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Ulta Beauty, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2013 May (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended May 4, 2013

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 SALON, COSMETICS & FRAGRANCE, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   36-3685240

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1000 Remington Blvd., Suite 120

Bolingbrook, Illinois

  60440
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (630) 410-4800

 

 

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.    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    x  Yes    ¨  No

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer   x    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    ¨  Yes    x  No

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of June 3, 2013 was 63,766,528 shares.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

ULTA SALON, COSMETICS & FRAGRANCE, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Part I -Financial Information

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets

     3   

Consolidated Statements of Income

     5   

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

     6   

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

     7   

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

     8   

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     12   

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     19   

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     19   

Part II Other Information

     20   

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     20   

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     20   

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     20   

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

     20   

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

     20   

Item 5. Other Information

     20   

Item 6. Exhibits

     21   

SIGNATURES

     22   

 

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Table of Contents

Part I—Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

     May 4,      February 2,      April 28,  

(In thousands)

   2013      2013      2012  
     (Unaudited)             (Unaudited)  

Assets

        

Current assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 293,214       $ 320,475       $ 266,345   

Receivables, net

     29,925         41,515         22,328   

Merchandise inventories, net

     442,085         361,125         332,065   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     48,106         50,452         40,102   

Deferred income taxes

     15,285         15,757         12,257   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     828,615         789,324         673,097   

Property and equipment, net

     499,395         483,059         384,904   

Deferred compensation plan assets

     3,567         2,866         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1,331,577       $ 1,275,249       $ 1,058,001   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity

        

Current liabilities:

        

Accounts payable

   $ 148,488       $ 118,886       $ 111,889   

Accrued liabilities

     78,847         92,127         77,375   

Dividends payable

     —           —           62,420   

Accrued income taxes

     20,732         10,054         5,764   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     248,067         221,067         257,448   

Deferred rent

     220,003         208,003         171,973   

Deferred income taxes

     55,988         56,361         43,675   

Other long-term liabilities

     3,795         2,876         —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     527,853         488,307         473,096   

 

 

Commitments and contingencies (note 3)

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

 

     May 4,     February 2,     April 28,  

(In thousands, except per share data)

   2013     2013     2012  
     (Unaudited)           (Unaudited)  

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock, $.01 par value, 400,000 shares authorized; 64,313, 64,565 and 64,438 shares issued; 63,758, 64,009 and 62,883 shares outstanding; at May 4, 2013 (unaudited), February 2, 2013 and April 28, 2012 (unaudited), respectively

   $ 643      $ 645      $ 634   

Treasury stock-common, at cost

     (7,566     (7,494     (7,415

Additional paid-in capital

     509,292        496,930        432,444   

Retained earnings

     301,355        296,861        159,242   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     803,724        786,942        584,905   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 1,331,577      $ 1,275,249      $ 1,058,001   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(unaudited)

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
     May 4,     April 28,  

(In thousands, except per share data)

   2013     2012  

Net sales

   $ 582,712      $ 474,098   

Cost of sales

     378,763        303,186   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     203,949        170,912   

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     133,048        110,943   

Pre-opening expenses

     3,206        2,523   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     67,695        57,446   

Interest (income) expense

     (24     21   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     67,719        57,425   

Income tax expense

     25,893        22,557   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 41,826      $ 34,868   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income per common share:

    

Basic

   $ 0.66      $ 0.56   

Diluted

   $ 0.65      $ 0.54   

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

    

Basic

     63,842        62,496   

Diluted

     64,495        64,072   

Dividends declared per common share

   $ —        $ 1.00   

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited)

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
     May 4,     April 28,  

(In thousands)

   2013     2012  

Operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 41,826      $ 34,868   

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

    

Depreciation and amortization

     24,779        20,985   

Deferred income taxes

     99        (513

Non-cash stock compensation charges

     3,048        2,893   

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     (3,901     (16,550

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     1,577        255   

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Receivables

     11,590        3,825   

Merchandise inventories

     (80,960     (87,418

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     2,346        3,328   

Income taxes

     14,579        18,312   

Accounts payable

     29,602        25,447   

Accrued liabilities

     (13,968     (1,396

Deferred rent

     12,000        8,510   

Other assets and liabilities

     218        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     42,835        12,546   

