Ulta Beauty Announces First Quarter Fiscal 2023 Results

Net Sales of $2.6 Billion Compared to $2.3 Billion in the Year-Ago Quarter

Comparable Sales Increased 9.3%

Net Income of $347.1 Million or $6.88 Per Diluted Share

Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) today announced financial results for the thirteen-week period (“first quarter”) ended April 29, 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

2023

 

2022

Net sales

 

$

2,634.3

 

$

2,345.9

Comparable sales

 

 

9.3%

 

 

18.0%

Gross profit (as a percentage of net sales)

 

 

40.0%

 

 

40.1%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

$

612.1

 

$

501.0

Operating income (as a percentage of net sales)

 

 

16.8%

 

 

18.7%

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

6.88

 

$

6.30

New store openings, net

 

 

4

 

 

10

“The year is off to a positive start as the Ulta Beauty team delivered revenue, operating margin, and diluted EPS consistent with our internal expectations. Store traffic remained healthy, member growth showed continued strength, we delivered growth across key categories, and we strengthened engagement with the Ulta Beauty brand,” said Dave Kimbell, chief executive officer. “While we expect the operating environment to continue evolving, we remain confident in the resilience of the beauty category and in our ability to drive share and profitable growth with our proven business model, a diverse, best-in-class assortment, an industry-leading loyalty program, and our world-class team.”

For the First Quarter of Fiscal 2023

  • Net sales increased 12.3% to $2.6 billion compared to $2.3 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2022 due to increased comparable sales, strong new store performance, and growth in other revenue compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2022.
  • Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 9.3% compared to an increase of 18.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, driven by an 11.0% increase in transactions and a 1.5% decrease in average ticket.
  • Gross profit increased 12.1% to $1.1 billion compared to $941.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 40.0% compared to 40.1% in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, primarily due to higher inventory shrink, lower merchandise margins, higher supply chain costs, and deleverage of salon expenses, partially offset by strong growth in other revenue and leverage of store fixed costs.
  • Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses increased 22.2% to $612.1 million compared to $501.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 23.2% compared to 21.4% in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, primarily due to deleverage of store payroll and benefits, deleverage of corporate overhead due to strategic investments, and deleverage of marketing expenses, partially offset by leverage of incentive compensation and store expenses.
  • Operating income increased 1.0% to $442.1 million, or 16.8% of net sales, compared to $437.7 million, or 18.7% of net sales, in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.
  • Interest income, net increased to $7.3 million compared to interest expense, net of $0.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, due to higher average interest rates and higher average cash balances during the quarter.
  • Tax rate decreased to 22.8% compared to 24.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2022, primarily due to benefits from income tax accounting for stock-based compensation.
  • Net income increased 4.7% to $347.1 million compared to $331.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.
  • Diluted earnings per share increased 9.2% to $6.88, including a $0.14 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation, compared to $6.30, including a $0.02 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation, in the first quarter of fiscal 2022.

Balance Sheet

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2023 totaled $636.4 million.

Merchandise inventories, net at the end of first quarter of fiscal 2023 increased to $1.75 billion compared to $1.57 billion at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2022. The increase is due to inventory to support higher demand, product cost increases, 41 net new stores, new brand launches, and brand expansions.

Share Repurchase Program

During the first quarter of fiscal 2023, the Company repurchased 541,108 shares of its common stock at a cost of $285.8 million, including excise tax. As of April 29, 2023, $816.5 million remained available under the $2.0 billion share repurchase program announced in March 2022.

Store Update

Real estate activity in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 included five new stores located in Boulder, CO; Denton, TX; Seattle, WA; Surprise, AZ; and Warrensville Heights, OH. In addition, the Company closed one store, relocated one store, and remodeled two stores.

At the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2023 the Company operated 1,359 stores totaling 14.2 million square feet.

Fiscal 2023 Outlook

The Company has updated its outlook for fiscal 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prior FY23 Outlook

 

Updated FY23 Outlook

Net sales

 

 

$10.95 billion to $11.05 billion

 

$11.0 billion to $11.1 billion

Comparable sales

 

 

4% to 5%

 

no change

New stores, net

 

 

25-30

 

no change

Remodel and relocation projects

 

 

20-30

 

no change

Operating margin

 

 

14.7% to 15.0%

 

14.5% to 14.8%

Diluted earnings per share

 

 

$24.70 to $25.40

 

no change

Share repurchases

 

 

approximately $900 million

 

no change

Interest income

 

 

 

 

approximately $17 million

Effective tax rate

 

 

approximately 24.6%

 

approximately 23.9%

Capital expenditures

 

 

$400 million to $475 million

 

no change

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

$245 million to $250 million

 

no change

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss first quarter of fiscal 2023 results is scheduled for today, May 25, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 3:30 p.m. CT. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 704‑4453. The conference call will also be webcast live at https://www.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 June 8, 2023 and can be accessed by dialing (844) 512‑2921 and entering conference ID number 13737585.

