation and other legal or regulatory proceedings or claims when potential liability is
probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information. We may still
incur legal costs for a matter even if we have not accrued a liability. In addition, actual losses may be higher than the
amount accrued for a certain matter, or in the aggregate. Any resolution of litigation or other legal or regulatory
proceedings or claims could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Specifically, our technologies, promotional products purchased from third-party vendors, and/or Ulta Beauty branded
products, or potential products in development may infringe rights under patents, patent applications, trademark,
copyright, or other intellectual property rights of third parties in the United States and abroad. These third parties could
bring claims against us that would cause us to incur substantial expenses and, if successful, could cause us to pay
substantial damages. Further, if a third party were to bring an intellectual property infringement suit against us, we could
be forced to stop or delay development, manufacturing, or sales of the product that is the subject of the suit.
As a result of intellectual property infringement claims, or to avoid potential claims, we may choose to seek, or be
required to seek, a license from the third party and would most likely be required to pay license fees or royalties or both.
These licenses may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Ultimately, we could be prevented from
commercializing a product or be forced to cease some aspect of our business operations if, as a result of actual or
threatened intellectual property infringement claims, we are unable to enter into licenses on acceptable terms. Even if we
were able to obtain a license, the rights may be non-exclusive, which would give our competitors access to the same
intellectual property. The inability to enter into licenses could harm our business significantly.
If our manufacturers are unable to produce products manufactured uniquely for Ulta Beauty, including Ulta Beauty
branded products and gifts with purchase and other promotional products, consistent with applicable regulatory
requirements, we could suffer lost sales and be required to take costly corrective action, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities and therefore depend upon independent third-party vendors for
the manufacture of all products manufactured uniquely for Ulta Beauty, including the Ulta Beauty Collection and Ulta
Beauty branded gifts with purchase and other promotional products. Our third-party manufacturers of Ulta Beauty
products may not maintain adequate controls with respect to product specifications, content, labeling and/or quality and
may not continue to produce products that are consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. If we or our third-party
manufacturers fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, we could be required to take costly corrective
action. In addition, sanctions under various laws may include seizure of products, injunctions against future shipment of
products, restitution and disgorgement of profits, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecution. The FDA does not
have a pre-market approval system for cosmetics, and we believe we are permitted to market our cosmetics and have
them manufactured without submitting safety or efficacy data to the FDA. However, cosmetic products may become
subject to more extensive regulation in the future. These events could interrupt the marketing and sale of our Ulta Beauty
products, severely damage our brand reputation and image in the marketplace, increase the cost of our products, cause us
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to fail to meet customer expectations, or cause us to be unable to deliver merchandise in sufficient quantities or of
sufficient quality to our stores, any of which could result in lost sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
We, as well as our vendors, are subject to laws and regulations that could require us to modify our current business
practices and incur increased costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition,
profitability, and cash flows.
In our U.S. markets, numerous laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels can affect our business. Legal
requirements are frequently changed and subject to interpretation, and we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of
compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations. If we fail to comply with any present or future laws
or regulations, we could be subject to future liabilities, a prohibition on the operation of our stores, or a prohibition on
the sale of our Ulta Beauty branded products. In particular, failure to adequately comply with the following legal
requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Our large workforce makes us vulnerable to changes in labor and employment laws. In addition, changes in
federal and state minimum wage laws and other laws relating to employee benefits could cause us to incur
additional wage and benefits costs, which could hurt our profitability and affect our growth strategy.
Our salon operations are subject to state board regulations and state licensing requirements for our stylists and
our salon procedures. Failure to maintain compliance with these regulatory and licensing requirements could
jeopardize the viability of our salons.
We operate stores in California, which has enacted legislation commonly referred to as “Proposition 65”
requiring that “clear and reasonable” warnings be given to consumers who are exposed to chemicals known to
the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. Although we have sought to comply with
Proposition 65 requirements, there can be no assurance that we will not be adversely affected by litigation
relating to Proposition 65.
Future changes in healthcare reform legislation could significantly impact our business.
The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, sale, and storage of our vendors’ products and our
Ulta Beauty branded products are also subject to extensive regulation by various federal agencies, including FDA, FTC,
CPSC, and various state and local agencies, such as State AGs and District Attorneys. If we, our vendors, or the
manufacturers of our Ulta Beauty branded products fail to comply with those regulations, we could become subject to
significant penalties, claims, or product recalls, which could harm our results of operations, our reputation and/or our
ability to conduct our business.
Additionally, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in
significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may impair the marketability of our vendors’
products or our Ulta Beauty branded products, resulting in significant loss of net sales. Our failure to comply with
federal, state, or local requirements when we advertise our products (including prices) or services, or engage in other
promotional activities, in digital (including social media), television, or print may result in enforcement actions and
imposition of penalties or otherwise harm the distribution and sale of our products.
Our associates or others may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with our
policies and procedures.
We are exposed to the risk of misconduct or other improper activities by our associates and third parties such as
independent contractors or agents. Misconduct by associates, independent contractors, or agents could include
inadvertent or intentional failures to comply with our policies and procedures, the laws and regulations to which we are
subject, and/or ethical, social, product, labor, and environmental standards. Our current and former associates or
independent contractors may also become subject to allegations of sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination,
or other similar misconduct, which, regardless or the ultimate outcome, may result in adverse publicity that could
significantly harm our brand, reputation, and operations. Associate misconduct could also involve improper use of
information obtained in the course of the associate’s prior or current employment, which could result in legal or
regulatory action and harm to our reputation.
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If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our brand and reputation could be harmed, which could
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
We regard our trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, trade secrets, know-how, and similar intellectual property as critical
to our success. Our principal intellectual property rights include registered and common law trademarks on “The
Possibilities are Beautiful.®,” “Ulta Beauty,” “Ulta,” and other marks incorporating our name and “All Things Beauty.
All in One Place®,” “21 Days of Beauty®,” and “Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty®,” copyrights in our website and
mobile applications content, rights to our domain name www.ulta.com, and trade secrets and know-how with respect to
our Ulta Beauty branded product formulations, product sourcing, sales and marketing and other aspects of our business,
and our digital innovations such as try-on applications and artificial intelligence. As such, we rely on trademark and
copyright law, trade secret protection, and confidentiality agreements with certain of our employees, consultants,
suppliers, and others to protect our proprietary rights. If we are unable to protect or preserve the value of our trademarks,
copyrights, trade secrets, or other proprietary rights for any reason (including any cybersecurity incident that results in
the unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights), or if other parties infringe on our intellectual property rights, our
brand and reputation could be impaired and we could lose customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
In addition, we license certain of our trademarks to some of our business partners. While we enter into comprehensive
agreements with our business partners covering, among other things, use of our brand name, the value of our brand and
our reputation could be impaired to the extent that our business partners do not operate their businesses, including their
stores or websites, in a manner consistent with our requirements regarding our brand identities and customer experience
standards. Failure to protect the value of our brands, or any other harmful acts or omissions by a business partner, could
have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, cash flows and reputation.
Our Ulta Beauty branded products and salon services may cause unexpected and undesirable side effects that could
result in their discontinuance or expose us to lawsuits, either of which could result in unexpected costs and damage to
our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and
cash flows.
Unexpected and undesirable side effects caused by our Ulta Beauty branded products for which we have not provided
sufficient label warnings or salon services, which may have been performed negligently, could result in the
discontinuance of sales of our products or of certain salon services or prevent us from achieving or maintaining market
acceptance of the affected products and services. Such side effects could also expose us to product liability or negligence
lawsuits. Any claims brought against us may exceed our existing or future insurance policy coverage or limits. Any
judgment against us that is in excess of our policy limits would have to be paid from our cash reserves, which would
reduce our capital resources. These events could cause negative publicity regarding our Company, brand, or products,
which could in turn harm our reputation and net sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law may discourage or prevent a change in
control, even if a sale of the Company would be beneficial to our stockholders, which could cause our stock price to
decline and prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management.
Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may delay or prevent a change in control, discourage
bids at a premium over the market price of our common stock, and harm the market price of our common stock and
diminish the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. These provisions include:
dividing our Board of Directors into three classes serving staggered three-year terms;
authorizing our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock and additional shares of our common stock without
stockholder approval;
prohibiting stockholder actions by written consent;
prohibiting our stockholders from calling a special meeting of stockholders;
prohibiting our stockholders from making certain changes to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws except
with a two-thirds majority stockholder approval; and
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requiring advance notice for raising business matters or nominating directors at stockholders’ meetings.
We are also subject to provisions of Delaware law that, in general, prohibit any business combination with a beneficial
owner of 15% or more of our common stock for three years after the stockholder becomes a 15% stockholder, subject to
specified exceptions. Together, these provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and of Delaware law
could make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve
payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
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Item 2. Properties
All of our retail stores, distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers, and corporate offices are leased or subleased.
Retail stores
Our retail stores are predominantly located in convenient, high-traffic locations such as power centers. Our typical store
is approximately 10,000 square feet, including approximately 950 square feet dedicated to our full-service salon. Most of
our retail store leases provide for a fixed minimum annual rent and generally have a 10-year initial term with options for
two or three extension periods of five years each, exercisable at our option. As of January 29, 2022, we operated 1,308
retail stores across 50 states, as shown in the table below:
Location
Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delaware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Idaho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iowa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Massachusetts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of
stores
24
3
30
11
163
26
18
3
90
42
4
9
55
24
11
13
15
18
3
27
23
49
19
11
25
Location
Montana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nevada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Hampshire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New York . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oklahoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oregon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rhode Island . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South Dakota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tennessee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vermont . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Washington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
West Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wyoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of
stores
6
5
15
8
43
7
52
40
3
45
21
16
45
3
22
3
28
119
14
1
30
36
7
20
3
1,308
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Distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers
Our standard distribution center and fast fulfillment center lease provides for a fixed minimum annual rent and generally
has a 10 or 15-year initial term with three or four renewal options with terms of five years each. The general location,
approximate size, and lease expiration date for each distribution center (DC) and fast fulfillment center (FFC) at
January 29, 2022, are set forth below:
Location
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dallas, Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fresno, California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Greenwood, Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jacksonville, Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Romeoville, Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Type
DC
DC
DC
DC
FFC
FFC
Corporate office
Approximate
Square Feet
503,605
671,000
671,000
671,000
203,463
291,000
Lease Expiration
Date
June 30, 2027
July 31, 2026
July 31, 2028
July 31, 2025
September 30, 2029
May 31, 2023
Our principal executive office is in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The corporate office is approximately 341,000 square feet with
lease terms expiring in 2028. Additionally, we have a satellite corporate office in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago office is
approximately 23,000 square feet with lease expiration in 2026.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements, “Commitments and contingencies - General litigation,” for
information on legal proceedings.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 4A. Executive Officers
The names of our executive officers, their ages and their positions, as of March 1, 2022, are shown below:
Name
David C. Kimbell. . . . .
Scott M. Settersten . . .
Jodi J. Caro . . . . . . . . .
Jeffrey J. Childs . . . . . .
Kecia L. Steelman . . . .
Age Position
55 Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors
61 Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
56 General Counsel, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary
64 Chief Human Resources Officer
51 Chief Operating Officer
There is no family relationship between any of the directors or executive officers and any other director or executive
officer of Ulta Beauty.
David C. Kimbell. Mr. Kimbell was named Chief Executive Officer in June 2021 after having previously served as
President since December 2019, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer since March 2015 and Chief Marketing
Officer since February 2014. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, he served as Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice
President at U.S. Cellular, Chief Marketing Officer of Seventh Generation, Vice President of Marketing at PepsiCo, and
held a number of brand management roles in the Beauty Division of The Procter and Gamble Company from 1995 to
2001. Mr. Kimbell currently serves on the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago and
Chicago Lights, and is a member of The Economic Club of Chicago.
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Scott M. Settersten. Mr. Settersten was named Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary in March 2013,
after serving as Acting Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary since October 2012. Mr. Settersten oversees the
company’s finance, accounting, tax, treasury, procurement, internal audit, loss prevention, investor relations, and real
estate teams, including the optimization of the company’s store fleet. Previously, Mr. Settersten served as Vice President
of Accounting since 2010, after joining Ulta Beauty in January 2005 as a Director of Financial Reporting. Prior to Ulta
Beauty, Mr. Settersten spent 15 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as a certified public accountant serving in
various senior manager roles in the assurance and risk management practices.
Jodi J. Caro. Ms. Caro was named General Counsel, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer in August 2015. She also serves
as Corporate Secretary and Chief Privacy Officer. Ms. Caro oversees Ulta Beauty’s Legal, Risk & Governance Services
team in delivering legal, governance, compliance, risk management and property management services, as well as
leading all Environmental, Social, and Governance efforts. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, she was Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary for Integrys Energy Group, in addition to holding the role of Integrys’ Chief Compliance and
Ethics Officer. Prior to joining Integrys in 2008, Ms. Caro owned and operated her own law practice, which provided
general counsel and corporate services to clients ranging from established multi-million-dollar companies to medium and
small early-stage enterprises. Prior to opening her law practice in 2006, she was co-founder and General Counsel of
Looking Glass Networks, a privately held, facilities-based telecommunications company, and served as an in-house
attorney with MCI/WORLDCOM. Ms. Caro is also Vice-Chair of the Retail Litigation Center and serves on the
Chicago-Kent College of Law Board of Advisors as well as the board of directors for Communities in Schools of
Chicago.
