Ulta Beauty Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2023 Results

Net Sales of $2.5 Billion Compared to $2.3 Billion in the Year-Ago Quarter

Comparable Sales Increased 4.5%

Net Income of $249.5 Million or $5.07 Per Diluted Share

Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) today announced financial results for the thirteen-week period (“third quarter”) and thirty-nine-week period (“first nine months”) ended October 28, 2023 compared to the same periods ended October 29, 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

39 Weeks Ended

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

2023

 

2022

 

 

2023

 

2022

Net sales

 

$

2,488.9

 

$

2,338.8

 

 

$

7,653.0

 

$

6,981.8

Comparable sales

 

 

4.5%

 

 

14.6%

 

 

 

7.3%

 

 

15.6%

Gross profit (as a percentage of net sales)

 

 

39.9%

 

 

41.2%

 

 

 

39.7%

 

 

40.6%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

$

661.4

 

$

597.2

 

 

$

1,874.2

 

$

1,632.6

Operating income (as a percentage of net sales)

 

 

13.1%

 

 

15.5%

 

 

 

15.2%

 

 

17.1%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

5.07

 

$

5.34

 

 

$

17.99

 

$

17.35

New store openings, net

 

 

12

 

 

18

 

 

 

19

 

 

35

“The third quarter represented another strong performance by the Ulta Beauty team, as sales, gross profit, and diluted EPS all exceeded our internal expectations. Our traffic trends remained healthy, our brand awareness increased, and we expanded our loyalty program to a record 42.2 million members,” said Dave Kimbell, chief executive officer. “As we look to the future, the outlook for the Beauty category is bright, and I am confident Ulta Beauty has the right plans in place to delight our guests this holiday season, expand our leadership position in specialty beauty retail, and deliver long-term shareholder growth.”

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023 Compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2022

• Net sales increased 6.4% to $2.5 billion compared to $2.3 billion, primarily due to increased comparable sales, strong new store performance, and strong growth in other revenue.
• Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 4.5% compared to an increase of 14.6%, driven by a 5.9% increase in transactions and a 1.4% decrease in average ticket.
• Gross profit increased 3.0% to $992.1 million compared to $962.8 million. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 39.9% compared to 41.2%, primarily due to lower merchandise margin, higher inventory shrink, and higher supply chain costs, partially offset by strong growth in other revenue.
• Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased 10.8% to $661.4 million compared to $597.2 million. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 26.6% compared to 25.5%, primarily due to higher corporate overhead due to strategic investments, higher store expenses, higher store payroll and benefits, and higher marketing expenses, partially offset by lower incentive compensation.
• Operating income was $327.2 million, or 13.1% of net sales, compared to $361.9 million, or 15.5% of net sales.
• Net interest income increased to $2.5 million compared to $0.8 million, due to higher average interest rates on cash balances.
• The tax rate remained flat at 24.3%.
• Net income was $249.5 million compared to $274.6 million.
• Diluted earnings per share was $5.07 compared to $5.34 (which included a $0.02 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation).

First Nine Months of Fiscal 2023 Compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal 2022

• Net sales increased 9.6% to $7.7 billion compared to $7.0 billion, primarily due to increased comparable sales, strong new store performance, and strong growth in other revenue.
• Comparable sales increased 7.3% compared to an increase of 15.6%, driven by an 8.7% increase in transactions and a 1.4% decrease in average ticket.
• Gross profit increased 7.4% to $3.0 billion compared to $2.8 billion. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 39.7% compared to 40.6%, primarily due to lower merchandise margin, higher inventory shrink, higher supply chain costs, and deleverage of salon expenses, partially offset by strong growth in other revenue and leverage of store fixed costs.
• SG&A expenses increased 14.8% to $1.9 billion compared to $1.6 billion. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 24.5% compared to 23.4%, primarily due to higher corporate overhead due to strategic investments, higher store payroll and benefits, higher marketing expenses, and higher store expenses, partially offset by lower incentive compensation.
• Operating income was $1.16 billion, or 15.2% of net sales, compared to $1.19 billion, or 17.1% of net sales.
• Net interest income increased to $14.3 million compared to $0.6 million, due to higher average interest rates on cash balances.
• The tax rate decreased to 23.7% compared to 24.3%, primarily due to benefits from income tax accounting for stock-based compensation.
• Net income was $896.6 million compared to $901.7 million.
• Diluted earnings per share was $17.99, including a $0.14 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation, compared to $17.35, including a $0.05 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation.