Investing activities

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (42,004     (24,799
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (42,004     (24,799

Financing activities

    

Repurchase of common shares

     (37,337     —     

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     3,901        16,550   

Stock options exercised

     5,416        8,310   

Purchase of treasury shares

     (72     —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (28,092     24,860   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (27,261     12,607   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     320,475        253,738   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 293,214      $ 266,345   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information

    

Cash paid for income taxes (net of refunds)

   $ 10,996      $ 4,864   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncash investing and financing activities:

    

Change in property and equipment included in accrued liabilities

   $ 688      $ 4,360   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

(unaudited)

 

                 Treasury -                     
     Common Stock     Common Stock     Additional            Total  
     Number of           Treasury           Paid-In      Retained     Stockholders’  

(In thousands)

   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital      Earnings     Equity  

Balance – February 2, 2013

     64,565      $ 645        (556   $ (7,494   $ 496,930       $ 296,861      $ 786,942   

Stock options exercised and other awards

     249        3        —          —          5,413           5,416   

Purchase of treasury shares

     —          —          1        (72     —           —          (72

Net income for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013

     —          —          —          —          —           41,826        41,826   

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation

     —          —          —          —          3,901         —          3,901   

Stock compensation charge

     —          —          —          —          3,048         —          3,048   

Repurchase of common shares

     (501     (5     —          —          —           (37,332     (37,337
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance – May 4, 2013

     64,313      $ 643        (555   $ (7,566   $ 509,292       $ 301,355      $ 803,724   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

 

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(unaudited)

1. Business and basis of presentation

Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. was incorporated in the state of Delaware on January 9, 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 of May 4, 2013, the Company operated 576 stores in 46 states, as shown in the table below. As used in these notes and throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Ulta” or the “Company” refer to Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary, Ulta Inc.

 

State

   Number of
stores
    

State

   Number of
stores
 

Alabama

     11       Montana      1   

Arizona

     23       Nebraska      3   

Arkansas

     4       Nevada      7   

California

     57       New Hampshire      3   

Colorado

     12       New Jersey      15   

Connecticut

     5       New Mexico      2   

Delaware

     1       New York      19   

Florida

     41       North Carolina      19   

Georgia

     21       North Dakota      1   

Idaho

     3       Ohio      19   

Illinois

     39       Oklahoma      8   

Indiana

     11       Oregon      6   

Iowa

     6       Pennsylvania      20   

Kansas

     3       Rhode Island      1   

Kentucky

     6       South Carolina      11   

Louisiana

     9       South Dakota      1   

Maine

     3       Tennessee      8   

Maryland

     11       Texas      68   

Massachusetts

     7       Utah      6   

Michigan

     24       Virginia      15   

Minnesota

     11       Washington      10   

Mississippi

     4       West Virginia      1   

Missouri

     11       Wisconsin      9   
        

 

 

 
      Total      576   

The accompanying unaudited financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Article 10, Regulation S-X. In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to fairly state the financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented.

The Company’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuation. Significant portions of the Company’s net sales and net income are realized during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to the holiday selling season. The results for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending February 1, 2014, or for any other future interim period or for any future year.

 

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These interim financial statements and the related notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2013. All amounts are stated in thousands, with the exception of per share amounts and number of stores.

2. Summary of significant accounting policies

Information regarding the Company’s significant accounting policies is contained in Note 2, “Summary of significant accounting policies,” to the financial statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2013. Presented below in this and the following notes is supplemental information that should be read in conjunction with “Notes to Financial Statements” in the Annual Report.

Fiscal quarter

The Company’s quarterly periods are the 13 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31. The Company’s first quarters in fiscal 2013 and 2012 ended on May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively.

Share-based compensation

The Company measures share-based compensation cost on the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and recognizes the expense over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The Company estimated the grant date fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes valuation model using the following assumptions for the periods indicated:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
     May 4, 2013     April 28, 2012  

Volatility rate

     54.3     54.0

Average risk-free interest rate

     1.0     1.6

Average expected life (in years)

     6.0        6.3   

Dividend yield

     None        None   

The Company granted 207 and 35 stock options during the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively. The compensation cost that has been charged against operating income was $2,315 and $2,786 for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of these options was $38.29 and $46.78, respectively. At May 4, 2013, there was approximately $27,490 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested options.