Jeffrey J. Childs. Mr. Childs was named Chief Human Resource Officer in October 2013. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty,
he was Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at U.S. Cellular after joining as Senior Vice
President of Human Resources in 2004. From 2001 to 2004, he was President and Owner of Childs Consulting Services.
Previously, he served from 1979 to 2001 in a variety of human resources, marketing, sales and operations roles at
AT&T, including Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Services. Mr. Childs is an active member of the
Chicago community, serving on the board of directors of Skills for Chicagoland’s Future.
Kecia Steelman. Ms. Steelman was named Chief Operating Officer in June 2021. Ms. Steelman oversees store and
services operations, supply chain, Ulta Beauty at Target and enterprise-wide optimization efforts. Previously, Ms.
Steelman served as Chief Store Operations Officer since September 2015 and as Senior Vice President, Store Operations
since July 2014. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, Ms. Steelman was Group Vice President at Family Dollar Stores from
2011 to 2014, after joining the company in 2009 as Vice President, Store Development and Store Operations. From 2005
to 2009, Ms. Steelman was Vice President, General Manager of Expo Design Center, Home Depot Design Center, and
YardBIRDs and Director of New Store Innovations at the Home Depot Corporation. Ms. Steelman began her career at
Target Corporation and served in a variety of retail operations and merchandising roles with increasing responsibility
from 1993 to 2005. Ms. Steelman currently serves on the board of directors for Metropolitan Family Services and the
Adler Planetarium, and is a member of The Economic Club of Chicago.
Part II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity
Securities
Market information
Our common stock has traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ULTA” since October 25,
2007.
Holders of the registrant’s common stock
The last reported sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on March 21, 2022 was
$385.67 per share. As of March 21, 2022, we had 31 holders of record of our common stock. Because many shares of
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common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total
number of stockholders represented by these record holders.
Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers
The following table sets forth repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2021:
Period
October 31, 2021 to November 27, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . .
November 28, 2021 to December 25, 2021 . . . . . . . . .
December 26, 2021 to January 29, 2022 . . . . . . . .. . .
13 weeks ended January 29, 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total number
of shares
purchased (1)
55,189 $
1,864,426
195
1,919,810
Average
price paid
per share
393.85
395.89
397.10
395.83
Total number
of shares
purchased as
part of publicly
announced
plans or
programs (2)
54,962 $
1,864,426
–
1,919,388
Approximate
dollar value of
shares that may
yet
be purchased
under plans or
programs
(in thousands) (2)
738,135
25
25
25
(1) There were 1,919,388 shares repurchased as part of our publicly announced share repurchase program during the 13
weeks ended January 29, 2022 and there were 422 shares transferred from employees in satisfaction of minimum
statutory tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock during the period.
(2) On March 12, 2020, we announced our 2020 share repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may
repurchase up to $1.6 billion of the Company’s common stock. As of January 29, 2022, the amount remaining
available under the $1.6 billion 2020 share repurchase program was nominal. On March 7, 2022, the Board of
Directors authorized the 2022 share repurchase program. For additional information on the 2022 share repurchase
program see Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements, “Subsequent event.”
Recent sales of unregistered securities
None.
Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans
The following table provides information about Ulta Beauty common stock that may be issued under our equity
compensation plans as of January 29, 2022:
Plan category
Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of outstanding
options, warrants
and rights (2)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights (3)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans (4)
773,608
$
232.85
2,576,598
(1) Includes options issued and available for exercise and shares available for issuance in connection with past awards
under the Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Award Plan and predecessor equity incentive plans. We currently
grant awards only under the Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Award Plan.
(2) Includes 498,156 shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of outstanding stock options, 221,292 shares issuable
pursuant to restricted stock units, and 54,160 shares issuable pursuant to performance-based units.
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(3) Calculation of weighted-average exercise price of outstanding awards includes stock options but does not include
shares of restricted stock units or performance-based units that convert to shares of common stock for no
consideration.
(4) Represents shares that are available for issuance pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Award Plan.
The shares available under the plan are reduced by 1.0 for each stock option awarded and by 1.5 for each restricted
stock unit and performance-based unit awarded.
Stock performance graph
The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed”
with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of
1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by
reference into such filing.
Set forth below is a graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return on Ulta Beauty’s common stock with the
S&P 500 and the S&P 500 Retailing (Industry Group, SP500-2550) for the period covering January 28, 2017 through the
end of Ulta Beauty’s fiscal year ended January 29, 2022. The graph assumes an investment of $100 made at the closing
of trading on January 28, 2017 in (i) Ulta Beauty’s common stock, (ii) the stocks comprising the S&P 500 and (iii) the
stocks comprising the S&P 500 Retailing (Industry Group, SP500-2550). All values assume reinvestment of the full
amount of all dividends, if any, into additional shares of the same class of equity securities at the frequency with which
dividends are paid on such securities during the applicable time period.
$400
$300
$200
$100
$0
7
1
-
n
a
J
8
1
-
n
a
J
9
1
-
n
a
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Ulta
S&P 500
S&P Retailing
Company / Index
Ulta Beauty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
S&P 500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S&P 500 Retailing . . . . . . . . . . . .
January 28,
2017
100.00 $
100.00
100.00
February 3,
Fiscal year ended
February 2,
February 1,
January 30,
January 29,
2018
81.57 $
123.91
143.84
2019
107.21 $
118.66
154.70
2020
98.40 $
141.54
180.19
2021
102.75 $
162.99
253.16
2022
131.79
194.48
266.50
Item 6. [Reserved]
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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction
with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Overview
We were founded in 1990 as a beauty retailer at a time when prestige, mass, and salon products were sold through
distinct channels – department stores for prestige products; drug stores and mass merchandisers for mass products; and
salons and authorized retail outlets for professional hair care products. We developed a unique specialty retail concept
that offers a broad range of brands and price points, select beauty services, and a convenient and welcoming shopping
environment. We define our target consumer as a beauty enthusiast, a consumer who is passionate about the beauty
category, uses beauty for self-expression, experimentation and self-investment, and has high expectations for the
shopping experience. We estimate that female beauty enthusiasts represent approximately 60% of shoppers and 75% of
spend in the U.S. beauty category. We believe our strategy provides us with the competitive advantages that have
contributed to our financial performance.
Today, we are the largest beauty retailer in the United States and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance,
skin care products, hair care products, and salon services. Key aspects of our business include: a differentiated
assortment of more than 25,000 beauty products across a variety of categories and price points as well as a variety of
beauty services, including salon services, in more than 1,300 stores predominantly located in convenient, high-traffic
locations; engaging digital experiences delivered through our website, ulta.com, and our mobile applications; our best-in-
class loyalty program that enables members to earn points for every dollar spent on products and beauty services and
provides us with deep, proprietary customer insights; and our ability to cultivate human connection with warm and
welcoming guest experiences across all of our channels.
The continued growth of our business and any future increases in net sales, net income, and cash flows is dependent on
our ability to execute our strategic priorities: 1) drive breakthrough and disruptive growth through an expanded definition
of All Things Beauty, 2) evolve the omnichannel experience through connected physical and digital ecosystems, All In
Your World, 3) expand and deepen our presence across the beauty journey, solidifying Ulta Beauty at the Heart of the
Beauty Community, 4) drive operational excellence and optimization, 5) protect and cultivate our world-class culture
and talent, and 6) expand our environmental and social impact. We believe that the attractive and growing U.S. beauty
products and salon services industry, the expanding definition of beauty and role that omnichannel capabilities play in
consumers’ lives, coupled with Ulta Beauty’s competitive strengths, position us to capture additional market share in the
industry.
Comparable sales is a key metric that is monitored closely within the retail industry. Our comparable sales have
fluctuated in the past, and we expect them to continue to fluctuate in the future. A variety of factors affect our
comparable sales, including general U.S. economic conditions, changes in merchandise strategy or mix, and timing and
effectiveness of our marketing activities, among others.
Over the long term, our growth strategy is to increase total net sales through growing our comparable sales, expanding
omnichannel capabilities, and opening new stores. Long-term operating profit is expected to increase as a result of our
efforts to optimize our real estate portfolio, expand merchandise margin and leverage our fixed store costs with
comparable sales increases and operating efficiencies, partially offset by incremental investments in people, systems, and
supply chain required to support a 1,500 to 1,700 store chain in the U.S. with successful e-commerce and competitive
omnichannel capabilities.
Current Trends
Impact of COVID-19
As previously discussed, our results of operations for fiscal 2020 were significantly impacted by the effects of the
COVID-19 pandemic. During fiscal 2021, we continued to closely monitor the impact of COVID-19 on all facets of our
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business. As we navigated the impact of the pandemic, we proactively took steps to optimize our cost structure, while
also investing in new capabilities to support future growth.
During fiscal 2021, we experienced an increase in sales driven primarily by the favorable impact from stronger consumer
confidence, government stimulus payments, and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. While operations during fiscal
2021 did not appear to be as negatively impacted, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic could have additional negative
impacts in the future. The extent of the impact of the pandemic on our business and financial results will depend on
future developments, including, but not limited to, the potential temporary reclosing of certain stores, the potential
temporary restrictions on certain store operating hours and/or in-store capacity, the duration of potential future
quarantines, shelter-in-place and other travel restrictions within the U.S. and other affected countries, supply chain
disruptions, increased freight costs and higher wholesale costs, the continued duration of the pandemic and any variants
of the virus, the duration, timing and severity of the impact on consumer spending, the timing and effectiveness of
vaccine distribution, vaccination rates, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions
can resume.
Industry trends
Our research indicates that Ulta Beauty has captured meaningful market share across all categories over the last several
years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its various impacts have changed consumer behavior and consumption of
beauty products due to the closures of offices, retail stores and other businesses and the significant decline in travel,
entertainment and social gatherings. The overall beauty market declined in 2020 but stabilized in 2021, as consumers
began to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. We remain confident that our differentiated and diverse business
model, our commitment to strategic investments, and our highly engaged associates will continue to drive market share
gains over the long term.
Impact of inflation and changing prices
Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations to
date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross
margin and selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales if the selling prices of our products
do not increase with these increased costs. In addition, inflation could materially increase the interest rates on any future
debt.
Basis of presentation
The Company has one reportable segment, which includes retail stores, salon services, and e-commerce.
We recognize merchandise revenue at the point of sale in our retail stores. E-commerce sales are recognized upon
shipment or guest pickup of the merchandise based on meeting the transfer of control criteria. Retail store and e-
commerce sales are recorded net of estimated returns. Shipping and handling are treated as costs to fulfill the contract
and not a separate performance obligation. Accordingly, we recognize revenue for our single performance obligation
related to online sales at the time control of the merchandise passes to the customer, which is at the time of shipment or
guest pickup. We provide refunds for merchandise returns within 60 days from the original purchase date. State sales
taxes are presented on a net basis as we consider our self a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting state sales
tax. Salon service revenue is recognized at the time the service is provided to the guest. Gift card sales revenue is
deferred until the guest redeems the gift card. Company coupons and other incentives are recorded as a reduction of net
sales. Other revenue sources include the private label and co-branded credit card programs and royalties derived from the
partnership with Target, as well as deferred revenue related to the loyalty program and gift card breakage.
Comparable sales reflect sales for stores beginning on the first day of the 14th month of operation. Therefore, a store is
included in our comparable store base on the first day of the period after one year of operations plus the initial one-
month grand opening period. Non-comparable store sales include sales from new stores that have not yet completed their
13th month of operation and stores that were closed for part or all of the period in either year. Remodeled stores are
included in comparable sales unless the store was closed for a portion of the current or prior period. Comparable sales
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include retail sales and salon services (including stores temporarily closed due to COVID-19), and e-commerce. There
may be variations in the way in which some of our competitors and other retailers calculate comparable or same store
sales.
Measuring comparable sales allows us to evaluate the performance of our store base as well as several other aspects of
our overall strategy. Several factors could positively or negatively impact our comparable sales results:
the general national, regional, and local economic conditions and corresponding impact on customer spending
levels;
the introduction of new products or brands;
the location of new stores in existing store markets;
competition;
our ability to respond on a timely basis to changes in consumer preferences;
the effectiveness of our various merchandising and marketing activities; and
the number of new stores opened and the impact on the average age of all of our comparable stores.
Cost of sales includes:
the cost of merchandise sold, including substantially all vendor allowances, which are treated as a reduction of
merchandise costs;
distribution costs including labor and related benefits, freight, rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate
taxes, utilities, and insurance;
shipping and handling costs;
retail stores occupancy costs including rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and
maintenance, insurance, and licenses;
salon services payroll and benefits; and
shrink and inventory valuation reserves.