Balance Sheet

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 totaled $121.8 million.

Merchandise inventories, net at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 increased 9.8% to $2.3 billion compared to $2.1 billion at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily due to inventory to support expected demand, 31 net new stores, the new market fulfillment center in Greer, SC, new brand launches, and product cost increases.

Short-term debt at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 was $195.4 million, as the Company drew on its revolving credit facility to support ongoing capital allocation priorities, including share repurchases and capital expenditures, and merchandise inventory growth.

Share Repurchase Program

During the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased 686,689 shares of its common stock at a cost of $281.5 million. During the first nine months of fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased 1.8 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $840.5 million. As of October 28, 2023, $259.4 million remained available under the $2.0 billion share repurchase program announced in March 2022.

Store Update

Real estate activity in the third quarter of fiscal 2023 included 12 new stores located in Antioch, TN; Baraboo, WI; Cornelius, NC; Cottage Grove, MN; El Paso, TX (2); Elizabethtown, KY; Leominster, MA; Mesa, AZ; Parrish, FL; Pell City, AL; and Rialto, CA. In addition, the Company relocated two stores and remodeled 11 stores. During the first nine months of fiscal 2023, the Company opened 20 new stores, relocated five stores, remodeled 16 stores, and closed one store.

At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company operated 1,374 stores totaling 14.4 million square feet.

Fiscal 2023 Outlook

The Company has updated its outlook for fiscal 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior FY23 Outlook

 

Updated FY23 Outlook

Net sales

 

 

$11.05 billion to $11.15 billion

 

$11.10 billion to $11.15 billion

Comparable sales

 

 

4.5% to 5.5%

 

5.0% to 5.5%

New stores, net

 

 

25-30

 

no change

Remodel and relocation projects

 

 

20-30

 

no change

Operating margin

 

 

14.6% to 14.8%

 

no change

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

$25.10 to $25.60

 

$25.20 to $25.60

Share repurchases

 

 

approximately $900 million

 

approximately $950 million

Interest income

 

 

approximately $17 million

 

no change

Effective tax rate

 

 

approximately 23.9%

 

no change

Capital expenditures

 

 

$400 million to $475 million

 

$400 million to $425 million

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

$245 million to $250 million

 

$240 million to $245 million

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss third quarter of fiscal 2023 results is scheduled for today, November 30, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. CT. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial [phone]. The conference call will also be webcast live at https://ulta.com/investor. A replay of the webcast will remain available for 90 days. A replay of the conference call will be available until 11:59 p.m. ET on December 14, 2023 and can be accessed by dialing [phone] and entering conference ID number 13741934.

About Ulta Beauty

At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty U.S. beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. In 1990, the Company reinvented the beauty retail experience by offering a new way to shop for beauty – bringing together All Things Beauty, All in One Place®. Today, Ulta Beauty operates 1,374 retail stores across 50 states and also distributes its products through its website, which includes a collection of tips, tutorials, and social content. For more information, visit www.ulta.com.

Forward‑Looking Statements

This press release 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 the Company’s current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. These statements can be identified 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 press release are based upon the Company’s historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future plans, estimates, targets, strategies or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation:

• macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, rising interest rates and recessionary concerns, as well as ongoing labor pressures, transportation and shipping cost pressures, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows (including future uncertain impacts);
• changes in the overall level of consumer spending and volatility in the economy, including as a result of the macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical events;
• 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;
• 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 of significant interruptions in the operations of our distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers, and market fulfillment centers;
• 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, including our Ulta.com website and mobile applications;
• the failure to maintain satisfactory compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations;
• changes in the good relationships we have with our brand partners and/or our ability to continue to offer permanent or temporary exclusive products of our brand partners;
• changes in the wholesale cost of our products and/or interruptions at our brand partners’ or third-party vendors’ operations;
• future epidemics, pandemics or natural disasters could negatively impact sales;
• 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;
• a decline in operating results may lead to asset impairment and store closure charges; and
• other risk factors detailed in the Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including risk factors contained in its Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023, as such may be amended or supplemented in its subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