The Company issued 89 and 4 restricted stock awards during the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively. The compensation cost that has been charged against operating income was $733 and $107 for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively. At May 4, 2013, there was approximately $9,676 of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock awards.

3. Commitments and contingencies

Leases – The Company leases stores, distribution and office facilities, and certain equipment. Original non-cancelable lease terms range from three to ten years, and store leases generally contain renewal options for additional years. A number of the Company’s store leases provide for contingent rentals based upon sales. Contingent rent amounts were insignificant in the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012. Total rent expense under operating leases was $32,010 and $26,067 for 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively.

General litigation – On March 2, 2012, a putative employment class action lawsuit was filed against us and certain unnamed defendants in state court in Los Angeles County, California. On April 12, 2012, the Company removed the case to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiff and members of the proposed class are alleged to be (or to have been) non-exempt hourly employees. The suit alleges that Ulta violated various provisions of the California labor laws and failed to provide plaintiff and members of the proposed class with full meal periods, paid rest breaks, certain wages, overtime compensation and premium pay. The suit seeks to recover damages and penalties as a result of these alleged practices. The Company denies plaintiff’s allegations and is vigorously defending the matter.

The Company is also involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of any liability with respect to these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not be material.

 

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4. Notes payable

On October 19, 2011, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Loan Agreement) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and a Lender thereunder, Wells Fargo Capital Finance LLC as a Lender, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC as a Lender, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as a Lender and PNC Bank, National Association, as a Lender. The Loan Agreement amended and restated the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2010, by and among the lenders. The Loan Agreement extended the maturity of the Company’s credit facility to October 2016, provides maximum revolving loans equal to the lesser of $200,000 or a percentage of eligible owned inventory, contains a $10,000 subfacility for letters of credit and allows the Company to increase the revolving facility by an additional $50,000, subject to consent by each lender and other conditions. The Loan Agreement contains a requirement to maintain a minimum amount of excess borrowing availability at all times. Substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral for outstanding borrowings under the facility. Outstanding borrowings will bear interest at the prime rate or Libor plus 1.50% and the unused line fee is 0.225%.

On September 5, 2012, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Amendment) with the lender group. The Amendment updated certain administrative terms and conditions and provides the Company greater flexibility to take certain corporate actions. There were no changes to the revolving loan amounts available, interest rates, covenants or maturity date under terms of the Loan Agreement.

As of May 4, 2013, February 2, 2013 and April 28, 2012, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and the Company was in compliance with all terms and covenants of the agreement.

5. 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.

The Company has adopted the ASC rules for fair value measurements and disclosures. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s financial statements. The rules established a three-tier hierarchy for fair value measurements, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value 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 May 4, 2013, the Company held financial liabilities of $3,575 related to its non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The liabilities have been categorized as Level 2 as they are based on third-party reported net asset values which are based primarily on quoted market prices of underlying assets of the funds within the plan.

 

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6. 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 share:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
      May 4,
2013
     April 28,
2012
 

Net income

   $ 41,826       $ 34,868   

Denominator for basic net income per share – weighted-average common shares

     63,842         62,496   

Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested stock

     653         1,576   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Denominator for diluted net income per share

     64,495         64,072   

Net income per common share:

     

Basic

   $ 0.66       $ 0.56   

Diluted

   $ 0.65       $ 0.54   

The denominators for diluted net income per common share for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012 exclude 562 and 525 employee stock options, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effects.

7. Stock repurchase program

On March 18, 2013, the Company announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $150 million of the Company’s common stock. The repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, at prices that the Company deems appropriate and subject to market conditions, applicable law and other factors deemed relevant in the Company’s sole discretion. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, we purchased 500,500 shares of common stock for $37.3 million at an average price of $74.58.

 

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Item 2. 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 quarterly report. This discussion 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,” or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q 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 or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: the impact of weakness in the economy; changes in the overall level of consumer spending; changes in the wholesale cost of our products; the possibility that we may be unable to compete effectively in our highly competitive markets; the possibility that our continued opening of new stores could strain our resources and have a material adverse effect on our business and financial performance; the possibility that new store openings and existing locations may be impacted by developer or co-tenant issues; the possibility that the capacity of our distribution and order fulfillment infrastructure may not be adequate to support our recent growth and expected future growth plans; the possibility of material disruptions to our information systems; weather conditions that could negatively impact sales; our ability to attract and retain key executive personnel; our ability to successfully execute and implement our common stock repurchase program; and other risk factors detailed in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including risk factors contained in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2013. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments. References in the following discussion to “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” “Ulta” and similar references mean Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.