Our cost of sales may be negatively impacted as we open new stores. Changes in our merchandise or channel mix may
also have an impact on cost of sales. This presentation of items included in cost of sales may not be comparable to the
way in which our competitors or other retailers compute their cost of sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses include:
payroll, bonus, and benefit costs for retail store and corporate employees;
advertising and marketing costs;
occupancy costs related to our corporate office facilities;
stock-based compensation expense;
depreciation and amortization for all assets, except those related to our retail stores and distribution operations,
which are included in cost of sales; and
legal, finance, information systems, and other corporate overhead costs.
This presentation of items in selling, general and administrative expenses may not be comparable to the way in which
our competitors or other retailers compute their selling, general and administrative expenses.
Impairment, restructuring and other costs include long-lived asset impairment charges, restructuring costs associated
with store closings, costs associated with the suspension of our Canadian expansion, and employee related severance
costs.
Pre-opening expenses include non-capital expenditures during the period prior to store opening for new, remodeled, and
relocated stores including rent during the construction period for new and relocated stores, store set-up labor,
management and employee training, and grand opening advertising.
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Interest expense, net includes both interest expense and income. Interest expense includes interest costs and facility fees
associated with our credit facility, which is structured as an asset-based lending instrument. Our credit facility interest is
based on a variable interest rate structure which can result in increased cost in periods of rising interest rates. Interest
income represents interest from cash equivalents and short-term investments with maturities of twelve months or less
from the date of purchase.
Income tax expense reflects the federal statutory tax rate and the weighted average state statutory tax rate for the states in
which we operate stores.
Results of operations
Our fiscal years are the 52- or 53-week periods ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The Company’s
fiscal years ended January 29, 2022 (fiscal 2021), January 30, 2021 (fiscal 2020), and February 1, 2020 (fiscal 2019)
were all 52-week years.
As of January 29, 2022, we operated 1,308 stores across 50 states. The following tables present the components of our
consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated:
(Dollars in thousands)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,630,889 $ 6,151,953 $ 7,398,068
4,717,004
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,681,064
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4,202,794
1,949,159
5,262,335
3,368,554
January 29,
2022
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
February 1,
2020
Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-opening expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense (income), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,061,545
—
9,517
1,297,492
1,663
1,295,829
309,992
985,837 $
1,583,017
114,322
15,000
236,820
5,735
231,085
55,250
175,835 $
1,760,716
—
19,254
901,094
(5,056)
906,150
200,205
705,945
Other operating data:
Number of stores end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comparable sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,308
37.9%
1,264
(17.9)%
1254
5.0%
(Percentage of net sales)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
January 29,
2022
100.0%
61.0%
39.0%
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
100.0%
68.3%
31.7%
February 1,
2020
100.0%
63.8%
36.2%
Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-opening expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense (income), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23.9%
0.0%
0.1%
15.0%
0.0%
15.0%
3.6%
11.4%
25.7%
1.9%
0.2%
3.9%
0.1%
3.8%
0.9%
2.9%
23.8%
0.0%
0.3%
12.1%
(0.1)%
12.2%
2.7%
9.5%
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Fiscal year 2021 versus fiscal year 2020
Net sales
Net sales increased $2.5 billion, or 40.3%, to $8.6 billion in fiscal 2021 compared to $6.2 billion in fiscal 2020. The net
sales increase was primarily due to the favorable impact from stronger consumer confidence, government stimulus
payments, and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and an increase of $15.1 million in other revenue. The total
comparable sales increase of 37.9% in fiscal 2021, compared to a decrease of 17.9% in fiscal 2020, was driven by a
30.0% increase in transactions and a 6.0% increase in average ticket.
Gross profit
Gross profit increased $1.4 billion, or 72.8%, to $3.4 billion in fiscal 2021, compared to $1.9 billion in fiscal 2020. Gross
profit as a percentage of net sales increased 730 basis points to 39.0% in fiscal 2021 compared to 31.7% in fiscal 2020.
The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to:
300 basis points leverage of fixed costs attributed to the impact of higher sales;
190 basis points of improvements in merchandise margins driven by lower promotional activity and cost
optimization efforts;
140 basis points of leverage due to favorable channel mix shifts; and
100 basis points of leverage in salon expenses attributed to the impact of higher sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $0.5 billion, or 30.2%, to $2.1 billion in fiscal 2021
compared to $1.6 billion in fiscal 2020. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses decreased 180 basis points to
23.9% in fiscal 2021 compared to 25.7% in fiscal 2020. The leverage in SG&A expenses was primarily due to:
180 basis points of leverage of corporate overhead due to higher sales;
90 basis points of leverage of store payroll and benefits due to higher sales; and
50 basis points of leverage of store expenses due to higher sales; partially offset by
80 basis points of deleverage due to less employee retention credits received under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief
and Economic Security Act (CARES Act); and
60 basis points of deleverage due to higher incentive compensation.
Impairment, restructuring and other costs
There were no impairment, restructuring and other costs recognized in fiscal 2021 compared to $114.3 million for fiscal
2020, which consisted of $41.9 million due to the impairment of tangible long-lived assets and operating lease assets
associated with certain retail stores, $29.1 million related to the suspension of the planned expansion to Canada, $27.5
million related to the permanent closure of 19 stores, and $15.8 million of severance charges.
Pre-opening expenses
Pre-opening expenses decreased $5.5 million, or 36.6%, to $9.5 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $15.0 million in
fiscal 2020 due to current year real estate activity and stores expected to open in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 compared
to the first quarter of fiscal 2021.
Interest expense, net
Interest expense, net was $1.7 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $5.7 million of interest expense, net in fiscal 2020.
Interest expense represents interest on borrowings and fees related to the credit facility. Interest income results from
short-term investments. We did not have any outstanding borrowings on our credit facility as of January 29, 2022 and
January 30, 2021.
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Income tax expense
Income tax expense of $310.0 million in fiscal 2021 represents an effective tax rate of 23.9%, compared to fiscal 2020
income tax expense of $55.3 million and an effective tax rate of 23.9%. The higher income tax expense is primarily due
to higher operating income compared to fiscal 2020.
Net income
Net income increased $810.0 million to $985.8 million in fiscal 2021 compared to $175.8 million in fiscal 2020. The
increase in net income was primarily due to a $1.4 billion increase in gross profit and a $114.3 million decrease in
impairment, restructuring and other costs, partially offset by a $0.5 billion increase in SG&A expenses and $254.7
million increase in income taxes.
Fiscal year 2020 versus fiscal year 2019
Net sales
Net sales decreased $1.2 billion, or 16.8%, to $6.2 billion in fiscal 2020 compared to $7.4 billion in fiscal 2019. The net
sales decrease was driven by the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the temporary closing of our
brick-and-mortar retail stores, social distancing and quarantines, reduction of operating hours, and limitations on in-store
capacity, and a decrease of $6.6 million in other revenue. Total comparable sales in fiscal 2020 decreased 17.9%
compared to an increase of 5.0% in fiscal 2019. During fiscal 2020, transactions declined 24.5% and average ticket
increased 8.8%.
Gross profit
Gross profit decreased $0.7 billion, or 27.3%, to $1.9 billion in fiscal 2020, compared to $2.7 billion in fiscal 2019.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 450 basis points to 31.7% in fiscal 2020 compared to 36.2% in fiscal
2019. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to:
220 basis points of deleverage due to channel mix shifts;
220 basis points deleverage of fixed costs and 90 basis points of deleverage in salon services, both attributed to
the impact of lower sales; partially offset by
80 basis points of leverage driven by lower promotional activity and cost optimization efforts.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A expenses decreased $0.2 billion, or 10.1%, to $1.6 billion in fiscal 2020 compared to $1.8 billion in fiscal 2019.
As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased 190 basis points to 25.7% in fiscal 2020 compared to 23.8% in
fiscal 2019. The deleverage in SG&A expenses was primarily due to:
170 basis points of deleverage primarily due to higher corporate overhead;
80 basis points of deleverage of store payroll and benefits and variable store expenses due to the impact of
lower sales and personal protective equipment and COVID-related expenses; and
30 basis points of deleverage of marketing expenses attributed to the impact of lower sales volume; partially
offset by
90 basis points of leverage related to the employee retention credits made available under the CARES Act.
Impairment, restructuring and other costs
Impairment, restructuring and other costs were $114.3 million for fiscal 2020, which consisted of $41.9 million due to
the impairment of tangible long-lived assets and operating lease assets associated with certain retail stores, $29.1 million
related to the suspension of the planned expansion to Canada, $27.5 million related to the permanent closure of 19 stores,
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and $15.8 million of severance charges. All restructuring expenses were recognized in fiscal 2020. There
was no impairment, restructuring and other costs in fiscal 2019.
Pre-opening expenses
Pre-opening expenses decreased $4.3 million, or 22.1%, to $15.0 million in fiscal 2020 compared to $19.3 million in
fiscal 2019 due to current year real estate activity and stores expected to open in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. During
fiscal 2020, we opened 30 new stores and relocated five stores. During fiscal 2019, we opened 86 new stores, remodeled
12 stores, and relocated eight stores.
Interest expense (income), net
Interest expense, net was $5.7 million in fiscal 2020 compared to $5.1 million of interest income, net in fiscal 2019.
Interest expense represents interest on borrowings and fees related to the credit facility. Interest income results from
short-term investments. We did not have any outstanding borrowings on our credit facility as of January 30, 2021 and
February 1, 2020.
Income tax expense
Income tax expense of $55.3 million in fiscal 2020 represents an effective tax rate of 23.9%, compared to fiscal 2019
income tax expense of $200.2 million and an effective tax rate of 22.1%. The higher effective tax rate is primarily due to
less investment tax credits received and tax expense from the income tax accounting for stock-based compensation
compared to a benefit in fiscal 2019.
Net income
Net income decreased $530.1 million, or 75.1%, to $175.8 million in fiscal 2020 compared to $705.9 million in fiscal
2019. The decrease in net income was primarily due to a $731.9 million decrease in gross profit and a $114.3 million
increase in impairment, restructuring and other costs, partially offset by a $177.6 million decrease in SG&A expenses
and $145.0 million decrease in income taxes.
Liquidity and capital resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations, and borrowings under our
credit facility. The most significant components of our working capital are merchandise inventories and cash and cash
equivalents reduced by accounts payable, accrued expenses and deferred revenue.
Our primary cash needs are for rent, capital expenditures for new, remodeled, and relocated stores, increased
merchandise inventories related to store expansion and new brand additions, supply chain improvements, share
repurchases, and continued improvement in our information technology systems.
Our most significant ongoing short-term cash requirements relate primarily to funding operations (including
expenditures for lease expenses, inventory, labor, distribution, advertising and marketing, and tax liabilities) as well as
periodic spend for capital expenditures, investments, and share repurchases. Our working capital needs are greatest from
August through November as a result of inventory build-up during this period for the holiday season.
Long-term cash requirements primarily relate to funding lease expenses and other purchase commitments.
We generally fund short-term and long-term cash requirements with cash from operating activities. We believe our
primary sources of liquidity will satisfy our cash requirements over both the short-term (the next twelve months) and
long-term.
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The following table summarizes contractual cash requirements as of January 29, 2022:
(In thousands)
Operating lease obligations (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,130,097 $ 332,651 $ 681,117 $ 554,022 $ 562,307
—
Purchase obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2,181,153 $ 366,266 $ 696,602 $ 555,978 $ 562,307
33,615
15,485
51,056
1,956
Total
Less Than
1 Year
1 to 3
Years
3 to 5
Years
More than 5
Years
(1) These amounts are for our undiscounted lease obligations recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as
operating lease liabilities. Also included are legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not
yet commenced of $73.6 million, which are excluded from operating lease liabilities shown on our consolidated
balance sheets.
(2) The unrecognized tax benefit of $3.4 million as of January 29, 2022 is excluded due to uncertainty regarding the
realization and timing of the related future cash flows, if any.
Purchase obligations reflect legally binding agreements entered into by the Company to purchase goods or services. The
amount of purchase obligations relates to commitments for products and services and other goods and service contracts
entered into as of January 29, 2022. Excluded from purchase obligations are normal purchases and contracts entered into
in the ordinary course of business.
Cash flows
We believe our ability to generate substantial cash from operating activities and readily secure financing at competitive
rates are key strengths that give us significant flexibility to meet our short and long-term financial commitments. The
following table presents a summary of our cash flows during the last three years:
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,059,265 $
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(176,484)
(1,497,216)
January 29,
2022
February 1,
2020
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
810,355 $ 1,101,293
(471,480)
(48,751)
(646,739)
(107,934)
Operating activities
Operating activities consist of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization,
non-cash lease expense, long-lived asset impairment charges, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation expense,
realized gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment, and the effect of working capital changes.
The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2021 is mainly due to the increase in net income and
deferred revenue, partially offset by higher merchandise inventories, higher cash outflow from higher income taxes, and
lower long-lived asset impairment charges compared to fiscal 2020.
The increase in net income was primarily due to an increase in gross profit resulting from higher sales and a decrease in
impairment, restructuring and other costs, partially offset by an increase in SG&A expenses and income taxes.
Merchandise inventories, net were $1.5 billion at January 29, 2022, compared to $1.2 billion at January 30, 2021,
representing an increase of $331.0 million or 28.3%. The increase in total inventory was primarily driven by the addition
of 44 net new stores opened since January 30, 2021, inventory to support new brand launches, and the acceleration of
inventory receipts to support expected demand and mitigate anticipated global supply chain disruptions.