The Company’s filings with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Exhibit 1

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Net sales

 

$

2,488,933

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

2,338,793

 

 

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

 

1,496,866

 

 

60.1

%

 

 

1,375,976

 

 

58.8

%

Gross profit

 

 

992,067

 

 

39.9

%

 

 

962,817

 

 

41.2

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

661,380

 

 

26.6

%

 

 

597,164

 

 

25.5

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

3,460

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

3,797

 

 

0.2

%

Operating income

 

 

327,227

 

 

13.1

%

 

 

361,856

 

 

15.5

%

Interest income, net

 

 

(2,497

)

 

(0.1

%)

 

 

(849

)

 

(0.0

%)

Income before income taxes

 

 

329,724

 

 

13.2

%

 

 

362,705

 

 

15.5

%

Income tax expense

 

 

80,241

 

 

3.2

%

 

 

88,120

 

 

3.8

%

Net income

 

$

249,483

 

 

10.0

%

 

$

274,585

 

 

11.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

5.09

 

 

 

 

$

5.37

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

5.07

 

 

 

 

$

5.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

49,007

 

 

 

 

 

51,131

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

49,226

 

 

 

 

 

51,418

 

 

 

Exhibit 2

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39 Weeks Ended

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Net sales

 

$

7,653,005

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

6,981,807

 

 

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

 

4,612,469

 

 

60.3

%

 

 

4,149,800

 

 

59.4

%

Gross profit

 

 

3,040,536

 

 

39.7

%

 

 

2,832,007

 

 

40.6

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

1,874,201

 

 

24.5

%

 

 

1,632,593

 

 

23.4

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

5,396

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

8,422

 

 

0.1

%

Operating income

 

 

1,160,939

 

 

15.2

%

 

 

1,190,992

 

 

17.1

%

Interest income, net

 

 

(14,294

)

 

(0.2

%)

 

 

(556

)

 

(0.0

%)

Income before income taxes

 

 

1,175,233

 

 

15.4

%

 

 

1,191,548

 

 

17.1

%

Income tax expense

 

 

278,597

 

 

3.6

%

 

 

289,891

 

 

4.2

%

Net income

 

$

896,636

 

 

11.7

%

 

$

901,657

 

 

12.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

18.08

 

 

 

 

$

17.45

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

17.99

 

 

 

 

$

17.35

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

49,592

 

 

 

 

 

51,663

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

49,846

 

 

 

 

 

51,962

 

 

 

Exhibit 3

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 28,

 

January 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

2023

 

2023

 

2022

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

121,811

 

$

737,877

 

$

250,628

Receivables, net

 

 

202,868

 

 

199,422

 

 

200,304

Merchandise inventories, net

 

 

2,321,306

 

 

1,603,451

 

 

2,114,669

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

117,282

 

 

130,246

 

 

137,642

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

28,773

 

 

38,308

 

 

42,572

Total current assets

 

 

2,792,040

 

 

2,709,304

 

 

2,745,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

1,117,874

 

 

1,009,273

 

 

967,039

Operating lease assets

 

 

1,578,316

 

 

1,561,263

 

 

1,556,940

Goodwill

 

 

10,870

 

 

10,870

 

 

10,870

Other intangible assets, net

 

 

591

 

 

1,312

 

 

844

Deferred compensation plan assets

 

 

38,371

 

 

35,382

 

 

31,529

Other long-term assets

 

 

56,946

 

 

43,007

 

 

18,512

Total assets

 

$

5,595,008

 

$

5,370,411

 

$

5,331,549

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

597,373

 

$

559,527

 

$

647,117

Accrued liabilities

 

 

405,443

 

 

444,278

 

 

462,773

Deferred revenue

 

 

350,937

 

 

394,677

 

 

312,132

Current operating lease liabilities

 

 

287,786

 

 

283,293

 

 

275,749

Short-term debt

 

 

195,400

 

 

—

 

 

—

Total current liabilities

 

