Ulta Beauty, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2021 May (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended May 1, 2021

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 BEAUTY, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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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. ☒ Yes ☐ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). ☒ Yes ☐ No

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

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of May 21, 2021 was 54,757,556 shares.

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ULTA BEAUTY, INC.

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Part I - Financial Information

Item 1.Financial Statements

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(In thousands, except per share and store count data) (Unaudited)

1.Business and basis of presentation

On January 29, 2017, Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. implemented a holding company reorganization. Pursuant to the reorganization, Ulta Beauty, Inc., which was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in December 2016, became the successor to Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., the former publicly-traded company and now a wholly owned subsidiary of Ulta Beauty, Inc. As used in these notes and throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Ulta Beauty,” or the “Company” refer to Ulta Beauty, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The Company was originally founded in 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 1, 2021, the Company operated 1,290 stores across 50 states, as shown in the table below.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 financial statements were prepared on a consolidated basis to include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions, and unrealized profit were eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a

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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, with significant portions of net sales and net income being realized during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to the holiday selling season. The results for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2022, or for any other future interim period or for any future year, in particular as a result of the uncertainty around the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on future periods.

These unaudited 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 30, 2021. 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 significant accounting policies is contained in Note 2, “Summary of significant accounting policies,” to the consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2021. Presented below and in the following notes is supplemental information that should be read in conjunction with “Notes to Consolidated 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 first quarter in fiscal 2021 and 2020 ended on May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively.

Use of estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the accounting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company considers its accounting policies relating to inventory valuations, vendor allowances, impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets, loyalty program and income taxes to be the most significant accounting policies that involve management estimates and judgments. Significant changes, if any, in those estimates and assumptions resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment, including those related to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be reflected in the consolidated financial statements in future periods.

Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets

The asset group is defined as the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available and largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets. The asset group identified is at the store level and includes both property and equipment and operating lease assets.

Significant estimates are used in determining future cash flows of each store over its remaining lease term including our expectations of future projected cash flows including revenues and operating expenses. An impairment loss is recorded if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value.

Long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets are evaluated for indicators of impairment quarterly or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An undiscounted cash flow analysis is performed over the asset group. Asset groups are written down only to the extent that their carrying value exceeds their respective fair value. Fair values of the asset group are determined by discounting the cash flows at a rate that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant. Management’s forecast of future cash flows is based on the income approach. The fair value of individual operating lease assets is determined under the market approach using estimated market rent assessments based on broker quotes.

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The determination of fair value under the income approach requires assumptions including forecasts of future cash flows (such as revenue growth rates and operating expenses) and selection of a market-based discount rate. Estimates of market rent are based on non-binding broker quotes. As these inputs are unobservable, they are classified as Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy (see Note 9, Fair value measurements”). If actual results are not consistent with estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, there may be exposure to additional impairment losses in a future period (see Note 4, “Impairment costs”).

CARES Act

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted. The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions relating to refundable payroll taxes, deferment of employer side social security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations and technical corrections to tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property. The most significant relief measures which the Company qualifies for are the employee retention credit, payroll tax deferral, and technical corrections to tax depreciation.

The Company recognizes government grants for which there is a reasonable assurance of compliance with grant conditions and receipt of credits. The Company believes there is a reasonable assurance that it will comply with the relevant conditions of the employee retention credit provision of the CARES Act and that it will receive the credit. The Company will continue to assess the treatment of the CARES Act to the extent additional guidance and regulations are issued, the further applicability of the CARES Act, and the potential impacts on the business.

Employee retention credit (ERC) and payroll tax deferral. The ERC allows for a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes equal to 50% of the first ten thousand dollars in qualified wages paid to each employee commencing on March 13, 2020 through January 1, 2021 and 70% of the first ten thousand dollars, per quarter, in qualified wages paid to each employee commencing on January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021. To be eligible, the Company must (i) have had operations fully or partially suspended because of a governmental order, or (ii) have had gross receipts decline by more than 50% in a calendar quarter in fiscal 2020 or 20% in a calendar quarter in fiscal 2021, when compared to the same quarter in 2019. Qualified wages are limited to wages paid to employees who were not providing services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021, there was $2,339 related to the ERC recognized as a reduction of the associated costs within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and within accounts receivable, net on the consolidated balance sheets. The receivable for the ERC was $54,744 as of May 1, 2021. There were no amounts related to the ERC recognized during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2020, and there was no receivable for the ERC as of May 2, 2020.

Additionally, the CARES Act contains provisions for the deferral of the employer portion of social security taxes incurred through the end of calendar 2020. As of May 1, 2021, there was $43,845 of social security tax payments deferred, of which 50% are required to be remitted by December 2021 and the remaining 50% by December 2022. The deferred amounts are recorded within accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. There were no social security tax payments deferred as of May 2, 2020.

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

Taxes – Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. In December 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2019-12, Income Taxes – Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The guidance removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for equity method investments, performing intraperiod allocation, and calculating income taxes in interim periods. The ASU also adds guidance to reduce complexity in certain areas, including recognizing deferred taxes for goodwill and allocating taxes to members of a consolidated group, among others. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption of the standard is permitted, including adoption in interim or annual periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The transition requirements are dependent upon each amendment within this update and will be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. The Company adopted the

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new guidance as of January 31, 2021, and its adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. 

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3.Revenue

Net sales include retail stores and e-commerce merchandise sales as well as salon services and other revenue. Other revenue sources include the private label and co-branded credit card programs, as well as deferred revenue related to the loyalty program and gift card breakage.