The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2020 relative to fiscal 2019 was primarily due to the
decrease in net income, merchandise inventories, and the timing of accounts payable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Investing activities
We have historically used cash primarily for new, remodeled, relocated, and refreshed stores, supply chain investments,
short-term investments, and investments in information technology systems.
The increase in net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2021 relative to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to less
proceeds of short-term investments and more capital expenditures compared to fiscal 2020.
The decrease in net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2020 relative to fiscal 2019 was primarily due to less capital
expenditures due to actions we took to preserve liquidity as we navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic and an
increase in proceeds of short-term investments offset by less purchases of short-term investments.
Capital expenditures
The following table presents a summary of our store activities during the last three years:
Fiscal year ended
January 29, January 30, February 1,
2021
2020
2022
Stores opened . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stores remodeled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stores relocated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stores refreshed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
48
9
7
–
30
–
5
–
86
12
8
240
During fiscal 2021, the average investment required to open a new Ulta Beauty store was approximately $1.4 million,
which includes capital investment net of landlord contributions, pre-opening expenses, and initial inventory net of
payables.
Capital expenditures during the last three years by major category are as follows:
(In millions)
New, Remodeled, and Relocated Stores . . . . . . . . . . .
Merchandising and Refreshed Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Information Technology Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Supply Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Store Maintenance and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
Budget
Fiscal
2022
120
30
150
70
55
425
$
$
Fiscal
2021
Fiscal
2020
Fiscal
2019
73
16
37
23
23
172
$
$
56
14
36
13
33
152
$
$
141
29
54
17
58
299
Our future investments will depend primarily on the number of new, remodeled, and relocated stores, information
technology systems investments, and supply chain investments that we undertake and the timing of these expenditures.
Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe our sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund future
capital expenditures. We expect fiscal 2022 capital expenditures will be $425 million, and will be used to fund our new,
remodeled, and relocated stores and strategic priorities, including investments in information technology systems and
supply chain optimization.
Financing activities
Financing activities primarily include share repurchases, borrowing and repayment of our revolving credit facility, and
capital stock transactions. Purchases of treasury shares represent the fair value of common shares repurchased from plan
participants in connection with shares withheld to satisfy minimum statutory tax obligations upon the vesting of
restricted stock.
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The increase in net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2021 relative to fiscal 2020 was primarily due to an increase
in share repurchases offset by an increase in stock option exercises, and no activity under our revolving credit facility
during fiscal 2021.
The decrease in net cash used in financing activities in fiscal 2020 relative to fiscal 2019 was primarily due to borrowing
and repayment under our revolving credit facility and the suspension of the share repurchase program in order to
strengthen our liquidity and preserve cash while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
We had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility at the end of fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019. The zero
outstanding borrowings position is due to a combination of factors including sales demand, overall performance of
management initiatives including expense control, and inventory and other working capital reductions. We may require
borrowings under the facility from time to time in future periods for unexpected business disruptions, to support our new
store program, seasonal inventory needs, or share repurchases.
Share repurchase program
In March 2019, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the 2019 Share Repurchase Program)
pursuant to which the Company could repurchase up to $875.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The 2019
Share Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amount of $25.4 million from the
earlier share repurchase program. The 2019 Share Repurchase Program did not have an expiration date but provided for
suspension or discontinuation at any time.
In March 2020, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the 2020 Share Repurchase Program)
pursuant to which the Company could repurchase up to $1.6 billion of the Company’s common stock. The 2020 Share
Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amount of $177.8 million from the
2019 Share Repurchase Program. The 2020 Share Repurchase Program did not have an expiration date but provided for
suspension or discontinuation at any time.
A summary of common stock repurchase activity is presented in the following table:
Fiscal year ended
(Dollars in millions)
Shares repurchased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total cost of shares repurchased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2021
474,794
2020
2,320,896
681.0
1,521.9 $
114.9 $
January 30,
February 1,
January 29,
2022
4,249,632
On March 7, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2022 Share Repurchase
Program) pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $2.0 billion of the Company’s common stock. The 2022
Share Repurchase Program authorization revokes the previously authorized but unused amounts from the 2020 Share
Repurchase Program. The 2022 Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or
discontinued at any time.
Credit facility
On March 11, 2020, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (as so
amended, the Loan Agreement) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent
and a Lender thereunder; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Lead Arrangers
and Bookrunners; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent and a Lender; PNC Bank, National Association,
as Documentation Agent and a Lender; and the other lenders party thereto. The Loan Agreement matures on March 11,
2025, provides maximum revolving loans equal to the lesser of $1.0 billion or a percentage of eligible owned inventory
and eligible owned receivables (which borrowing base may, at the election of the Company and satisfaction of certain
conditions, include a percentage of qualified cash), contains a $50.0 million subfacility for letters of credit and allows the
Company to increase the revolving facility by an additional $100.0 million, subject to the consent by each lender and
other conditions. The Loan Agreement contains a requirement to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than
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1.0 to 1.0 during such periods when availability under the Loan Agreement falls below a specified threshold.
Substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral for outstanding borrowings under the Loan
Agreement. Outstanding borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s election, at either a base rate plus a margin of 0% to
0.125% or the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin of 1.125% to 1.250%, with such margins based on the
Company’s borrowing availability, and the unused line fee is 0.20% per annum.
As of January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, we had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and we were in
compliance with all terms and covenants of the Loan Agreement.
Seasonality
Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuation. Significant portions of our net sales and profits are realized during the
fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to the holiday selling season. To a lesser extent, our business is also affected by
Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Any decrease in sales during these higher sales volume periods could have an
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results for the entire fiscal year. Our quarterly results of
operations have varied in the past and are likely to do so again in the future. As such, we believe that period-to-period
comparisons of our results of operations should not be relied upon as an indication of our future performance.
Critical accounting policies and estimates
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated
financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The
preparation of these financial statements required the use of estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of
our assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Management bases estimates on historical experience and other
assumptions it believes to be reasonable under the circumstances and evaluates these estimates on an on-going basis.
Actual results may differ from these estimates. A discussion of our more significant estimates follows. Management has
discussed the development, selection, and disclosure of these estimates and assumptions with the Audit Committee of the
Board of Directors.
Inventory valuation
Merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value). Cost is determined using the
moving average cost method and includes costs incurred to purchase and distribute goods as well as related vendor
allowances including co-op advertising, markdowns, and volume discounts. We record valuation adjustments to our
inventories if the cost of a specific product on hand exceeds the amount we expect to realize from the ultimate sale or
disposal of the inventory. These estimates are based on management’s judgment regarding future demand, age of
inventory, and analysis of historical experience. If actual demand or market conditions are different than those projected
by management, future merchandise margin rates may be unfavorably or favorably affected by adjustments to these
estimates.
Inventories are adjusted for the results of periodic physical inventory counts at each of our locations. We record a shrink
reserve representing management’s estimate of inventory losses by location that have occurred since the date of the last
physical count. This estimate is based on management’s analysis of historical results and operating trends.
We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or
assumptions we use to calculate our inventory reserves. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to
management’s estimates of the inventory reserves have been insignificant during fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019. An
increase or decrease in the lower of cost or market (net realizable value) reserve of 10% would not have a material
impact on our operating income for fiscal 2021. An increase or decrease in the shrink rate included in the shrink reserve
calculation of 10% would not have a material impact on our operating income for fiscal 2021.
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Vendor allowances
The majority of cash consideration received from a vendor is considered to be a reduction of the cost of the related
products and is reflected in cost of sales in our consolidated statements of income as the related products are sold unless
it is in exchange for an asset or service or a reimbursement of a specific, incremental, identifiable cost incurred by the
Company in selling the vendors’ products. We estimate the amount recorded as a reduction of inventory at the end of
each period based on a detailed analysis of inventory turns and management’s analysis of the facts and circumstances of
the various contractual agreements with vendors. We record cash consideration expected to be received from vendors in
receivables. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material change in the future estimates or
assumptions we use to calculate our reduction of inventory. An increase or decrease in inventory turns of five basis
points would not have a material impact on our operating income for fiscal 2021.
Impairment of long-lived tangible assets
We review long-lived tangible assets whenever events or circumstances indicate these assets might not be recoverable.
Assets are primarily reviewed at the store level, which is the lowest level for which cash flows can be identified.
Significant estimates are used in determining future operating results of each store over its remaining lease term. An
impairment loss would be recorded if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. We do not
believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we
use to calculate our impairment charges. During fiscal 2020, we recognized $72.5 million of impairment of long-lived
tangible and right-of-use assets which consisted of $41.9 million due to impairment analysis which indicated that the
carrying values of certain long-lived assets exceeded their respective fair values, $19.6 million related to the suspension
of the planned expansion to Canada, and $11.0 million related to the permanent closure of 19 stores. No significant
impairment charges were recognized in fiscal 2021 or fiscal 2019.
Loyalty program
We maintain a customer loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, which allows members to earn points based on purchases
of merchandise or services. Points earned are valid for at least one year. The loyalty program represents a material right
to the customer and points may be redeemed on future products and services. Revenue from the loyalty program is
recognized when the members redeem points or points expire. We defer revenue related to points earned that have not
yet been redeemed. The amount of deferred revenue includes estimates for the standalone selling price of points earned
by members and the percentage of points expected to be redeemed. The expected redemption percentage is based on
historical redemption patterns and considers current information or trends. The estimated redemption rate is evaluated
each reporting period. We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material change in the future
estimates or assumptions used to calculate the estimated redemption rate.
Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to management’s estimates of the redemption rates have been
insignificant during fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019. An increase or decrease in the estimated redemption rate of 5% would
not have a material impact on our operating income in fiscal 2021.
Income taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the United States. Judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes
and income tax assets and liabilities, including evaluating uncertainties in the application of accounting principles and
complex tax laws.
We recognize deferred income taxes for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years
in which temporary differences are anticipated to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in
income tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of income in the period of enactment. A valuation
allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized unless
it is more-likely-than-not that such assets will be realized in full. The estimated tax benefit of an uncertain tax position is
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recorded in our consolidated financial statements only after determining a more-likely-than-not probability that the
uncertain tax position will withstand challenge, if any, from applicable taxing authorities.
Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized on our consolidated
financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially
impact our consolidated financial statements.
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, “Summary of significant accounting policies – Recently adopted
accounting pronouncements.”
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market
prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily the result of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency
exchange rates. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
Interest rate risk
We are exposed to interest rate risks primarily through borrowings under our credit facility. Interest on our borrowings is
based upon variable rates. We did not have any outstanding borrowings on our credit facility as of January 29, 2022,
January 30, 2021 or February 1, 2020.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
See the index, consolidated financial statements, and notes to consolidated financial statements included under Item 15,
“Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.”
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures over financial reporting
We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Company is
made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to the members of our senior management and Board of
Directors.
Based on management’s evaluation as of January 29, 2022, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have
concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934) are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in our reports that we
file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the
time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our
management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely
decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the
Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the principal
executive officer and principal financial officer and effected by the Board of Directors, management, and other
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personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S generally accepted accounting principles.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer,
management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 29, 2022, based on
the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations
of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer
and principal financial officer concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of
January 29, 2022. Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our financial
statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over
financial reporting as of January 29, 2022 and has issued the attestation report included in Item 15 of this Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There were no changes to our internal controls over financial reporting during the 13 weeks ended January 29, 2022 that
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
None.
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
Not applicable.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
Part III
The information required by this item with respect to our executive officers is set forth in Part I, Item 4A of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers.” The additional information required by this item is
included under the captions “Corporate Governance – Code of Business Conduct,” “Corporate Governance –
Nomination Process – Qualifications,” “Corporate Governance – Proposal One – Election of Directors,” “Corporate
Governance – Information About Our Director Nominees,” “Corporate Governance – Information About Our Directors
Continuing in Office” and “Corporate Governance – Audit Committee” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2022
Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Proxy Statement) and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
We have a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all of our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief
Financial Officer, Controller, and other persons performing similar functions. We have posted a copy of our Code of
Business Conduct under “Governance” in the Investor Relations section of our website located at
http://ulta.com/investor, and such Code of Business Conduct is available in print, without charge, to any stockholder who
requests it from our Corporate Secretary. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K
regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Business Conduct by posting such information under
“Governance” in the Investor Relations section of our website located at http://ulta.com/investor. We are not including
the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this item is included under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,”
“Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee,” “Corporate Governance – Report of the Compensation Committee
of the Board of Directors,” and “Corporate Governance – Non-Executive Director Compensation for Fiscal 2021” in the
Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
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Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this item with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is
included under the caption "Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference. The
information required by this item with respect to compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for
issuance as of January 29, 2022 is set forth in Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Securities
authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.”
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this item is included under the captions “Corporate Governance – Independence,”
“Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,”
and “Certain Relationships and Transactions” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this item is included under the caption “Corporate Governance – Proposal Two –
Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Fees to Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.