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. After extensive research, we recognized an opportunity to better satisfy how women want to shop for beauty products. We developed a unique retail approach by combining one-stop shopping, a compelling value proposition, convenient locations and an uplifting specialty retail experience. We believe our strategy provides us with the competitive advantages that have contributed to our strong financial performance.

We are currently the largest beauty retailer that provides one-stop shopping for prestige, mass and salon products and salon services in the United States. We focus on providing affordable indulgence to our customers by combining unmatched product breadth, value and convenience with the distinctive environment and experience of a specialty retailer. Key aspects of our business include our ability to offer our customers a broad selection of over 20,000 beauty products across the categories of cosmetics, fragrance, haircare, skincare, bath and body products and salon styling tools, as well as salon haircare products. We focus on delivering a compelling value proposition to our customers across all of our product categories. Our stores are predominately located in convenient, high-traffic locations such as power centers. As of May 4, 2013, we operated 576 stores across 46 states.

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 growth strategy, including accelerating store growth, introducing new products, services and brands, enhancing our loyalty program, broadening our marketing reach, increasing our digital focus including Ulta.com and improving our operating margin. We believe that the expanding U.S. beauty products and services industry, the shift in distribution of prestige beauty products from department stores to specialty retail stores, coupled with Ulta’s competitive strengths, positions us to capture additional market share in the industry through successful execution of our growth strategy.

Comparable store sales is a key metric that is monitored closely within the retail industry. Our comparable store sales have fluctuated in the past and we expect them to continue to fluctuate in the future. A variety of factors affect our comparable store 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 increases in our comparable store sales and by opening new stores. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales is expected to increase as a result of our ability to expand merchandise margin and leverage our supply chain infrastructure and fixed store costs with comparable store sales increases and operating efficiencies. We plan to continue to improve our operating results by leveraging our fixed costs and decreasing our selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of our net sales.

 

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Global economic conditions

Economic conditions in the U.S. continue to be uneven. Fiscal stress in Europe and economic uncertainty in the U.S. related to deficit issues, potential tax increases and federal spending cuts has resulted in significant fluctuations in the U.S. stock markets. While the U.S. credit markets have stabilized and credit availability has improved compared to the recent recessionary period, economic growth is expected to continue to be weak. Consumer spending habits are affected by levels of unemployment, unsettled financial markets, weakness in housing and real estate, higher interest rates, fuel and energy costs, and consumer perception of economic conditions, among others. Sudden negative changes in one or more of the factors that influence consumer spending could adversely affect consumer spending levels which could lead to reduced consumer demand for our merchandise and adversely affect our sales levels and financial performance.

Current business trends

We recorded an 6.7% comparable store sales increase during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Our long-term annual net income growth target of 25% to 30% is based on comparable store sales increases of 4% to 6%, including the impact of e-commerce sales starting in 2013.

Basis of presentation

The Company has determined its operating segments on the same basis that it uses to internally evaluate performance. We have combined our three operating segments: retail stores, salon services and e-commerce, into one reportable segment because they have a similar class of consumer, economic characteristics, nature of products and distribution methods.

Net sales include store and e-commerce merchandise sales as well as salon service revenue. We recognize merchandise revenue at the point of sale in our retail stores and e-commerce sales are recorded based on estimated receipt of merchandise by the customer. Merchandise sales are recorded net of estimated returns. Salon service revenue is recognized at the time the service is provided. Gift card sales revenue is deferred until the customer redeems the gift card. Company coupons and other incentives are recorded as a reduction of net sales.

Comparable store 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 as a result of remodel activity. Remodeled stores are included in comparable store sales unless the store was closed for a portion of the current or prior period. Beginning in the first quarter of 2013, comparable store sales include the Company’s e-commerce business. There may be variations in the way in which some of our competitors and other retailers calculate comparable or same store sales.

