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Ulta Beauty Announces Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Net Sales of $3.5 Billion Compared to $3.6 Billion in the Year-Ago Quarter

Comparable Sales Increased 1.5%

Net Income of $393.3 Million or $8.46 Per Diluted Share

Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) today announced financial results for the thirteen-week period (“fourth quarter”) and fifty-two-week period (“fiscal year”) ended February 1, 2025, compared to the comparable fourteen-week and fifty-three-week periods ended February 3, 2024, both of which contained one extra week (“53rd week”).

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

14 Weeks Ended

 

 

52 Weeks Ended

 

53 Weeks Ended

 

 

February 1,

 

February 3,

 

 

February 1,

 

February 3,

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

2025

 

2024

 

 

2025

 

2024

Net sales

 

$

3,487.6

 

$

3,554.3

 

 

$

11,295.7

 

$

11,207.3

Comparable sales (1)

 

 

1.5%

 

 

2.5%

 

 

 

0.7%

 

 

5.7%

Gross profit (as a percentage of net sales)

 

 

38.2%

 

 

37.7%

 

 

 

38.8%

 

 

39.1%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

$

815.6

 

$

820.4

 

 

$

2,808.6

 

$

2,694.6

Operating income (as a percentage of net sales)

 

 

14.8%

 

 

14.5%

 

 

 

13.9%

 

 

15.0%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

8.46

 

$

8.08

 

 

$

25.34

 

$

26.03

New store openings, net

 

 

8

 

 

11

 

 

 

60

 

 

30

__________________________

(1) Comparable sales are calculated based on the comparable number of weeks from the prior year.

“The Ulta Beauty team delivered stronger-than-expected revenue, profitability, and diluted EPS in the fourth quarter. I am incredibly proud of our team’s collective impact on the business and the care they showed our guests throughout the holiday season, positioning us to finish fiscal 2024 ahead of our expectations,” said Kecia Steelman, president and chief executive officer.

Steelman continued, “I am incredibly optimistic about the future of Ulta Beauty, as I believe we have the right elements to drive our success – a strong business model, an ambitious long-term plan, and passionate associates who bring our brand to life for our guests every day. Fiscal 2025 will be a pivotal year as we make purposeful investments to fuel our future growth and move quickly to optimize our business. While it will take time to see the impact of these efforts, we are confident these investments will help reignite our momentum and unlock sustained growth and long-term value for our shareholders."

Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Compared to Fourth Quarter of Fiscal 2023

  • Net sales decreased 1.9% to $3.5 billion compared to $3.6 billion, primarily due to the benefit of an extra week of sales in fiscal 2023, partially offset by new store contribution and increased comparable sales. Net sales in the 53rd week of fiscal 2023 were approximately $181.9 million.
  • Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 1.5% compared to an increase of 2.5%, driven by a 3.0% increase in average ticket and a 1.4% decrease in transactions.
  • Gross profit was $1.33 billion compared to $1.34 billion. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 38.2% compared to 37.7%, primarily due to lower inventory shrink, favorable channel mix, and higher merchandise margin, partially offset by higher supply chain costs, lower other revenue, and deleverage of store and supply chain fixed costs.
  • Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $815.6 million compared to $820.4 million. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 23.4% compared to 23.1%, primarily due to deleverage of store payroll and benefits.
  • Operating income was $516.3 million, or 14.8% of net sales, compared to $517.1 million, or 14.5% of net sales.
  • The tax rate was 24.1% compared to 24.2%.
  • Net income was $393.3 million compared to $394.4 million.
  • Diluted earnings per share was $8.46 compared to $8.08, including a $0.46 benefit due to the extra week of sales.

Full Year of Fiscal 2024 Compared to Full Year of Fiscal 2023

  • Net sales increased 0.8% to $11.3 billion compared to $11.2 billion, primarily due to new store contribution, partially offset by the benefit of the 53rd week of sales in fiscal 2023.
  • Comparable sales increased 0.7% compared to an increase of 5.7%, driven by a 1.1% increase in average ticket and a 0.4% decrease in transactions.
  • Gross profit was $4.39 billion compared to $4.38 billion. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 38.8% compared to 39.1%, primarily due to lower merchandise margin, deleverage of store fixed costs, and higher supply chain costs, partially offset by lower inventory shrink and favorable channel mix.
  • SG&A expenses were $2.8 billion compared to $2.7 billion. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 24.9% compared to 24.0%, primarily due to deleverage of store payroll and benefits, corporate overhead due to strategic investments, and store expenses, partially offset by lower incentive compensation.
  • Operating income was $1.6 billion, or 13.9% of net sales, compared to $1.7 billion, or 15.0% of net sales.
  • The tax rate was 24.0% compared to 23.9%.
  • Net income was $1.2 billion compared to $1.3 billion.
  • Diluted earnings per share was $25.34, including a $0.10 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation, compared to $26.03, including a $0.14 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation and a $0.46 benefit due to the extra week of sales.

Balance Sheet

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 totaled $703.2 million.