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Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-K:
Part IV
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID: 42) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Balance Sheets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
51
52
53
54
55
56
76
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ulta Beauty, Inc. (the Company) as of January 29,
2022, and January 30, 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity,
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 29, 2022, and the related notes and financial
statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In
our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Company at January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended January 29, 2022, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 29, 2022, based on criteria
established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 25, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion
thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the
PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities
laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those
risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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Critical audit matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements
that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or
complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the
consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below,
providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Description of the
matter
Loyalty Program
The Company maintains a loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, which offers members the ability to
earn and redeem points on purchases of products and services. As described in Note 2 to the
consolidated financial statements, revenue from the loyalty program is recognized when the
members redeem points or points expire. The Company estimates the amount of revenue to defer
using the standalone selling price of the points earned and the expected redemption percentage. The
Company evaluates its estimated standalone selling price quarterly based on the value of products or
services purchased using points. The expected redemption percentage is based on historical
redemption patterns in conjunction with current information and trends.
Auditing the Company’s estimate of loyalty deferred revenue was complex as the calculation
involved management’s assumptions, such as the standalone selling price and expected redemption
rate, which drive the revenue deferral. In particular, the estimate is sensitive to these significant
assumptions, which are affected by expectations about future customer behavior.
How we
addressed the
matter in our
audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of the
Company’s estimation process and controls supporting the measurement and recognition of the
amount of loyalty revenue deferred. This included testing controls over management’s review of the
assumptions and other inputs used in the estimation, the completeness and accuracy of issuance and
redemption data used in the calculation and controls over the assignment of membership levels
based on customer spending patterns.
Our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the methodology used, analyzing the
significant assumptions discussed above, and testing the accuracy and completeness of the
underlying data used in management’s calculation. To test the standalone selling price per point, we
validated that the price per point for each membership level was appropriate based on products or
services purchased by loyalty members. To audit the redemption rate, we tested redemption activity
and compared the results of that testing to the redemption rate used by management in its estimate.
We also considered recent trends in redemption activity and the impact on the redemption rate. In
addition, we performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the
deferral amounts.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1997.
Chicago, Illinois
March 25, 2022
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Stockholders’ and the Board of Directors Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited Ulta Beauty, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 29, 2022, based on criteria
established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Ulta Beauty, Inc. (the Company)
maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 29, 2022, based on
COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, the
related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended January 29, 2022, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the
Index at Item 15 and our report dated March 25, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s
annual report on internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB
and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a
material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the
assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that
our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
49
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Chicago, Illinois
March 25, 2022
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Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share data)
Assets
Current assets:
January 29,
2022
January 30,
2021
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merchandise inventories, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
431,560 $
233,682
1,499,218
110,814
5,909
2,281,183
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating lease assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred compensation plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other long-term assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
914,476
1,482,256
10,870
1,538
38,409
35,647
4,764,379 $
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
552,730 $
364,797
353,579
274,118
12,786
1,558,010
Non-current operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,572,638
39,693
58,665
3,229,006
1,046,051
193,109
1,168,215
107,402
—
2,514,777
995,795
1,504,614
10,870
2,465
33,223
28,225
5,089,969
477,052
296,334
274,383
253,415
42,529
1,343,713
1,643,386
65,359
37,962
3,090,420
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000 shares authorized; 53,049 and 56,952 shares issued;
52,311 and 56,260 shares outstanding; at January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, respectively
Treasury stock-common, at cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
530
(53,478)
934,945
653,376
—
1,535,373
4,764,379 $
569
(37,801)
847,303
1,189,422
56
1,999,549
5,089,969
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
51
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Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,630,889 $ 6,151,953 $ 7,398,068
4,717,004
Cost of sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,681,064
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,262,335
3,368,554
4,202,794
1,949,159
January 29,
2022
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
February 1,
2020
Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment, restructuring and other costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pre-opening expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense (income), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,061,545
—
9,517
1,297,492
1,663
1,295,829
309,992
985,837 $
1,583,017
114,322
15,000
236,820
5,735
231,085
55,250
175,835 $
1,760,716
—
19,254
901,094
(5,056)
906,150
200,205
705,945
$
Net income per common share:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
18.09 $
17.98 $
3.12 $
3.11 $
12.21
12.15
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54,482
54,841
56,351
56,558
57,840
58,105
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Fiscal year ended
(In thousands)
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Other comprehensive income:
January 29,
2022
985,837 $
January 30,
2021
175,835 $
February 1,
2020
705,945
Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
(56)
985,781
$
56
175,891 $
—
705,945
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
January 29,
2022
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
February 1,
2020
985,837 $
175,835 $
705,945
(In thousands)
Operating activities
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash lease expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-lived asset impairment charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on disposal of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
268,460
276,229
—
(25,666)
47,259
5,358
Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Merchandise inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(40,573)
(331,003)
(3,412)
(35,652)
66,156
58,598
79,196
(303,914)
12,392
1,059,265
Investing activities
Purchases of short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
(172,187)
—
(4,297)
(176,484)
Financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments on long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repurchase of common shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase of treasury shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
—
—
(1,521,925)
40,386
(15,677)
—
(1,497,216)
(56)
(614,491)
1,046,051
297,772
268,071
72,533
(24,008)
27,583
6,827
(53,772)
125,486
(4,363)
58,916
62,324
58,599
36,848
(297,513)
(783)
810,355
—
110,000
(151,866)
(1,220)
(5,665)
(48,751)
800,000
(800,000)
(114,895)
12,229
(3,353)
(1,915)
(107,934)
56
653,726
392,325
295,599
278,820
—
5,503
25,045
5,850
(20,637)
(79,372)
9,289
610
9,993
28,183
38,481
(256,910)
54,894
1,101,293
(110,000)
—
(298,534)
—
(62,946)
(471,480)
—
—
(680,979)
43,780
(9,540)
—
(646,739)
—
(16,926)
409,251
392,325
431,560 $ 1,046,051 $
Supplemental information
Cash paid for interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income taxes paid, net of refunds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-cash capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,132 $
370,646
39,874
6,987 $
19,454
20,487
—
133,861
26,901
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
54
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S
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Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands, except per share and store count data)
1. Business and basis of presentation
Ulta Beauty, Inc. was founded in 1990 to operate specialty retail stores selling cosmetics, fragrance, haircare and
skincare products, and related accessories and services. The stores also feature full-service salons. As used in these notes
and throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Ulta Beauty,” or the “Company”
refer to Ulta Beauty, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. All amounts are stated in thousands, with the exception of per
share amounts and number of stores.
As of January 29, 2022, the Company operated 1,308 stores across 50 states.
The Company has one reportable segment, which includes retail stores, salon services, and e-commerce.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
Fiscal year
The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The Company’s
fiscal years ended January 29, 2022 (fiscal 2021), January 30, 2021 (fiscal 2020), and February 1, 2020 (fiscal 2019)
were 52-week years.
Consolidation
The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned
subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions, and unrealized profit were eliminated in consolidation.
Use of estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the
date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the accounting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company considers its accounting policies relating to
inventory valuations, vendor allowances, impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets, loyalty program and
income taxes to be the most significant accounting policies that involve management estimates and judgments.
Significant changes, if any, in those estimates and assumptions resulting from continuing changes in the economic
environment, including those related to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be reflected in the consolidated
financial statements in future periods.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
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Cash and cash equivalents
Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments such as money market funds and certificates of deposit with an
original maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents also include amounts due from
third-party financial institutions for credit card and debit card transactions. These receivables typically settle in five days
or less with little or no default risk.
(In thousands)
Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables from third-party financial institutions for credit card and debit card
transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2022
165,122 $
199,939
2021
887,299
99,986
66,499
58,766
431,560 $ 1,046,051
January 29,
January 30,
Fair value of financial instruments
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates fair value due
to the short maturities of these instruments. There was no outstanding debt as of January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021.
Receivables
Receivables primarily include amounts due from vendors for allowances, amounts related to the employee retention
credit (ERC), and amounts due from third-party gift card providers. The Company does not require collateral on its
receivables and does not accrue interest. Credit risk with respect to receivables is limited due to the diversity of vendors
comprising the Company’s vendor base. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its vendors and evaluates
the collectability of its receivables based on the length of time the receivable is past due and historical experience.
(In thousands)
Vendor allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Employee retention credit (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gift card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2022
114,853 $
56,426
34,655
28,753
(1,005)
233,682 $
2021
90,271
52,405
27,020
24,181
(768)
193,109
January 29,
January 30,
(1) During the fiscal years ended January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, the Company qualified for various relief
measures resulting from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, including the ERC
which allowed for a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes on qualified wages. During the
fiscal years ended January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, there was $4,021 and $52,405, respectively, related
to the ERC recognized as a reduction of the associated costs within selling, general and administrative expenses
on the consolidated statements of income.
Vendor allowances
The Company receives consideration from vendors for advertising, markdown allowances, purchase volume discounts
and rebates, reimbursement for defective merchandise, and certain selling and display expenses. Substantially all vendor
allowances are recorded as a reduction of the vendor’s product cost and recognized in cost of sales as the product is sold.
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Merchandise inventories
Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the moving
average cost method and includes costs incurred to purchase and distribute goods. Inventory cost also includes vendor
allowances related to co-op advertising, markdowns, and volume discounts. The Company maintains an inventory
reserve for lower of cost or net realizable value and shrink. The inventory reserve was $26,882 and $52,860 as of
January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, respectively.
Property and equipment and internal use software
Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and depreciated using the straight-line method
over the shorter of the assets’ estimated useful lives or lease term. Leasehold improvements purchased after the
beginning of the initial lease term are amortized over the shorter of the assets’ useful lives or a term that includes the
original lease term, plus any renewals that are reasonably certain at the date the leasehold improvements are acquired.
Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Equipment and fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic equipment and software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 to 10 years
3 to 5 years
Costs incurred to obtain or develop internal use software that are capitalized are amortized on a straight-line basis over
the estimated useful life of the software. Cloud computing arrangements (software-as-a-service contracts) and related
implementation costs that are capitalized are amortized on a straight-line basis over the contract term (1 month to 5
years). These amounts are classified within prepaid expenses and other current assets and other long-term assets in the
consolidated balance sheets.
Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets
The asset group is defined as the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available and largely independent of
the cash flows of other groups of assets. The asset group identified is at the store level and includes both property and
equipment and operating lease assets.
Significant estimates are used in determining future cash flows of each store over its remaining lease term including our
expectations of future projected cash flows including revenues and operating expenses. An impairment loss is recorded if
the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value.
Long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets are evaluated for indicators of impairment quarterly or when events or
changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An undiscounted cash flow
analysis is performed over the asset group. Asset groups are written down only to the extent that their carrying value
exceeds their respective fair value. Fair values of the asset group are determined by discounting the cash flows at a rate
that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant. Management’s forecast of future cash flows is based on the
income approach. The fair value of individual right-of-use assets is determined under the market approach using
estimated market rent assessments based on broker quotes.
The determination of fair value under the income approach requires assumptions including forecasts of future cash flows
(such as revenue growth rates and operating expenses) and selection of a market-based discount rate. Estimates of market
rent are based on non-binding broker quotes. As these inputs are unobservable, they are classified as Level 3 inputs
under the fair value hierarchy (see Note 13, “Fair value measurements”). If actual results are not consistent with
estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, there may be exposure to additional
impairment losses in a future period (see Note 4, “Impairment, restructuring and other costs”).
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Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired. The recoverability of goodwill is
reviewed annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would
indicate that impairment may exist (see Note 6, “Goodwill”).
Other intangible assets
Other definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. The recoverability of intangible assets is
reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be
recoverable (see Note 7, “Other intangible assets”).
Leases
The Company determines whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. The lease classification
evaluation begins at the lease commencement date. The lease term used in the evaluation includes the non-cancellable
period for which the Company has the right to use the underlying asset, together with renewal option periods when the
exercise of the renewal option is reasonably certain.
Total rent payable is recorded during the lease term, including rent escalations in which the amount of future rent is fixed
on the straight-line basis over the term of the lease (including the rent holiday period beginning upon control of the
premises and any fixed payments stated in the lease). For leases with an initial term greater than 12 months, a related
lease liability is recorded on the balance sheet at the present value of future payments discounted at the estimated fully
collateralized incremental borrowing rate (discount rate) corresponding with the lease term. In addition, a right-of-use
asset is recorded as the initial amount of the lease liability, plus any lease payments made to the lessor before or at the
lease commencement date and any initial direct costs incurred, less any tenant improvement allowance incentives
received. Tenant incentives are amortized through the right-of-use asset as reduction of rent expense over the lease term.
The difference between the minimum rents paid and the straight-line rent is reflected within the right-of-use asset.
Certain leases contain provisions that require variable payments based upon sales volume or payment of common area
maintenance costs, real estate taxes, and insurance related to leases (variable lease cost). Variable lease costs are
expensed as incurred. This results in some variability in lease expense as a percentage of revenues over the term of the
lease in stores where variable lease costs are paid. Contingent rent is accrued each period as the liabilities are incurred, in
addition to the straight-line rent expense. This results in some variability in lease expense as a percentage of revenues
over the term of the lease in stores where contingent rent is paid.
Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short-term leases) are not recorded on the balance sheet. Short-term
lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The Company subleases certain real estate to third parties for stores with excess square footage space.
The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components (e.g., common area maintenance).
As the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate
corresponding with the lease term. As there are no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s credit facility, this rate
is estimated based on prevailing market conditions, comparable company and credit analysis, and judgment. The
incremental borrowing rate is reassessed if there is a change to the lease term or if a modification occurs and it is not
accounted for as a separate contract (see Note 8, “Leases”).
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Loyalty program
The Company maintains a loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, which allows members to earn points based on purchases
of merchandise or services. Points earned are valid for at least one year. The loyalty program represents a material right
to the customer and points may be redeemed on future products and services. Revenue from the loyalty program is
recognized when the members redeem points or points expire. The Company defers revenue related to points earned that
have not yet been redeemed. The amount of deferred revenue includes estimates for the standalone selling price of points
earned by members and the percentage of points expected to be redeemed. The expected redemption percentage is based
on historical redemption patterns and considers current information or trends. When a guest redeems points or the points
expire, the Company recognizes revenue in net sales on the consolidated statements of income.
Credit cards
The Company has agreements (the Agreements) with third parties to provide guests with private label credit cards and/or
co-branded credit cards (collectively, the Credit Cards). The private label credit card can be used at any store location
and online, and the co-branded credit card can be used anywhere the co-branded card is accepted. A third-party financing
company is the sole owner of the accounts and underwrites the credit issued under the Credit Card programs. The
Company’s performance obligation is to maintain the Ultamate Rewards loyalty program as only guests enrolled in the
loyalty program can apply for the Credit Cards. Loyalty members earn points through purchases at Ulta Beauty and
anywhere the co-branded credit card is accepted, including Ulta Beauty at Target.
The third parties reimburse the Company for certain credit card program costs such as advertising and loyalty points,
which help promote the credit card program. The Company recognizes revenue when collectability is reasonably
assured, under the assumption the amounts are not constrained and it is probable that a significant revenue reversal will
not occur in future periods, which is generally the time at which the actual usage of the Credit Cards or specified
transaction occurs.
The Company accounts for the amounts associated with the Agreements as a single contract with the sole commercial
objective to maintain the Credit Card programs. As a result, all amounts associated with the Agreements are recognized
within net sales on the consolidated statements of income.
Gift card program
The Company records a contract liability for gift card sales which will be redeemed in the future within deferred
revenue on the consolidated balance sheets and recognized in net sales when the gift card is redeemed for product or
services. Gift cards do not expire and do not include service fees that decrease guest balances. The Company maintains
historical data related to gift card transactions sold and redeemed over a significant time frame. Gift card breakage
(amounts not expected to be redeemed) is recognized to the extent there is no requirement for remitting balances to
governmental agencies under unclaimed property laws. Estimated gift card breakage revenue is recognized over time in
proportion to actual gift card redemptions. Gift card breakage revenue was $15,266, $11,717, and $12,448 in fiscal 2021,
2020, and 2019, respectively.
Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the guest, in an amount that
reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.
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The Company determines revenue recognition through the following steps:
Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a guest;
Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;
Determination of the transaction price;
Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and
Recognition of revenue when, or as, a performance obligation is satisfied.
Net sales include retail stores and e-commerce merchandise sales as well as salon services and other revenue.
Revenue from merchandise sales at retail stores is recognized at the point of sale, net of estimated returns. Revenue from
e-commerce merchandise sales is recognized upon shipment to the guest or guest pickup of the merchandise based on
meeting the transfer of control criteria, net of estimated returns. Salon services revenue is recognized at the time the
service is provided to the guest. Shipping and handling are treated as costs to fulfill the contract and not a separate
performance obligation. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue for its single performance obligation related to e-
commerce sales at the time control of the merchandise passes to the customer, which is at the time of shipment or guest
pickup. The Company provides refunds for merchandise returns within 60 days from the original purchase date. State
sales taxes are presented on a net basis as the Company considers itself a pass-through conduit for collecting and
remitting state sales tax. Company coupons and other incentives are recorded as a reduction of net sales.
Advertising
Advertising costs primarily consist of print, digital and social media, and television and radio advertising. Costs related
to advertising are expensed in the period the related promotional event occurs.
(In thousands)
Advertising expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Advertising expense as a percentage of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
January 29,
2022
387,794 $
4.5%
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
281,573 $
4.6%
February 1,
2020
317,865
4.3%
Prepaid advertising costs included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets were
$7,612 and $7,112 as of January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, respectively.
Pre-opening expenses
Non-capital expenditures incurred prior to the grand opening of a new, remodeled, or relocated store are expensed as
incurred.
Cost of sales
Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise sold, including substantially all vendor allowances, which are treated as a
reduction of merchandise costs; distribution costs including labor and related benefits, freight, rent, depreciation and
amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, and insurance; shipping and handling costs; retail stores occupancy costs
including rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, insurance, and licenses;
salon services payroll and benefits; and shrink and inventory valuation reserves.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses includes payroll, bonus, and benefit costs for retail and corporate
employees; advertising and marketing costs; occupancy costs related to our corporate office facilities; stock-based
compensation expense; depreciation and amortization for all assets, except those related to our retail store and
distribution operations, which are included in cost of sales; and legal, finance, information systems, and other corporate
overhead costs.
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Income taxes
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. The amounts reported were derived using the enacted tax rates in
effect for the year the differences are expected to reverse.
Income tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not that the tax
position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of
the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full
knowledge of all relevant information. Penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax positions are recorded in income
tax expense in the consolidated statements of income (see Note 11, “Income taxes”).
Stock-based compensation
Stock-based compensation expense is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized on a
straight-line basis over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. Stock-based compensation expense was
$47,259, $27,583, and $25,642 in fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively (see Note 15, “Stock-based compensation”).
Insurance expense
The Company has insurance programs with third party insurers for employee health, workers compensation, and general
liability, among others, to limit the Company’s liability exposure. The insurance programs are premium based and
include retentions, deductibles, and stop loss coverage. Current stop loss coverage per claim is $400 for employee health
claims, $100 for general liability claims, and $250 for workers compensation claims. The Company makes collateral and
premium payments during the plan year and accrues expenses in the event additional premium is due from the Company
based on actual claim results. UB Insurance, Inc., an Arizona-based wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary of the
Company, charges the operating subsidiaries of the Company premiums to insure certain liability exposures. Pursuant to
Arizona insurance regulations, UB Insurance, Inc. maintains certain levels of cash and cash equivalents related to its
liability exposures.
Net income per common share
Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-
average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share
includes dilutive common stock equivalents, using the treasury stock method (see Note 16, “Net income per common
share”).
Recently adopted accounting pronouncements
Taxes – Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes.
In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU)
2019-12, Income Taxes – Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The guidance removes certain exceptions for
recognizing deferred taxes for equity method investments, performing intraperiod allocation, and calculating income
taxes in interim periods. The ASU also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing
deferred taxes for goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group, among others. This guidance is
effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption of the standard is
permitted, including adoption in interim or annual periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The
transition requirements are dependent upon each amendment within this update and will be applied either prospectively
or retrospectively. The Company adopted the new guidance as of January 31, 2021, and its adoption had no impact on
the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.
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3. Revenue
Net sales include retail stores and e-commerce merchandise sales as well as salon services and other revenue. Other
revenue sources include the private label and co-branded credit card programs and royalties derived from the partnership
with Target, as well as deferred revenue related to the loyalty program and gift card breakage.
Disaggregated revenue
The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of net sales by primary category:
(Percentage of net sales)
Cosmetics (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Haircare products and styling tools (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skincare (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fragrance and bath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accessories and other (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year ended
January 29,
January 30,
February 1,
2022
43%
20%
17%
14%
3%
3%
100%
2021
45%
20%
16%
12%
3%
4%
100%
2020
51%
18%
14%
9%
5%
3%
100%
(1) Certain sales departments were reclassified between categories in the prior year to conform to current year
presentation.
Deferred revenue
Deferred revenue primarily represents contract liabilities for the Company’s obligation to transfer additional goods or
services to a guest for which the Company has received consideration, such as unredeemed Ultamate Rewards loyalty
points and unredeemed Ulta Beauty gift cards. In addition, breakage on gift cards is recognized proportionately as
redemption occurs.
The following table provides a summary of the changes included in deferred revenue during fiscal 2021 and 2020:
(In thousands)
Beginning balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Additions to contract liabilities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deductions to contract liabilities (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ending balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
January 29,
2022
269,032 $
261,139
(184,965)
345,206 $
January 30,
2021
230,011
200,267
(161,246)
269,032
(1) Loyalty points and gift cards issued in the current period but not redeemed or expired.
(2) Revenue recognized in the current period related to the beginning liability.
Other amounts included in deferred revenue were $8,373 and $5,351 at January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021,
respectively.
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4. Impairment, restructuring and other costs
The following table provides a summary of the impairment, restructuring and other costs during fiscal 2020:
(In thousands)
Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Store closures
Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lease termination costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total store closures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Suspension of Canadian expansion
Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lease termination costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Severance (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total suspension of Canadian expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year
ended
January 30,
2021
$
41,948
19,569
7,443
489
27,501
11,016
17,388
717
29,121
Other severance (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
15,752
114,322
(1) Amount included in the non-cash $72,533 long-lived asset impairment charge on the consolidated statements of
cash flows for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021.
(2) As of January 30, 2021, there was $9,476 in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets for
restructuring and was primarily for severance. There was no liability for restructuring as of January 29, 2022.
(3) There were no impairment, restructuring and other costs recognized during fiscal 2021 or fiscal 2019.
Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company
experienced lower than projected revenues and identified indicators of impairment for certain retail stores during fiscal
2020. The Company’s analysis indicated that the carrying values of certain long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets
exceeded their respective fair values. As a result, the Company recognized impairment charges related to certain retail
stores in fiscal 2020. These impairment charges were primarily driven by lower than projected revenues, lower market
rate assessments, and the effect of temporary store closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Company also
recorded long-lived tangible and right-of-use asset impairment charges related to store closures and suspension of the
Canadian expansion during fiscal 2020 as described below.
Store closures. The Company permanently closed 19 stores in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. The impairment charges
recognized in fiscal 2020 reduced the carrying value of the long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets to their fair value.
Suspension of Canadian expansion. In fiscal 2019, the Company announced plans to expand internationally with an
initial launch into Canada. The Company continues to believe international markets provide a long-term growth
opportunity. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in September 2020 the Company decided to prioritize
growth of its U.S. operations and suspended its planned expansion to Canada. Investments to support the expansion into
Canada were limited to early-stage infrastructure buildout and lease obligations for a small number of stores.
Impairment, restructuring and other costs related to suspension of the Canada expansion were recognized in fiscal 2020.
Other severance. As part of the efforts to optimize its cost structure, the Company eliminated certain field and corporate
roles. As a result, severance expense was recognized during fiscal 2020.
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5. Property and equipment and internal use software
Property and equipment
Property and equipment consists of the following:
(In thousands)
Equipment and fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,118,312 $
Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electronic equipment and software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Construction-in-progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
914,476 $
January 29,
2022
813,068
609,734
91,897
2,633,011
(1,718,535)
January 30,
2021
1,083,509
782,036
649,603
52,668
2,567,816
(1,572,021)
995,795
Internal use software
As of January 29, 2022, capitalized costs related to cloud computing arrangements of $23,379 was classified as prepaid
expenses and other current assets and $22,596 was classified as other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
As of January 30, 2021, capitalized costs related to cloud computing arrangements of $18,773 was classified as prepaid
expenses and other current assets and $16,694 was classified as other long-term assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
Expense related to cloud computing arrangements was $62,215, $49,615, and $38,034 in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020, and
fiscal 2019, respectively, and was included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of income.
6. Goodwill
The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill during the fiscal 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at the end of the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
January 29,
2022
10,870 $
—
10,870 $
January 30,
2021
10,870
—
10,870
7. Other intangible assets
Other intangible assets subject to amortization consists of the following:
January 29, 2022
January 30, 2021
(In thousands)
Developed technology . . . .
Weighted-average
remaining useful
life in years
1.7
Gross
carrying
value
$ 4,631 $
Accumulated
amortization
(3,093) $
Gross
carrying
value
Net
1,538 $ 4,631 $
(2,166) $
Net
2,465
Accumulated
amortization
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $926 in fiscal 2021, fiscal 2020, and fiscal 2019.
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Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:
Fiscal year
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2027 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
8. Leases
Estimated
amortization
expense
(In thousands)
926
612
—
—
—
—
1,538
The Company leases retail stores, distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers, corporate offices, and certain equipment
under non-cancelable operating leases with various expiration dates through 2033. All leases are classified as operating
leases and generally have initial lease terms of 10 years and when determined applicable, include renewal options under
substantially the same terms and conditions as the original leases. Leases do not contain any material residual value
guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
The following table presents supplemental balance sheet information, the weighted-average remaining lease term, and
discount rate for operating leases:
(In thousands)
Classification on the Balance Sheet
Right-of-use assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating lease assets
January 29,
2022
1,482,256 $
January 30,
2021
1,504,614
$
Current lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current operating lease liabilities
Non-current lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . Non-current operating lease liabilities
$
Total lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
274,118 $
1,572,638
1,846,756 $
253,415
1,643,386
1,896,801
Weighted-average remaining lease term .