Measuring comparable store 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 store sales results:

 

   

the general national, regional and local economic conditions and corresponding impact on consumer 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 marketing activities; and

 

   

the number of new stores opened and the impact on the average age of all of our comparable stores.

 

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Cost of sales includes:

 

   

the cost of merchandise sold, including all vendor allowances, which are treated as a reduction of merchandise costs;

 

   

warehousing and distribution costs including labor and related benefits, freight, rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities and insurance;

 

   

store occupancy costs including rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, insurance, licenses and cleaning expenses;

 

   

salon payroll and benefits;

 

   

customer loyalty program expense; and

 

   

shrink and inventory valuation reserves.

Our cost of sales may be negatively impacted as we open an increasing number of stores. Changes in our merchandise 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 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 and warehouse 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.

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.

Interest expense includes unused 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.

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.

 

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Results of operations

Our quarterly periods are the 13 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31. The Company’s first quarters in fiscal 2013 and 2012 ended on May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively. 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.

The following table presents the components of our results of operations for the periods indicated:

 

     13 Weeks Ended     13 Weeks Ended  
     May 4,     April 28,     May 4,     April 28,  

(Dollars in thousands)

   2013     2012     2013     2012  
     (Dollars in thousands)              

Net sales

   $ 582,712      $ 474,098      $ 100.0     100.0

Cost of sales

     378,763        303,186        65.0     64.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross profit

     203,949        170,912        35.0     36.0

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     133,048        110,943        22.8     23.4

Pre-opening expenses

     3,206        2,523        0.6     0.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     67,695        57,446        11.6     12.1

Interest (income) expense

     (24     21        0.0     0.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     67,719        57,425        11.6     12.1

Income tax expense

     25,893        22,557        4.4     4.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 41,826      $ 34,868      $ 7.2     7.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other operating data:

        

Number of stores end of period

     576        467       

Comparable store sales:

        

Retail and salon comparable store sales

     5.3     10.1    

E-commerce comparable store sales

     69.7     37.1    
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

Total comparable store sales increase

     6.7     10.6    

 

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Comparison of 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 to 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012

Net sales

Net sales increased $108.6 million, or 22.9%, to $582.7 million for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to $474.1 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. Salon service sales increased $6.8 million, or 23.9%, to $35.3 million compared to $28.5 million in first quarter 2012. E-commerce sales increased $7.0 million, or 69.7%, to $17.0 million compared to $10.0 million in first quarter 2012. The net sales increases are due to comparable stores driving an increase of $31.2 million and non-comparable store increases of $77.4 million compared to the first quarter 2012.

The 6.7% comparable store sales increase consisted of a 5.3% increase at the Company’s retail and salon stores and a 69.7% increase in the Company’s e-commerce business. The inclusion of the e-commerce business resulted in an increase of approximately 140 basis points to the Company’s consolidated same store sales calculation for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 compared to 50 basis points for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. The total comparable store sales increase included a 3.5% increase in traffic and a 3.2% increase in average ticket. We attribute the increase in comparable store sales to our successful marketing and merchandising strategies.

Gross profit

Gross profit increased $33.0 million, or 19.3%, to $203.9 million for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to $170.9 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 100 basis points to 35.0% for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to 36.0% for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily driven by deleverage in merchandise margins due mainly to changes in marketing and merchandising strategies, inventory receipts flow timing and higher fixed store leverage compared to the prior year period.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $22.1 million, or 19.9%, to $133.0 million for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to $110.9 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses decreased 60 basis points to 22.8% for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to 23.4% for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. The leverage in SG&A expenses is primarily attributed to 50 basis points in corporate overhead leverage attributed to higher sales volume.

Pre-opening expenses

Pre-opening expenses increased $0.7 million to $3.2 million for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to $2.5 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. During the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, we opened 28 new stores, compared to 18 new store openings and 1 relocated store during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012.

Interest income and expense

Interest income and expense was insignificant for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 and April 28, 2012. Interest income results from highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Interest expense for the period represents various unused facility fees related to the credit facility. We did not access our credit facility during the first quarter fiscal 2013 or 2012.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense of $25.9 million for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 represents an effective tax rate of 38.2%, compared to $22.6 million of tax expense representing an effective tax rate of 39.3% for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. The lower tax rate is primarily due to a decrease in the state rate and additional credits available in the current year.

