Ulta Beauty, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2015 May (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended May 2, 2015

or

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)

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):

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 May 28, 2015 was 64,232,738 shares.

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ULTA SALON, COSMETICS & FRAGRANCE, INC.

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Part I - Financial Information

Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

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 2, 2015, the Company operated 797 stores in 48 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,” “Ulta Beauty” or “the Company” refer to Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary, Ulta Inc.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated 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. These consolidated financial statements were prepared on a consolidated basis to include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions and unrealized profit were eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated 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 2, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending January 30, 2016, or for any other future interim period or for any future year.

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These interim consolidated financial statements and the related notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015. All amounts are stated in thousands, with the exception of per share amounts and number of stores.

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 January 31, 2015. Presented below and in 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 2015 and 2014 ended on May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, 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 on a straight-line method 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 weighted-average assumptions for the periods indicated:

The Company granted 87 and 287 stock options during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively. The compensation cost that has been charged against operating income for stock option grants was $2,031 and $2,133 for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of these options was $44.84 and $32.04, respectively. At May 2, 2015, there was approximately $17,440 of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested stock options.

The Company issued 63 and 46 restricted stock awards during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively. The compensation cost that has been charged against operating income for restricted stock awards was $1,311 and $1,930 for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively. At May 2, 2015, there was approximately $15,322 of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock awards.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, issued as a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that the Company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is effective beginning in fiscal year 2017. In April 2015, the FASB voted for a proposed one-year deferral of the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard. If approved, the new standard will be effective beginning in fiscal year 2018 with early adoption as of the original effective date permitted. The standard allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the application method and the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

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Leases – The Company leases retail stores, distribution and office facilities, and certain equipment. Original non-cancelable lease terms range from three to ten years, and leases generally contain renewal options for additional years. A number of the Company’s store leases provide for contingent rental payments based upon sales. Contingent rent amounts were insignificant in the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014. Total rent expense under operating leases was $44,558 and $38,538 for 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, 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. On August 8, 2013, the plaintiff asked the court to certify the proposed class and the Company opposed the plaintiff’s request and is waiting for the court to issue a decision. 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 has not recorded any accruals for this matter because the Company’s potential liability for the matter is not probable and cannot be reasonably estimated based on currently available information. The Company cannot determine a reasonable estimate of the maximum possible loss or range of loss for this matter given that it is in the early stage of the litigation process and is subject to the inherent uncertainties of litigation (such as the strength of the Company’s legal defenses and the availability of insurance recovery). Although the maximum amount of liability that may ultimately result from this matter cannot be predicted with certainty, management expects that this matter, when ultimately resolved, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or liquidity. It is possible, however, that the ultimate resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in a particular quarter or year if such resolution results in a significant liability for the Company.

On December 4, 2013, a putative employment class action lawsuit was filed against us in the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County and was removed to the U.S. Northern District Court of California on January 8, 2014. It seeks class action certification for claims involving payment of wages using an ATM card; allegedly failing to provide accurate and complete wage statements; allegedly failing to pay all minimum and overtime wages; and allegedly failing to pay meal and rest break premiums due to Ulta’s exit inspection practice. On August 29, 2014, the court stayed the exit inspection portion of the litigation, thus the case is proceeding with respect to the paycard-related claims. The issue in this class action is whether Ulta was required by law to obtain employee consent to use pay cards for purposes of supplemental and final pay, and whether the pay statements issued in conjunction with pay cards complied with California’s Labor Code provision. 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 parties have agreed to private mediation, which is set for September 2, 2015.

The Company cannot determine a reasonable estimate of the maximum possible loss or range of loss for this matter given that it is in the early stage of the litigation process and is subject to the inherent uncertainties of litigation (such as the strength of the Company’s legal defenses and the availability of insurance recovery). Although the maximum amount of liability that may ultimately result from this matter cannot be predicted with certainty, management expects that this matter, when ultimately resolved, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or liquidity. It is possible, however, that the ultimate resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in a particular quarter or year if such resolution results in a significant liability for the Company.

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.

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

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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.

On September 5, 2012, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the First Amendment) with the lender group. The First 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.

On December 6, 2013, the Company entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Second Amendment) with the lender group. The Second Amendment extended the maturity of the facility to December 2018. 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 0.20%.

As of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and the Company was in compliance with all terms and covenants of the agreement.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates their estimated fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments.

Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy, which are described as follows:

As of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, the Company held financial liabilities of $8,269, $5,574 and $4,376, respectively, 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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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:

The denominators for diluted net income per common share for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 exclude 200 and 665 employee stock options, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effects.

On September 11, 2014, the Company announced that our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2014 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $300,000 of the Company’s common stock. The 2014 Share Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amounts of $112,664 from the share repurchase program adopted in 2013. The 2014 Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

On March 12, 2015, the Company announced that our Board of Directors authorized an increase of $100 million to the 2014 Share Repurchase Program effective March 17, 2015.