Merchandise inventories, net at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 increased 13.0% to $2.0 billion compared to $1.7 billion at the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily due to inventory to support new brand launches, intentional strategic investments to improve merchandise in-stocks in key categories post-holiday, and the addition of 60 net new stores since February 3, 2024.

As previously announced, during the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company borrowed $199.7 million on its revolving credit facility to support ongoing capital allocation priorities, including share repurchases and capital expenditures, and merchandise inventory growth. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company repaid all amounts borrowed, together with interest due. At the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

Share Repurchase Program

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 620,053 shares of its common stock at a cost of $249.5 million. During fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 2.5 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $1.0 billion. As of February 1, 2025, $2.7 billion remained available under the $3.0 billion share repurchase program announced in October 2024.

Store Update

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company opened nine new stores, remodeled five stores, and closed one store. During fiscal 2024, the Company opened 66 new stores, relocated two stores, remodeled 41 stores, and closed six stores. At the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company operated 1,445 stores totaling 15.1 million square feet.

Fiscal 2025 Outlook

For fiscal 2025, the Company plans to:

 

 

 

 

 

FY25 Outlook

Net sales

 

 

$11.5 billion to $11.6 billion

Comparable sales

 

 

0% to 1%

New stores, net

 

 

approximately 60

Remodel and relocation projects

 

 

40-45

Operating margin

 

 

11.7% to 11.8%

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

$22.50 to $22.90

Share repurchases

 

 

approximately $900 million

Interest income

 

 

approximately $6 million

Effective tax rate

 

 

approximately 24.5%

Capital expenditures

 

 

$425 million to $500 million

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

$290 million to $300 million

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 results is scheduled for today, March 13, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. CT. Investors and analysts who are interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 704-4453. Participants may also listen to a real-time audio webcast of the conference call by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website located at https://www.ulta.com/investor. A replay will be made available online approximately two hours following the live call for a period of 30 days.

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 1,445 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 and elevated interest rates, as well as prior labor, transportation, and shipping cost pressures, 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 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 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, our ability to continue to obtain sufficient merchandise from our brand partners, and/or our ability to continue to offer permanent or temporary exclusive products of our brand partners;
  • our ability to effectively manage our inventory and protect against inventory shrink;
  • changes in the wholesale cost of our products and/or interruptions at our brand partners’ or third-party vendors’ operations;
  • epidemics, pandemics or natural disasters, which 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 which could 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 February 3, 2024, 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

 

14 Weeks Ended

 

 

February 1,

 

February 3,

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Net sales

 

$

3,487,619

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

3,554,298

 

 

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

 

2,153,967

 

 

61.8

%

 

 

2,213,734

 

 

62.3

%

Gross profit

 

 

1,333,652

 

 

38.2

%

 

 

1,340,564

 

 

37.7

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

815,599

 

 

23.4

%

 

 

820,360

 

 

23.1

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

1,732

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

3,114

 

 

0.1

%

Operating income

 

 

516,321

 

 

14.8

%

 

 

517,090

 

 

14.5

%

Interest income, net

 

 

(1,994

)

 

(0.1

%)

 

 

(3,328

)

 

(0.1

%)

Income before income taxes

 

 

518,315

 

 

14.9

%

 

 

520,418

 

 

14.6

%

Income tax expense

 

 

125,045

 

 

3.6

%

 

 

126,049

 

 

3.5

%

Net income

 

$

393,270

 

 

11.3

%

 

$

394,369

 

 

11.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

8.50

 

 

 

 

$

8.13

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

8.46

 

 

 

 

$

8.08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

46,270

 

 

 

 

 

48,500

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

46,476

 

 

 

 

 

48,795

 

 

 

Exhibit 2

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(In thousands, except per share data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52 Weeks Ended

 

53 Weeks Ended

 

 

February 1,

 

February 3,

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

Net sales

 

$

11,295,654

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

11,207,303

 

 

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

 

6,908,401

 

 

61.2

%

 

 

6,826,203

 

 

60.9

%

Gross profit

 

 

4,387,253

 

 

38.8

%

 

 

4,381,100

 

 

39.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

2,808,592

 

 

24.9

%

 

 

2,694,561

 

 

24.0

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

13,689

 

 

0.1

%

 

 

8,510

 

 

0.1

%

Operating income

 

 

1,564,972

 

 

13.9

%

 

 

1,678,029

 

 

15.0

%

Interest income, net

 

 

(15,094

)

 

(0.1

%)

 

 

(17,622

)

 

(0.2

%)

Income before income taxes

 

 

1,580,066

 

 

14.0

%

 

 

1,695,651

 

 

15.1

%

Income tax expense

 

 

378,948

 

 

3.4

%

 

 

404,646

 

 

3.6

%

Net income

 

$

1,201,118

 

 

10.6

%

 

$

1,291,005

 

 

11.5

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

25.44

 

 

 

 

$

26.18

 

 

 

Diluted

 

$

25.34

 

 

 

 

$

26.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

47,207

 

 

 

 

 

49,304

 

 

 

Diluted

 

 

47,404

 

 

 

 

 

49,596

 

 

 

Exhibit 3

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 1,

 

February 3,

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

703,201

 

$

766,594

Receivables, net

 

 