 

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Net income

Net income increased $6.9 million, or 20.0%, to $41.8 million for the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to $34.9 million for the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. The increase is primarily related to the $33.0 million increase in gross profit, offset by a $22.1 million increase in SG&A expenses and a $3.3 million increase in income tax expense.

Liquidity and capital resources

Our primary cash needs are for capital expenditures for new, relocated and remodeled stores, increased merchandise inventories related to store expansion, supply chain improvements and for continued improvement in our information technology systems.

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash on hand and cash flows from operations, including changes in working capital and borrowings under our credit facility. The most significant component of our working capital is merchandise inventories reduced by related accounts payable and accrued expenses. Our working capital position benefits from the fact that we generally collect cash from sales to customers the same day, or within several days of the related sale, while we typically have up to 30 days to pay our vendors.

Our working capital needs are greatest from August through November each year as a result of our inventory build-up during this period for the approaching holiday season. This is also the time of year when we are at maximum investment levels in our new store class and may not have collected all of the landlord allowances due to us as part of our lease agreements. Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that cash on hand, cash generated from operations and borrowings under the credit facility will satisfy the Company’s working capital needs, capital expenditure needs, commitments, and other liquidity requirements through at least the next 12 months.

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows:

 

     13 Weeks Ended  
     May 4,     April 28,  

(In thousands)

   2013     2012  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 42,835      $ 12,546   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (42,004     (24,799

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

     (28,092     24,860   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

   $ (27,261   $ 12,607   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating activities

Operating activities consist of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, non-cash stock-based compensation, realized gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment, and the effect of working capital changes.

Merchandise inventories were $442.1 million at May 4, 2013, compared to $332.1 million at April 28, 2012, representing an increase of $110.0 million. Average inventory per store increased 7.9% compared to prior year. The increase in inventory is primarily due to the addition of 109 net new stores opened since April 28, 2012 and incremental inventory related to the recently added prestige brand boutiques .

Deferred rent liabilities were $220.0 million at May 4, 2013, an increase of $48.0 million compared to April 28, 2012. Deferred rent includes deferred construction allowances, future rental increases and rent holidays which are all recognized on a straight-line basis over their respective lease term. The increase is primarily due to the addition of 109 net new stores opened since April 28, 2012 and the opening of the Chambersburg, Pennsylvania distribution center.

The $14.6 million cash flow benefit from income taxes is due to timing of estimated payments and tax deductible stock option exercises.

 

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Investing activities

We have historically used cash primarily for new and remodeled stores as well as investments in information technology systems. Investment activities related to capital expenditures were $42.0 million during the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013, compared to $24.8 million during the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012. The increase in capital expenditures year over year is primarily due to the increased number of new store openings during fiscal 2013.

Financing activities

Financing activities in fiscal 2013 consist principally of capital stock transactions and the stock repurchase program. We had no borrowings outstanding under our credit facility as of May 4, 2013, February 2, 2013 and April 28, 2012. The zero outstanding borrowings position is due to a combination of factors including strong sales growth, overall performance of management initiatives including expense control and other working capital reductions. We may require borrowings under the credit facility from time to time in future periods to support our new store program and seasonal inventory needs.

Stock repurchase program

On March 18, 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $150 million of the Company’s common stock. The repurchases may be made from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, at prices that the Company deems appropriate and subject to market conditions, applicable law and other factors deemed relevant in the Company’s sole discretion. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, we purchased 500,500 shares of common stock for $37.3 million at an average price of $74.58.

Credit facility

On October 19, 2011, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Loan Agreement) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and a Lender thereunder, Wells Fargo Capital Finance LLC as a Lender, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC as a Lender, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as a Lender and PNC Bank, National Association, as a Lender. The Loan Agreement amended and restated the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2010, by and among the lenders. The Loan Agreement extended the maturity of the Company’s credit facility to October 2016, provides maximum revolving loans equal to the lesser of $200,000 or a percentage of eligible owned inventory, contains a $10,000 subfacility for letters of credit and allows the Company to increase the revolving facility by an additional $50,000, subject to consent by each lender and other conditions. The Loan Agreement contains a requirement to maintain a minimum amount of excess borrowing availability at all times. Substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral for outstanding borrowings under the facility. Outstanding borrowings will bear interest at the prime rate or Libor plus 1.50% and the unused line fee is 0.225%.