 

1,836,939

 

 

1,681,775

 

 

1,697,771

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current operating lease liabilities

 

 

1,616,747

 

 

1,619,883

 

 

1,621,252

Deferred income taxes

 

 

56,874

 

 

55,346

 

 

38,627

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

55,906

 

 

53,596

 

 

51,644

Total liabilities

 

 

3,566,466

 

 

3,410,600

 

 

3,409,294

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

2,028,542

 

 

1,959,811

 

 

1,922,255

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

5,595,008

 

$

5,370,411

 

$

5,331,549

Exhibit 4

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39 Weeks Ended

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

896,636

 

 

$

901,657

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

181,273

 

 

 

182,182

 

Non-cash lease expense

 

 

232,772

 

 

 

222,548

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

1,528

 

 

 

(1,066

)

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

33,477

 

 

 

32,554

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

 

6,310

 

 

 

3,892

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

 

(3,446

)

 

 

33,378

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

(717,855

)

 

 

(615,451

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

12,964

 

 

 

(26,828

)

Income taxes

 

 

9,535

 

 

 

(49,446

)

Accounts payable

 

 

41,817

 

 

 

94,214

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

(34,955

)

 

 

64,164

 

Deferred revenue

 

 

(43,740

)

 

 

(41,447

)

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

(248,469

)

 

 

(246,988

)

Other assets and liabilities

 

 

(9,836

)

 

 

20,063

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

358,011

 

 

 

573,426

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(311,030

)

 

 

(203,961

)

Other investments

 

 

(4,870

)

 

 

(3,068

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(315,900

)

 

 

(207,029

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings from credit facility

 

 

195,400

 

 

 

—

 

Repurchase of common shares

 

 

(840,551

)

 

 

(571,908

)

Stock options exercised

 

 

9,302

 

 

 

31,319

 

Purchase of treasury shares

 

 

(22,328

)

 

 

(6,740

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(658,177

)

 

 

(547,329

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(616,066

)

 

 

(180,932

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

737,877

 

 

 

431,560

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

121,811

 

 

$

250,628

 

Exhibit 5

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Store Update

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stores open

 

Number of stores

 

Number of stores

 

Total stores

 

 

at beginning of the

 

opened during the

 

closed during the

 

open at

Fiscal 2023

 

quarter

 

quarter

 

quarter

 

end of the quarter

1st Quarter

 

1,355

 

5

 

1

 

1,359

2nd Quarter

 

1,359

 

3

 

0

 

1,362

3rd Quarter

 

1,362

 

12

 

0

 

1,374

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross square feet for

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total gross square

 

stores opened or

 

Gross square feet for

 

Total gross square

 

 

feet at beginning of

 

expanded during the

 

stores closed

 

feet at end of the

Fiscal 2023

 

the quarter

 

quarter

 

during the quarter

 

quarter

1st Quarter

 

14,200,403

 

54,495

 

9,984

 

14,244,914

2nd Quarter

 

14,244,914

 

27,530

 

0

 

14,272,444

3rd Quarter

 

14,272,444

 

133,421

 

0

 

14,405,865

Exhibit 6

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Sales by Category

The following tables set forth the approximate percentage of net sales by primary category:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

2023

 

2022

Cosmetics

 

42

%

 

44

%

Haircare products and styling tools

 

19

%

 

21

%

Skincare

 

19

%

 

16

%

Fragrance and bath

 

13

%

 

12

%

Services

 

4

%

 

4

%

Accessories and other

 

3

%

 

3

%

 

 

100

%

 

100

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

39 Weeks Ended

 

 

October 28,

 

October 29,

 

 

2023

 

2022

Cosmetics

 

42

%

 

43

%

Haircare products and styling tools

 

20

%

 

21

%

Skincare

 

19

%

 

17

%

Fragrance and bath

 

12

%

 

12

%

Services

 

4

%

 

4

%

Accessories and other

 

3

%

 

3

%

 

 

100

%

 

100

%

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231130337622/en/

Investor Contacts: Kiley Rawlins, CFA Vice President, Investor Relations [e-mail]

Media Contact: Crystal Carroll Senior Director, Public Relations [e-mail]