223,334

 

 

207,939

Merchandise inventories, net

 

 

1,968,214

 

 

1,742,136

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

129,113

 

 

115,598

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

4,946

 

 

4,251

Total current assets

 

 

3,028,808

 

 

2,836,518

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

1,239,295

 

 

1,182,335

Operating lease assets

 

 

1,609,870

 

 

1,574,530

Goodwill

 

 

10,870

 

 

10,870

Other intangible assets, net

 

 

204

 

 

510

Deferred compensation plan assets

 

 

47,951

 

 

43,516

Other long-term assets

 

 

64,695

 

 

58,732

Total assets

 

$

6,001,693

 

$

5,707,011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

563,761

 

$

544,001

Accrued liabilities

 

 

380,241

 

 

382,468

Deferred revenue

 

 

500,585

 

 

436,591

Current operating lease liabilities

 

 

288,114

 

 

283,821

Accrued income taxes

 

 

46,777

 

 

11,310

Total current liabilities

 

 

1,779,478

 

 

1,658,191

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current operating lease liabilities

 

 

1,635,120

 

 

1,627,271

Deferred income taxes

 

 

42,593

 

 

85,921

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

56,149

 

 

56,300

Total liabilities

 

 

3,513,340

 

 

3,427,683

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

2,488,353

 

 

2,279,328

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

6,001,693

 

$

5,707,011

Exhibit 4

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

52 Weeks Ended

 

53 Weeks Ended

 

 

February 1,

 

February 3,

 

 

2025

 

2024

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

1,201,118

 

 

$

1,291,005

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

267,042

 

 

 

243,840

 

Non-cash lease expense

 

 

310,636

 

 

 

332,754

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

(43,328

)

 

 

30,575

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

42,787

 

 

 

48,246

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

 

11,566

 

 

 

11,419

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

 

(15,395

)

 

 

(8,517

)

Merchandise inventories

 

 

(226,078

)

 

 

(138,685

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(13,515

)

 

 

14,648

 

Income taxes

 

 

34,772

 

 

 

45,367

 

Accounts payable

 

 

30,297

 

 

 

(20,873

)

Accrued liabilities

 

 

6,303

 

 

 

(62,238

)

Deferred revenue

 

 

63,994

 

 

 

41,914

 

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

(333,835

)

 

 

(338,105

)

Other assets and liabilities

 

 

2,241

 

 

 

(15,084

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

1,338,605

 

 

 

1,476,266

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(374,458

)

 

 

(435,267

)

Other investments

 

 

(8,631

)

 

 

(6,158

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(383,089

)

 

 

(441,425

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings from credit facility

 

 

199,700

 

 

 

195,400

 

Payments on credit facility

 

 

(199,700

)

 

 

(195,400

)

Repurchase of common shares

 

 

(1,003,328

)

 

 

(995,738

)

Stock options exercised

 

 

12,339

 

 

 

12,176

 

Purchase of treasury shares

 

 

(23,761

)

 

 

(22,562

)

Debt issuance costs

 

 

(4,159

)

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(1,018,909

)

 

 

(1,006,124

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(63,393

)

 

 

28,717

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

 

766,594

 

 

 

737,877

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

 

$

703,201

 

 

$

766,594

 

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 2024

 

quarter

 

quarter

 

quarter

 

end of the quarter

1st Quarter

 

1,385

 

12

 

2

 

1,395

2nd Quarter

 

1,395

 

17

 

1

 

1,411

3rd Quarter

 

1,411

 

28

 

2

 

1,437

4th Quarter

 

1,437

 

9

 

1

 

1,445

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 2024

 

the quarter

 

quarter

 

during the quarter

 

quarter

1st Quarter

 

14,515,593

 

114,786

 

15,615

 

14,614,764

2nd Quarter

 

14,614,764

 

178,624

 

10,800

 

14,782,588

3rd Quarter

 

14,782,588

 

258,320

 

20,083

 

15,020,825

4th Quarter

 

15,020,825

 

100,693

 

11,348

 

15,110,170

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

 

14 Weeks Ended

 

 

February 1,

 

February 3,

 

2025

 

2024

Cosmetics

 

36%

 

39%

Skincare

 

23%

 

22%

Haircare

 

19%

 

19%

Fragrance

 

17%

 

15%

Services

 

3%

 

3%

Other

 

2%

 

2%

 

 

100%

 

100%

 

 

52 Weeks Ended

 

53 Weeks Ended

 

 

February 1,

 

February 3,

 

 

2025

 

2024

Cosmetics

 

39%

 

41%

Skincare

 

23%

 

22%

Haircare

 

19%

 

20%

Fragrance

 

13%

 

11%

Services

 

4%

 

4%

Other

 

2%

 

2%

 

 

100%

 

100%

Certain sales departments were reclassified between categories in the prior year to conform to current year presentation, including moving the bath category from Fragrance to Skincare.

Contacts

Investor Contact:

Kiley Rawlins, CFA

Senior Vice President, Investor Relations

krawlins@ulta.com

Media Contact:

Crystal Carroll

Senior Director, Public Relations

ccarroll@ulta.com