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 1,359 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

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Net sales

 

$

2,634,263

 

 

100.0

%

 

$

2,345,901

 

100.0

%

Cost of sales

 

 

1,579,406

 

 

60.0

%

 

 

1,404,875

 

59.9

%

Gross profit

 

 

1,054,857

 

 

40.0

%

 

 

941,026

 

40.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

 

612,129

 

 

23.2

%

 

 

500,970

 

21.4

%

Pre-opening expenses

 

 

658

 

 

0.0

%

 

 

2,348

 

0.1

%

Operating income

 

 

442,070

 

 

16.8

%

 

 

437,708

 

18.7

%

Interest (income) expense, net

 

 

(7,348

)

 

(0.3

%)

 

 

401

 

0.0

%

Income before income taxes

 

 

449,418

 

 

17.1

%

 

 

437,307

 

18.6

%

Income tax expense

 

 

102,367

 

 

3.9

%

 

 

105,912

 

4.5

%

Net income

 

$

347,051

 

 

13.2

%

 

$

331,395

 

14.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

6.92

 

 

 

 

$

6.34

 

 

Diluted

 

$

6.88

 

 

 

 

$

6.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

50,153

 

 

 

 

 

52,250

 

 

Diluted

 

 

50,469

 

 

 

 

 

52,582

 

 

Exhibit 2

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April 29,

 

January 28,

 

April 30,

 

 

2023

 

2023

 

2022

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

636,449

 

$

737,877

 

$

654,486

Receivables, net

 

 

190,282

 

 

199,422

 

 

192,754

Merchandise inventories, net

 

 

1,751,235

 

 

1,603,451

 

 

1,570,552

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

108,014

 

 

130,246

 

 

114,075

Prepaid income taxes

 

 

 

 

38,308

 

 

Total current assets

 

 

2,685,980

 

 

2,709,304

 

 

2,531,867

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

 

1,019,978

 

 

1,009,273

 

 

909,543

Operating lease assets

 

 

1,559,560

 

 

1,561,263

 

 

1,488,040

Goodwill

 

 

10,870

 

 

10,870

 

 

10,870

Other intangible assets, net

 

 

1,015

 

 

1,312

 

 

1,307

Deferred compensation plan assets

 

 

37,002

 

 

35,382

 

 

35,978

Other long-term assets

 

 

61,314

 

 

43,007

 

 

34,431

Total assets

 

$

5,375,719

 

$

5,370,411

 

$

5,012,036

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

621,272

 

$

559,527

 

$

585,500

Accrued liabilities

 

 

308,583

 

 

444,278

 

 

305,000

Deferred revenue

 

 

357,217

 

 

394,677

 

 

324,694

Current operating lease liabilities

 

 

288,133

 

 

283,293

 

 

276,440

Accrued income taxes

 

 

58,695

 

 

 

 

108,113

Total current liabilities

 

 

1,633,900

 

 

1,681,775

 

 

1,599,747

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-current operating lease liabilities

 

 

1,610,256

 

 

1,619,883

 

 

1,568,356

Deferred income taxes

 

 

57,490

 

 

55,346

 

 

40,702

Other long-term liabilities

 

 

56,005

 

 

53,596

 

 

57,611

Total liabilities

 

 

3,357,651

 

 

3,410,600

 

 

3,266,416

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

 

2,018,068

 

 

1,959,811

 

 

1,745,620

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

5,375,719

 

$

5,370,411

 

$

5,012,036

Exhibit 3

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

 

2023

 

2022

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

(Unaudited)

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

347,051

 

 

$

331,395

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

57,949

 

 

 

62,839

 

Non-cash lease expense

 

 

75,478

 

 

 

72,192

 

Deferred income taxes

 

 

2,144

 

 

 

1,009

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

 

9,721

 

 

 

10,356

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

 

 

1,451

 

 

 

1,002

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

 

9,140

 

 

 

40,928

 

Merchandise inventories

 

 

(147,784

)

 

 

(71,334

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

22,232

 

 

 

(3,261

)

Income taxes

 

 

97,003

 

 

 

101,236

 

Accounts payable

 

 

62,257

 

 

 

42,586

 

Accrued liabilities

 

 

(98,515

)

 

 

(57,214

)

Deferred revenue

 

 

(37,460

)

 

 

(28,885

)

Operating lease liabilities

 

 

(78,562

)

 

 

(79,936

)

Other assets and liabilities

 

 

(17,204

)

 

 

3,390

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

304,901

 

 

 

426,303

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

 

(109,766

)

 

 

(71,076

)

Other investments

 

 

(314

)

 

 

(797

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(110,080

)

 

 

(71,873

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of common shares

 

 

(283,517

)

 

 

(132,834

)

Stock options exercised

 

 

8,927

 

 

 

6,502

 

Purchase of treasury shares

 

 

(21,659

)

 

 

(5,172

)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

 

(296,249

)

 

 

(131,504

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(101,428

)

 

 

222,926

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

 

737,877

 

 

 

431,560

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

636,449

 

 

$

654,486

 

Exhibit 4

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Exhibit 5

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Sales by Category

 

The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of net sales by primary category:

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

 

April 29,

 

April 30,

 

2023

 

2022

Cosmetics

 

44%

 

44%

Skincare

 

19%

 

18%

Haircare products and styling tools

 

18%

 

20%

Fragrance and bath

 

12%

 

12%

Services

 

4%

 

3%

Accessories and other

 

3%

 

3%

 

 

100%

 

100%

 

Contacts

Investor Contacts:

Kiley Rawlins, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations

krawlins@ulta.com

Media Contact:

Eileen Ziesemer

Vice President, Public Relations

eziesemer@ulta.com

(708) 305-4479

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