Weighted-average discount rate . . . . . . . .
Lease cost
6.6 years
3.3%
6.9 years
3.6%
The following table presents the components of lease cost for operating leases:
(In thousands)
Classification on the Statement of Income
Operating lease cost . . . . Cost of sales (1)
Variable lease cost . . . . . Cost of sales
Short-term lease cost . . . .
Selling, general and administrative
expenses
Sublease income . . . . . . . Net sales
Total lease cost . . . . . . . . .
$
$
January 29,
2022
311,546 $
77,431
Fiscal Year Ended
January 30,
2021
304,743 $
80,557
February 1,
2020
289,007
77,142
408
(835)
388,550 $
567
(827)
385,040 $
352
(691)
365,810
(1) The majority of operating lease cost relates to retail stores, distribution centers, and fast fulfillment centers and
is classified within cost of sales. Operating lease cost for corporate offices is classified within the selling,
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general and administrative expenses. Operating lease cost from the control date through store opening date is
classified within pre-opening expenses.
Other information
The following table presents supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to operating leases:
(In thousands)
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease
liabilities (non-cash) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
January 29,
2022
368,498 $
Fiscal Year Ended
January 30,
2021
354,133 $
February 1,
2020
338,942
253,870
255,966
355,286
(1) Excludes $28,591, $33,092, and $71,294 related to cash received for tenant incentives as of January 29, 2022,
January 30, 2021, and February 1, 2020, respectively.
Maturity of lease liabilities
The following table presents maturities of operating lease liabilities:
Fiscal year
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2025 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2027 and thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total lease payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: imputed interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Present value of operating lease liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
$
(In thousands)
330,260
349,856
318,507
289,025
250,945
517,798
2,056,391
(209,635)
1,846,756
Operating lease payments exclude $73,646 of legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet
commenced.
9. Commitments and contingencies
Contractual obligations – As of January 29, 2022, the Company had various non-cancelable obligations of $51,056
primarily due to commitments made to a third party for products and services for our strategic investments related to
supply chain optimization and information technology systems. A majority of these agreements are due within three
years and are recorded as liabilities when the goods are received or the services are rendered. Payments under these
agreements were $17,370 as of January 29, 2022.
General litigation – The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of the
business including both class action and single plaintiff litigation. In the opinion of management, the amount of any
liability with respect to these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
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10. Accrued liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
(In thousands)
Accrued payroll, bonus, and employee benefits (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Accrued advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
January 29,
2022
158,017 $
49,477
43,464
113,839
364,797 $
January 30,
2021
143,992
23,543
36,787
92,012
296,334
(1) Includes $43,845 in social security tax payments deferred related to the CARES Act as of January 30, 2021.
There was no deferral related to the CARES Act as of January 29, 2022.
11. Income taxes
The provision for income taxes consists of the following:
(In thousands)
Current:
January 29,
2022
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
February 1,
2020
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred:
$
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
$
280,300
55,358
335,658
(22,936)
(2,730)
(25,666)
309,992
$
$
67,724
11,534
79,258
(19,631)
(4,377)
(24,008)
55,250
$
163,596
31,106
194,702
1,182
4,321
5,503
200,205
A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:
Federal statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State effective rate, net of federal tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Executive compensation limitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess deduction of stock compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
January 29,
2022
21.0%
3.3%
0.5%
(0.5%)
(0.4%)
23.9%
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
21.0%
2.9%
1.2%
(0.3%)
(0.9%)
23.9%
February 1,
2020
21.0%
3.1%
0.2%
(1.1%)
(1.1%)
22.1%
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Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
January 29,
2022
January 30,
2021
Operating lease liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Reserves not currently deductible . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credit carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NOL carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory valuation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating lease asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables not currently includable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory valuation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net deferred tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
471,687 $
47,059
33,289
24,355
1,710
334
303
—
578,737
561,137
45,815
5,398
3,490
2,224
366
—
618,430
(39,693) $
484,780
32,590
31,056
23,687
—
291
255
8,386
581,045
561,605
46,013
3,720
—
1,669
585
32,812
646,404
(65,359)
At January 29, 2022, the Company had $423 of credit carryforwards for state income tax purposes that expire between
2022 and 2025. The Company also had $95 of state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards that expire by 2040 and
$825 of federal and $163 of state NOL carryforwards that do not expire.
The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 740-10.
The reserve for uncertain tax positions was $3,389 and $2,783 at January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, respectively,
which represents the best estimate of the potential liability. A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding
interest and penalties, is as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Increase due to a prior year tax position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decrease due to a prior year tax position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance at end of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
January 29,
2022
January 30,
2021
2,783 $
1,219
(613)
3,389 $
3,536
224
(977)
2,783
The Company acknowledges that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change in the next twelve months.
However, it does not expect the change to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. Income tax-
related interest and penalties were insignificant for fiscal 2021 and 2020.
The Company files tax returns in the U.S. federal and state jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S.
federal examinations by the Internal Revenue Service for years before 2018 and is no longer subject to examinations by
state authorities before 2017.
12. Debt
On March 11, 2020, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement
(as so amended, the Loan Agreement) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Collateral
Agent and a Lender thereunder; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Lead
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Arrangers and Bookrunners; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent and a Lender; PNC Bank, National
Association, as Documentation Agent and a Lender; and the other lenders party thereto. The Loan Agreement matures on
March 11, 2025, provides maximum revolving loans equal to the lesser of $1,000,000 or a percentage of eligible owned
inventory and eligible owned receivables (which borrowing base may, at the election of the Company and satisfaction of
certain conditions, include a percentage of qualified cash), contains a $50,000 subfacility for letters of credit and allows
the Company to increase the revolving facility by an additional $100,000, subject to the consent by each lender and other
conditions. The Loan Agreement contains a requirement to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0 to
1.0 during such periods when availability under the Loan Agreement falls below a specified threshold. Substantially all
of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral for outstanding borrowings under the Loan Agreement. Outstanding
borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s election, at either a base rate plus a margin of 0% to 0.125% or the London
Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin of 1.125% to 1.250%, with such margins based on the Company’s borrowing
availability, and the unused line fee is 0.20% per annum.
As of January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. The
weighted average interest rate was 1.56% for fiscal 2020.
As of January 29, 2022, the Company was in compliance with all terms and covenants of the Loan Agreement.
13. Fair value measurements
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their estimated
fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments.
Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy, which are described as follows:
Level 1 – observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly
through corroboration with observable market data.
Level 3 – unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which would require the Company to
develop its own assumptions.
As of January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, there were liabilities related to the non-qualified deferred compensation
plan included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets of $40,839 and $32,909, respectively. The
liabilities have been categorized as Level 2 as they are based on third-party reported values which are based primarily on
quoted market prices of underlying assets of the funds within the plan.
Some assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain
circumstances. These assets can include long-lived assets and goodwill that are reduced to fair value when impaired.
Assets that are written down to fair value when impaired are not subsequently adjusted to fair value unless further
impairment occurs.
14. Investments
Investments in renewable energy projects are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The balance of these
investments was $2,671 and $3,174 as of January 29, 2022 and January 30, 2021, respectively, and is included in other
long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company did not contribute capital or receive investment tax
credits during fiscal 2021. The Company contributed capital of $5,665 and received distributions including $1,689 of
investment tax credits during fiscal 2020.
The Company made other investments of $4,297 during fiscal 2021.
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15. Stock-based compensation
The Company’s equity incentive plan was adopted in order to attract and retain personnel for positions of substantial
authority and to provide additional incentive to employees and directors to promote the success of the business.
The Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Award Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified
stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, dividend equivalent
rights, stock payments, deferred stock, and cash-based awards to employees, consultants, and directors. Unless provided
otherwise by the administrator of the plan, options vest over four years at the rate of 25% per year from the date of grant
and must be exercised within ten years. Options are granted with the exercise price equal to the fair value of the
underlying stock on the date of grant. As of January 29, 2022, the plan reserves for the issuance upon grant or exercise of
awards up to 2,577 shares of common stock.
The following table presents information related to stock-based compensation:
(In thousands)
Stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Restricted stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Performance-based restricted stock units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total stock-based compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
January 29,
2022
11,245 $
19,286
16,728
47,259 $
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
10,757 $
16,608
218
27,583 $
February 1,
2020
8,660
12,762
4,220
25,642
Cash received from stock option exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
40,386 $
7,088 $
12,229 $
750 $
43,780
11,600
Stock options
Stock-based compensation expense is measured on the grant date based on the fair value of the award. Stock-based
compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest.
The estimated grant date fair value of stock options was determined using a Black-Scholes valuation model using the
following weighted-average assumptions for the periods indicated:
Volatility rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average risk-free interest rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average expected life (in years) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
January 29,
2022
46.9%
0.4%
3.9
None
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
43.0%
0.3%
3.4
None
February 1,
2020
31.0%
2.3%
3.5
None
The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate is
based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant for the respective expected life of the
option. The expected life represents the time the options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected life of
options granted is derived from historical data on Ulta Beauty stock option exercises. Forfeitures of stock options are
estimated at the grant date based on historical rates of stock option activity and reduce the stock-based compensation
expense recognized. The Company does not currently pay a regular dividend.
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The following table presents information related to common stock options:
(In thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value)
Weighted-average grant date fair value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Fair value of options vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intrinsic value of options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
January 29,
2022
109.84
10,417
39,489
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
54.40
9,741
11,304
$
$
February 1,
2020
89.91
9,143
51,650
At January 29, 2022, there was approximately $11,623 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to
unvested stock options. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a
weighted-average period of approximately two years.
A summary of stock option activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):
Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2019
Weighted-
Weighted-
Number of
options
average
exercise price
Number of
options
average
exercise price
Number of
Beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited/Expired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
End of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercisable at end of year . . . . . . . . . .
Vested and Expected to vest . . . . . . . . .
671 $
61
(224)
(10)
498 $
179 $
474 $
208.47
306.96
180.05
225.24
232.85
248.11
233.28
539
248
(90)
(26)
671
236
639
$
$
$
$
212.58
174.45
135.70
219.47
208.47
209.03
208.49
Weighted-
average
options
755 $
exercise price
174.34
348.73
153.64
263.34
212.58
159.39
211.14
97
(285)
(28)
539 $
172 $
510 $
The following table presents information related to stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable at
January 29, 2022 based on ranges of exercise prices (shares in thousands):
Number of
options
Number of
options
Options outstanding
Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
Weighted-
life
(years)
2
3
8
6
5
8
7
average
exercise price
92.99
$
152.27
174.45
203.15
281.53
330.98
$ 232.85
11
1
213
77
57
139
498
Options exercisable
Weighted-
average
remaining
contractual
Weighted-
life
(years)
2
3
8
6
5
7
6
average
exercise price
$
92.99
152.27
174.45
202.31
281.53
348.73
$ 248.11
11
1
27
44
57
39
179
Range of Exercise Prices
$74.91 – $127.15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$127.16 – $153.87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$153.88 – $174.45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$174.46 – $204.27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$204.28 – $281.53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$281.54 – $365.13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$74.91 – $365.13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable stock options as of January 29, 2022 was $62,762 and
$19,793, respectively. The last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select
Market on January 29, 2022 was $358.83 per share.
Restricted stock units
Restricted stock units are granted to certain employees and directors. Employee grants generally cliff vest after
three years and director grants cliff vest after one year. The grant date fair value of restricted stock units is based on the
closing market price of shares of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock units are expensed
on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Forfeitures of restricted stock units are estimated at the grant
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date based on historical rates of stock award activity and reduce the stock-based compensation expense recognized. At
January 29, 2022, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units was $22,179. The
unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of
approximately one and a half years.
A summary of restricted stock units activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):
Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2019
Number of
Weighted-
average grant Number of
Weighted-
average grant Number of
units
date fair value
units
date fair value
units
Beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
End of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected to vest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
253 $
61
(76)
(17)
221
205
$
$
210.46
312.42
209.88
233.94
236.95
236.95
159 $
163
(38)
(31)
253
234
$
$
259.21
179.72
276.51
218.40
210.46
210.46
Performance-based restricted stock units
168 $
Weighted-
average grant
date fair value
220.68
335.28
207.77
259.65
259.21
259.21
$
$
53
(46)
(16)
159
147
Performance-based restricted stock units are granted to certain employees. Units granted prior to 2021 cliff vest after
three years based upon achievement of pre-established net sales and earnings before tax goals at the end of the
second year of the term. The grant date fair value of these performance-based restricted stock units is based on the
closing market price of shares of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Performance-based restricted stock
units granted in 2021 cliff vest after three years based upon achievement of pre-established net sales and earnings before
tax goals for each of the first two years. The performance is then capped at 100% if the total shareholder return over a
three-year period is not positive. The grant date fair value of the 2021 performance-based restricted stock units are
measured using a Monte Carlo simulation. Performance-based restricted stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis
over the requisite service period, based on the probability of achieving the performance goal, with changes in
expectations recognized as an adjustment to earnings in the period of the change. If the performance goal is not met, no
stock-based compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized stock-based compensation expense is
reversed. Forfeitures of performance-based restricted stock units are estimated at the grant date based on historical rates
of stock award activity and reduce the stock-based compensation expense recognized. At January 29, 2022, unrecognized
stock-based compensation expense related to performance-based restricted stock units was $13,990. The unrecognized
stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately one
and a half years.