During the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, we purchased 192 shares of common stock for $27,956 at an average price of $145.26. There were no repurchases during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014.

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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,” “targets,” “strategies” 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, targets, strategies or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: the impact of weakness in the economy; changes in the overall level of consumer spending; customer acceptance of our rewards program and technological and marketing initiatives; 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 our common stock repurchase program or implement future common stock repurchase programs; our ability to sustain our growth plans and successfully implement our long-range strategic and financial plan; and other risk factors detailed in our public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including risk factors contained in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015. 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,” “Ulta,” “Ulta Beauty,” “the Company,” and similar references mean Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary, Ulta Inc. 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. We developed a unique specialty retail concept by combining one-stop shopping, a compelling value proposition, convenient locations and a welcoming shopping environment. 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 guests 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 guests a unique combination of more than 20,000 beauty products across the categories of prestige and mass cosmetics, fragrance, haircare, skincare, bath and body products and salon styling tools. We also offer a full-service salon and a wide range of salon haircare products in all of our stores. We believe our focus on delivering a compelling value proposition to our guests across all of our product categories drives customer loyalty. Our stores are predominantly located in convenient, high-traffic locations such as power centers. As of May 2, 2015, we operated 797 stores across 48 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 six strategic imperatives: 1) acquire new guests and deepen loyalty with existing guests, 2) differentiate by delivering a distinctive and personalized guest experience across all channels, 3) offer relevant, innovative and often exclusive products that excite our guests, 4) deliver exceptional services in three core areas: hair, skin health and brows, 5) grow stores and e-commerce to reach and serve more guests and 6) invest in infrastructure to support our guest experience and growth, and capture scale efficiencies. We believe that the expanding U.S. beauty products and salon services industry, the shift in distribution channel 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.

Comparable sales is a key metric that is monitored closely within the retail industry. Our comparable sales have fluctuated in the past and we expect them to continue to fluctuate in the future. A variety of factors affect our comparable sales, including general U.S. economic conditions, changes in merchandise strategy or mix and timing and effectiveness of our marketing activities, among others.

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Over the long-term, our growth strategy is to increase total net sales through increases in our comparable sales, by opening new stores and by increasing sales in our e-commerce channel. Operating profit is expected to increase as a result of our ability to expand merchandise margin and leverage our fixed store costs with comparable sales increases and operating efficiencies offset by incremental investments in people, systems and supply chain required to support a 1,200 store chain with a successful e-commerce business and competitive omni-channel capabilities.

Basis of presentation

We have determined the operating segments on the same basis that we use 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 delivery of merchandise to 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 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. 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 sales allows us to evaluate the performance of our store base as well as several other aspects of our overall strategy. Several factors could positively or negatively impact our comparable sales results:

Cost of sales includes:

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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:

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 expense includes 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. Interest income represents interest from short-term investments with maturities of twelve months or less from the date of purchase.

Income tax expense reflects the federal statutory tax rate and the weighted average state statutory tax rate for the states in which we operate stores.

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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 2015 and 2014 ended on May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, 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 consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated:

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Comparison of 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 to 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014

Net sales

Net sales increased $154.3 million, or 21.6%, to $868.1 million for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, compared to $713.8 million for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. Salon service sales increased $8.7 million or 20.5%, to $51.3 million compared to $42.6 million in the first quarter of 2014. E-commerce sales increased $14.6 million or 49.8%, to $44.0 million compared to $29.4 million in the first quarter of 2014. The net sales increases are due to comparable stores driving an increase of $80.4 million and non-comparable store increases of $73.9 million compared to the first quarter of 2014.

The 11.4% comparable sales increase consisted of a 9.7% increase at the Company’s retail and salon stores and a 49.8% increase in the Company’s e-commerce business. The inclusion of the e-commerce business resulted in an increase of approximately 170 basis points to the Company’s consolidated same store sales calculation for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 compared to 190 basis points for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. The total comparable store sales increase included a 7.2% increase in transactions and a 4.2% increase in average ticket. We attribute the increase in comparable store sales to our successful marketing and merchandising strategies.

Gross profit

Gross profit increased $57.2 million or 23.3%, to $303.2 million for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, compared to $246.0 million for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 40 basis points to 34.9% for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, compared to 34.5% for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to:

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased $30.1 million or 18.5%, to $192.5 million for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, compared to $162.4 million for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 60 basis points to 22.2% for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, compared to 22.8% for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. The leverage in SG&A expenses is primarily due to:

Pre-opening expenses

Pre-opening expenses increased $0.5 million to $3.1 million for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, compared to $2.6 million for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. During the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, we opened 24 new stores and relocated one store compared to 21 new store openings during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014.

Interest income and expense

Interest income and expense was insignificant for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014. Interest income results from short-term investments with maturities of twelve months or less from the date of purchase. Interest expense represents various fees related to the credit facility. We did not utilize our credit facility during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 or 2014.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense of $40.9 million for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 represents an effective tax rate of 38.0%, compared to $31.1 million of tax expense representing an effective tax rate of 38.4% for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. The lower tax rate is primarily due to a decrease in book expense on incentive stock options and an increase in disqualifying dispositions on incentive stock options.