On September 5, 2012, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Amendment) with the lender group. The Amendment updated certain administrative terms and conditions and provides us greater flexibility to take certain corporate actions. There were no changes to the revolving loan amounts available, interest rates, covenants or maturity date under terms of the Loan Agreement.

As of May 4, 2013, February 2, 2013 and April 28, 2012, we had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and the Company was in compliance with all terms and covenants of the agreement.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

Our off-balance sheet arrangements consist of operating lease obligations and letters of credit. We do not have any non-cancelable purchase commitments as of May 4, 2013.

Contractual obligations

Our contractual obligations consist of operating lease obligations and our revolving line of credit. No material changes outside the ordinary course of business have occurred in our contractual obligations during the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013.

 

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Critical accounting policies and estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). 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. There have been no significant changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February  2, 2013.

Item 3. 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. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Interest rate sensitivity

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 access our credit facility during the three month period ended May 4, 2013. The interest expense recognized in our statement of income represents unused facility fees associated with the credit facility.

Item 4. 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 May 4, 2013, 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, as amended, 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.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes to our internal controls over financial reporting during the 13 weeks ended May 4, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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Part II—Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

General litigation – On March 2, 2012, a putative employment class action lawsuit was filed against us and certain unnamed defendants in state court in Los Angeles County, California. On April 12, 2012, the Company removed the case to the United States District Court for the Central District of California. The plaintiff and members of the proposed class are alleged to be (or to have been) non-exempt hourly employees. The suit alleges that Ulta violated various provisions of the California labor laws and failed to provide plaintiff and members of the proposed class with full meal periods, paid rest breaks, certain wages, overtime compensation and premium pay. The suit seeks to recover damages and penalties as a result of these alleged practices. The Company denies plaintiff’s allegations and is vigorously defending the matter.

We are also involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business. In the opinion of management, the amount of any liability with respect to these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not be material.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2013, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, financial results or future performance. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2013.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth repurchases of our common stock during the first quarter of 2013:

 

Period

   Total number
of shares
purchased (1)
     Average price
paid per
share
     Total number of  shares
purchased as part of
publicly announced
plans or programs (2)
     Approximate  dollar
value of shares that may
yet to be purchased
under plans or programs (2)
 

March 2, 2013 to March 29, 2013

     501,429       $ 74.58         500,500       $ 112,664,055   

 

(1) Includes 929 shares of the Company’s common stock at an average price of $77.52 transferred from employees in satisfaction of minimum statutory tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock during the period.
(2) On March 18, 2013, we announced the approval of a stock repurchase program pursuant to which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $150 million shares of common stock in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise, at prices that the Company deems appropriate and subject to market conditions, applicable law and other factors deemed relevant in the Company’s sole discretion. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. As of May 4, 2013, $112.7 million remained available under the $150 million program.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None

Item 5. Other Information

None

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

 

               Incorporated by Reference  

Exhibit
Number

  

Description of document

   Filed
Herewith
   Form      Exhibit
Number
     File
Number
     Filing
Date
 
3.1    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation         S-1         3.1         333-144405         8/17/2007   
3.2    Amended and Restated Bylaws         S-1         3.2         333-144405         8/17/2007   
4.1    Specimen Common Stock Certificate         S-1         4.1         333-144405         10/11/2007   
4.2    Third Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement between Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. and the stockholders party thereto         S-1         4.2         333-144405         8/17/2007   
4.3    Stockholder Rights Agreement         S-1         4.4         333-144405         8/17/2007   
10.1    Form of Retention and Severance Agreement         8-K         10.1         001-33764         3/13/2013   
31.1    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    X            
31.2    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    X            
32.1    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002    X            
101.INS    XBRL Instance    X            
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema    X            
101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation    X            
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels    X            
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation    X            
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition    X            

 

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SIGNATURES

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 June 11, 2013 on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

ULTA SALON, COSMETICS & FRAGRANCE, INC.
By:  

/s/ Dennis K. Eck

 

Dennis K. Eck

Interim Chief Executive Officer and Director

By:  

/s/ Scott M. Settersten

 

Scott M. Settersten

Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary

 

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