A summary of performance-based restricted stock unit activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):
Fiscal 2021
Fiscal 2020
Fiscal 2019
Number of
units
Weighted-
average
grant date
Number of
units
Weighted-
average
grant date
Number of
units
Weighted-
average
grant date
Beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in performance award payout . .
Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
End of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected to vest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
37
74
(7)
(47)
(3)
54
50
$
$
$
271.88
326.99
348.73
295.49
319.71
314.30
314.30
62 $
—
(5)
(14)
(6)
37 $
35 $
267.60
—
204.27
281.53
263.38
271.88
271.88
94 $
21
(3)
(43)
(7)
62 $
57 $
214.64
348.73
281.53
191.76
258.80
267.60
267.60
The number of performance-based restricted stock units granted is based on achieving the targeted performance goals as
defined in the performance-based restricted stock unit agreements. As of January 29, 2022, the maximum number of
units that could vest under the provisions of the agreements was 92.
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Awards with market conditions are classified as liability awards and the fair value is determined using a Monte Carlo
simulation. Market-based restricted stock units totaling 28 shares were granted to the former Chief Executive Officer in
fiscal 2018 and settled during fiscal 2021. Compensation expense for liability awards was $7,671, $879, and $597 for the
fiscal years ended January 29, 2022, January 30, 2021, and February 1, 2020, respectively.
16. Net income per common share
The following is a reconciliation of net income and the number of shares of common stock used in the computation of
net income per basic and diluted common share:
(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
January 29,
2022
Fiscal year ended
January 30,
2021
February 1,
2020
985,837 $
175,835 $
705,945
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares – Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted-average common shares – Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
54,482
359
54,841
56,351
207
56,558
57,840
265
58,105
Net income per common share:
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
$
18.09 $
17.98 $
3.12 $
3.11 $
12.21
12.15
The denominator for diluted net income per common share for fiscal years 2021, 2020, and 2019 excludes 205, 211, and
298 employee stock options and restricted stock units, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effects. Outstanding
performance-based restricted stock units are included in the computation of dilutive shares only to the extent that the
underlying performance conditions are satisfied prior to the end of the reporting period or would be considered satisfied
if the end of the reporting period were the end of the related contingency period and the results would be dilutive under
the treasury stock method.
17. Employee benefit plans
The Company provides a 401(k) retirement plan covering all employees who qualify as to age and length of service. The
plan is funded through employee contributions and a Company match. In fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company
match was 100% of the first 3% of eligible compensation and an additional 50% match for the next 2% of eligible
compensation. Total expense recorded under this plan is included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of
income as follows:
Fiscal year ended
January 29,
January 30,
February 1,
(In thousands)
401(k) plan matching contribution expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
2022
19,296
2021
16,878
$
2020
16,556
$
The Company also has a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for highly compensated employees whose
contributions are limited under qualified defined contribution plans. The plan is funded through employee contributions
and a Company match. In fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019, the Company match was 100% of the first 3% of salary. Amounts
contributed and deferred under the plan are credited or charged with the performance of investment options offered
under the plan as elected by the participants. In the event of bankruptcy, the assets of this plan are available to satisfy the
claims of general creditors. The Company manages the risk of changes in the fair value of the liability for deferred
compensation by electing to match its liability under the plan with investment vehicles that offset a substantial portion of
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its exposure. Total expense recorded under this plan is included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of
income and was insignificant during fiscal 2021, 2020, and 2019.
Amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets related to the deferred compensation plan were as follows:
(In thousands)
Deferred compensation plan liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $
Deferred compensation plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022
40,839
38,409
$
2021
32,909
33,223
January 29,
January 30,
18. Share repurchase program
In March 2019, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the 2019 Share Repurchase Program)
pursuant to which the Company could repurchase up to $875,000 of the Company’s common stock. The 2019 Share
Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amount of $25,435 from the earlier
share repurchase program. The 2019 Share Repurchase Program did not have an expiration date but provided for
suspension or discontinuation at any time.
In March 2020, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2020 Share Repurchase Program)
pursuant to which the Company could repurchase up to $1,600,000 of the Company’s common stock. The 2020 Share
Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amount of $177,805 from the 2019
Share Repurchase Program. The 2020 Share Repurchase Program did not have an expiration date but provided for
suspension or discontinuation at any time. During fiscal 2020, the share repurchase program was suspended in order to
strengthen its liquidity and preserve cash while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The program resumed during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.
A summary of common stock repurchase activity is presented in the following table:
Fiscal year ended
January 29,
January 30,
February 1,
(In thousands)
Shares repurchased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total cost of shares repurchased . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,521,925 $
4,250
2022
2021
2020
475
114,895 $
2,321
680,979
19. Subsequent event
On March 7, 2022, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2022 Share Repurchase
Program) pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $2,000,000 of the Company’s common stock. The 2022
Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
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Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (Continued)
(b) Financial Statement Schedule
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In thousands)
Description
Fiscal 2021
Balance at
beginning
of period
Charged to
costs and
expenses
Deductions
Balance at
end
of period
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
768 $
388 $
(151)(a) $
52,860
9,525
(35,503)
Fiscal 2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
1,363 $
46,941
22 $
(617)(a) $
42,634
(36,715)
Fiscal 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
651 $
36,640
1,094 $
50,285
(382)(a) $
(39,984)
1,005
26,882
768
52,860
1,363
46,941
(a) Represents write-off of uncollectible accounts
All other financial statement schedules required by Form 10-K have been omitted because they were inapplicable or
otherwise not required under the instructions contained in Regulation S-X.
(c) Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index below are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Exhibit
Number Description of document
3.1
3.2
4
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
Certificate of Incorporation of Ulta
Beauty, Inc.
Bylaws of Ulta Beauty, Inc., as
amended through June 3, 2020
Description of Ulta Beauty, Inc.’s
Securities
Compensation Plan Agreement, dated
as of January 27, 2017 between Ulta
Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.
and Ulta Beauty, Inc.*
Second Amended and Restated Loan
Agreement, dated as of August 23,
2017, among Ulta Beauty, Inc., Ulta
Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.,
the subsidiaries of Ulta Beauty
signatory thereto, Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A. and PNC Bank, National
Association
Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended
and Restated Agreement, dated
March 11, 2020, among Ulta Beauty,
Inc., Ulta Salon, Cosmetics &
Fragrance, Inc., the subsidiaries of Ulta
Beauty signatory thereto, the lenders
party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, as administrative
agent and collateral agent for the
lenders
Ulta Beauty, Inc. Second Amended
and Restated Restricted Stock Option
Plan*
Amendment to Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Second Amended and Restated
Restricted Stock Option Plan*
Ulta Beauty, Inc. 2007 Incentive
Award Plan*
Amended and Restated Ulta Beauty,
Inc. 2011 Incentive Award Plan*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award
Agreement—Performance Shares
under the 2011 Incentive Award Plan*
Ulta Salon, Cosmetics &
Fragrance, Inc. Non-qualified Deferred
Compensation Plan*
Letter Agreement dated June 20, 2013
between Ulta Salon, Cosmetics &
Fragrance, Inc. and Mary N. Dillon*
EXHIBIT INDEX
Filed
Exhibit
File
Incorporated by Reference
Herewith Form Number Number
001-33764
8-K
3.1
Filing Date
1/30/2017
8-K
3.2
001-33764
6/8/2020
10-K
4
001-33764
3/27/2020
8-K
10.1
001-33764
1/30/2017
8-K
10.0
001-33764
8/24/2017
10-K
10.3
001-33764
3/27/2020
S-1
10.7
333-144405
8/17/2007
S-1
10.7(a)
333-144405
8/17/2007
S-1
10.10
333-144405
9/27/2007
DEF 14A Appendix A 001-33764
4/20/2016
8-K
10.1
001-33764
3/31/2015
10-K
10.17
001-33764
4/2/2009
8-K
10.1
001-33764
6/24/2013
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Exhibit
Number Description of document
Filed
Exhibit
File
Incorporated by Reference
Herewith Form Number Number
001-33764
10-Q
10.1
Filing Date
6/10/2014
10-Q
10.1
001-33764
6/4/2015
10-K
10.13
001-33764
3/28/2017
10-K
10.14
001-33764
3/28/2017
10-K
10.15
001-33764
3/28/2017
10-K
10.16
001-33764
3/28/2017
10-K
10.17
001-33764
4/3/2018
10-K
10.18
001-33764
4/3/2018
8-K
10.1
001-33764
3/30/2021
8-K
10.2
001-33764
3/30/2021
8-K
10.3
001-33764
3/30/2021
8-K
8-K
10.4
001-33764
3/30/2021
10.5
001-33764
3/30/2021
8-K
10.6
001-33764
3/30/2021
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
10.26
Letter Agreement dated September 13,
2013 between Ulta Inc. and Jeffrey J.
Childs*
Letter Agreement dated January 6,
2014 between Ulta Inc. and David
Kimbell*
Form of Option Agreement under the
2011 Incentive Award Plan*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award
Agreement under the 2011 Incentive
Award Plan*
Letter Agreement dated August 3,
2015 between Ulta Inc. and Jodi J.
Caro*
Ulta Beauty, Inc. Executive Change in
Control and Severance Plan*
Restricted Stock Unit Award
Agreement dated March 29, 2018, with
Mary Dillon*
Amendment to Employment Letter
Regarding Severance Entitlements,
dated March 29, 2018, between Ulta
Beauty, Inc. and Mary Dillon*
New Form of Restricted Stock Unit
Award Agreement—PSUs—under the
Amended and Restated Ulta Beauty,
Inc. 2011 Incentive Award Plan*
New Form of Stock Option Agreement
under the Amended and Restated Ulta
Beauty, Inc. 2011 Incentive Award
Plan*
Restricted Stock Unit Award
Agreement—PSUs—dated March 25,
2021, with Mary Dillon*
Stock Option Agreement dated March
25, 2021, with Mary Dillon*
Restricted Stock Unit Award
Agreement dated March 25, 2021, with
Mary Dillon*
Confidential Information & Restrictive
Covenants Agreement with Mary
Dillon*
Alternative Form of Restricted Stock
Unit Award Agreement—PSUs—
under the Amended and Restated Ulta
Beauty, Inc. 2011 Incentive Award
Plan*
Alternative Form of Stock Option
Agreement under the Amended and
Restated Ulta Beauty, Inc. 2011
Incentive Award Plan*
X
X
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Exhibit
Number Description of document
Filed
Exhibit
File
Herewith Form Number Number
Filing Date
Incorporated by Reference
10.27
Alternative Form of Restricted Stock
Unit Award Agreement under the
Amended and Restated Ulta Beauty,
Inc. 2011 Incentive Award Plan*
32.1
31.1
31.2
21
23
List of Significant Subsidiaries
Consent of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm
Certification of the Chief Executive
Officer pursuant to
Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
adopted pursuant to section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of the Chief Financial
Officer pursuant to
Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
adopted pursuant to section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Certification of the Chief Executive
Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
Certification of the Chief Financial
Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
of 2002
Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders. [To be filed
with the SEC under Regulation 14A
within 120 days after January 29,
2022; except to the extent specifically
incorporated by reference, the Proxy
Statement for the 2022 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders shall not be
deemed to be filed with the SEC as
part of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K]
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
32.2
99
Schema
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
Calculation
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
Labels
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
Presentation
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension
Definition
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
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Exhibit
Number Description of document
Filed
Exhibit
File
Herewith Form Number Number
Filing Date
Incorporated by Reference
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File
(formatted as Inline XBRL with
applicable taxonomy extension
information contained in Exhibits 101).
* A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
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Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Bolingbrook,
State of Illinois, on March 25, 2022.
SIGNATURES
ULTA BEAUTY, INC.
By: /s/ Scott M. Settersten
Scott M. Settersten
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signatures
/s/ David C. Kimbell
David C. Kimbell
/s/ Scott M. Settersten
Scott M. Settersten
/s/ Sally E. Blount
Sally E. Blount
/s/ Michelle L. Collins
Michelle L. Collins
/s/ Mary N. Dillon
Mary N. Dillon
/s/ Kelly E. Garcia
Kelly E. Garcia
/s/ Catherine Halligan
Catherine Halligan
/s/ Charles Heilbronn
Charles Heilbronn
/s/ Patricia A. Little
Patricia A. Little
/s/ Michael R. MacDonald
Michael R. MacDonald
/s/ George Mrkonic
George Mrkonic
/s/ Lorna E. Nagler
Lorna E. Nagler
/s/ Gisel Ruiz
Gisel Ruiz
/s/ Michael C. Smith
Michael C. Smith
Title
Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer
and Assistant Secretary (Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer)
Director
Director
Date
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
Executive Chair of the Board of Directors
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
March 25, 2022
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Lead Independent Director of the Board of
Directors
Director
Director
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