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Net income

Net income increased $16.9 million or 34.0%, to $66.9 million for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, compared to $50.0 million for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. The increase is primarily related to the $57.2 million increase in gross profit, offset by a $30.1 million increase in SG&A expenses and a $9.8 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 and new brand additions, supply chain improvements, share repurchases 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. 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 for the periods indicated:

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 $662.9 million at May 2, 2015, compared to $531.4 million at May 3, 2014, representing an increase of $131.5 million. Average inventory per store increased 8.9% compared to prior year. The increase in inventory is primarily due to the following:

We had a current tax liability of $34.9 at May 2, 2015, compared to $27.9 million at May 3, 2014. The increase in taxes payable is primarily due to an increase in pre-tax book income.

Deferred rent liabilities were $305.4 million at May 2, 2015, an increase of $40.7 million compared to $264.7 million at May 3, 2014. 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 101 net new stores opened since May 3, 2014.

The $11.5 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, supply chain investments, short-term investments and investments in information technology systems. Investment activities related to capital expenditures were $56.6 million during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, compared to $39.1 million during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014. The increase in capital expenditures year over year is primarily due to investments in information technology systems, supply chain initiatives and the increased number of new store openings during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, compared to the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014.

Financing activities

Financing activities in fiscal 2015 and 2014 consist principally of capital stock transactions and the related income tax effects and our share repurchase program. Purchase of treasury shares in fiscal 2015 and 2014 represents the fair value of common shares repurchased from plan participants in connection with shares withheld to satisfy minimum statutory tax obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock.

We had no borrowings outstanding under our credit facility as of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014. 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 or seasonal inventory needs.

Share repurchase program

On September 11, 2014, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2014 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which we may repurchase up to $300 million of the Company’s common stock. The 2014 Share Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amounts of $112.7 million from the share repurchase program adopted in 2013. The 2014 Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

On March 12, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized an increase of $100 million to the 2014 Share Repurchase Program effective March 17, 2015.

During the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015, we purchased 192,422 shares of common stock for $28.0 million at an average price of $145.26. There were no repurchases during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014.

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 million or a percentage of eligible owned inventory, contains a $10 million subfacility for letters of credit and allows the Company to increase the revolving facility by an additional $50 million, 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.

On September 5, 2012, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the First Amendment) with the lender group. The First 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.

On December 6, 2013, we entered into Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement (the Second Amendment) with the lender group. The Second Amendment extended the maturity of the facility to December 2018. 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 0.20%.

As of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, we had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and the Company was in compliance with all terms and covenants of the agreement.

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Off-balance sheet arrangements

As of May 2, 2015, we have not entered into any “off-balance sheet” arrangements, as that term is described by the SEC.

Contractual obligations

Our contractual obligations consist of operating lease obligations, purchase 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 2, 2015.

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 consolidated 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 January 31, 2015.

Recent accounting pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, issued as a new Topic, Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606. The new revenue recognition standard provides a five-step analysis of transactions to determine when and how revenue is recognized. The core principle is that we will recognize revenue when we transfer promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which we expect to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This standard is effective beginning in fiscal year 2017. In April 2015, the FASB voted for a proposed one-year deferral of the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard. If approved, the new standard will be effective beginning in fiscal year 2018 with early adoption as of the original effective date permitted. This standard allows for either full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption. We are currently evaluating the application method and the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

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 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015. The interest expense recognized in our statement of income is primarily related to unused facility fees associated with the credit facility. Interest expense is offset by interest income from short-term investments with maturities of twelve months or less from the date of purchase.

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 2, 2015, 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 Securities and Exchange Commission’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.

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Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes to our internal controls over financial reporting during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Part II - Other Information

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. On August 8, 2013, the plaintiff asked the court to certify the proposed class and the Company opposed the plaintiff’s request and is waiting for the court to issue a decision. 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.

On December 4, 2013, a putative employment class action lawsuit was filed against us in the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County and was removed to the U.S. Northern District Court of California on January 8, 2014. It seeks class action certification for claims involving payment of wages using an ATM card; allegedly failing to provide accurate and complete wage statements; allegedly failing to pay all minimum and overtime wages; and allegedly failing to pay meal and rest break premiums due to Ulta’s exit inspection practice. On August 29, 2014, the court stayed the exit inspection portion of the litigation, thus the case is proceeding with respect to the paycard-related claims. The issue in this class action is whether Ulta was required by law to obtain employee consent to use pay cards for purposes of supplemental and final pay, and whether the pay statements issued in conjunction with pay cards complied with California’s Labor Code provision. 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 parties have agreed to private mediation, which is set for September 2, 2015.

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.

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 January 31, 2015, 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 January 31, 2015.

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Issuer Repurchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth repurchases of our common stock during the first quarter of 2015:

None

None

None

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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 4, 2015 on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

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