Disaggregated revenue

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

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Deferred revenue

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Deferred revenue primarily represents contract liabilities for the obligation to transfer additional goods or services to a guest for which the Company has received consideration, such as unredeemed Ultamate Rewards loyalty points and unredeemed Ulta Beauty gift cards. In addition, breakage on gift cards is recognized proportionately as redemption occurs.

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The following table provides a summary of the changes included in deferred revenue during the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020:

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Other amounts included in deferred revenue were $16,918 and $9,677 at May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively.

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4.Impairment costs

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company experienced lower than projected revenues and identified indicators of impairment for certain retail stores during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2020. The Company’s analysis indicated that the carrying values of certain long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets exceeded their respective fair values. As a result, impairment costs of $19,542 related to certain retail stores were recognized during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2020. These impairment costs were primarily driven by lower than projected revenues, lower market rate assessments, and the effect of temporary store closures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. There were no impairment costs recognized during the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021.

5.Goodwill and other intangible assets

Goodwill, which represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired, was $10,870 at May 1, 2021, January 30, 2021, and May 2, 2020. No additional goodwill was recognized during the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021. The recoverability of goodwill is reviewed annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that impairment may exist.

Other definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. The recoverability of intangible assets is reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable.
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6.Leases

The Company leases retail stores, distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers, corporate offices, and certain equipment under non-cancelable operating leases with various expiration dates through 2033. All leases are classified as operating leases and generally have initial lease terms of 10 years and, when determined applicable, include renewal options under substantially the same terms and conditions as the original leases. Leases do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

Lease cost

The majority of operating lease cost relates to retail stores, distribution centers, and fast fulfillment centers and is classified within cost of sales. Operating lease cost for corporate offices is classified within selling, general and administrative expenses. Operating lease cost from the control date through store opening date is classified within pre-opening expenses. Operating lease cost was $78,736 and $77,533 for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively.

Other information

The following table presents supplemental disclosures of cash flow information related to operating leases:

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7.Commitments and contingencies

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of the business including both class action and single plaintiff litigation. In the opinion of management, the amount of any liability with respect to these

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proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

8.Debt

On March 11, 2020, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (as so amended, the Loan Agreement) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and a Lender thereunder; Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Lead Arrangers and Bookrunners; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Syndication Agent and a Lender; PNC Bank, National Association, as Documentation Agent and a Lender; and the other lenders party thereto. The Loan Agreement matures on March 11, 2025, provides maximum revolving loans equal to the lesser of $1,000,000 or a percentage of eligible owned inventory and eligible owned receivables (which borrowing base may, at the election of the Company and satisfaction of certain conditions, include a percentage of qualified cash), contains a $50,000 subfacility for letters of credit and allows the Company to increase the revolving facility by an additional $100,000, subject to the consent by each lender and other conditions. The Loan Agreement contains a requirement to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.0 to 1.0 during such periods when availability under the Loan Agreement falls below a specified threshold. Substantially all of the Company’s assets are pledged as collateral for outstanding borrowings under the Loan Agreement. Outstanding borrowings bear interest, at the Company’s election, at either a base rate plus a margin of 0% to 0.125% or the London Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin of 1.125% to 1.250%, with such margins based on the Company’s borrowing availability, and the unused line fee is 0.20% per annum.

As of May 1, 2021 and January 30, 2021, there were no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility. As of May 2, 2020, there was $800,000 outstanding under the credit facility and the weighted average interest rate was 1.94%.

As of May 1, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all terms and covenants of the Loan Agreement.

9.Fair value measurements

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their estimated fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments. The carrying value of long-term debt also approximates its fair value.

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

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As of May 1, 2021, January 30, 2021, and May 2, 2020, there were liabilities related to the non-qualified deferred compensation plan included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets of $35,449, $32,909, and $23,330, respectively. The liabilities are categorized as Level 2 as they are based on third-party reported values, which are based primarily on quoted market prices of underlying assets of the funds within the plan.

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Some assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. These assets can include long-lived assets and goodwill that are reduced to fair value when impaired. Assets that are written down to fair value when impaired are not subsequently adjusted to fair value unless further impairment occurs.

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10.Investments

Short-term investments typically consist of certificates of deposit and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. There were no short-term investments as of May 1, 2021 and January 30, 2021. Short-term investments were $110,000 as of May 2, 2020.

Investments in renewable energy projects are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The balance of these investments was $3,247, $3,174, and $6,437 as of May 1, 2021, January 30, 2021, and May 2, 2020, respectively, and is included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company did not contribute capital or receive investment tax credits during the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021. The Company contributed capital of $5,386 and received distributions including $1,250 of investment tax credits during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2020.

11.Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is measured on the grant date based on the fair value of the award. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The estimated grant date fair value of stock options was determined using a Black-Scholes valuation model using the following weighted-average assumptions for the periods indicated:

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The Company granted 61 and 248 stock options during the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for stock options was $2,897 and $2,475 for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of these stock options was $109.72 and $54.40 for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. At May 1, 2021, there was approximately $20,470 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options.

There were 52 and 152 restricted stock units issued during the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense for restricted stock units was $4,835 and $4,187 for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, respectively. At May 1, 2021, there was approximately $36,761 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units.

There were 46 performance-based restricted stock units issued during the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021. There were no performance-based restricted stock units issued during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2020. Stock-based compensation expense for performance-based restricted stock units was $1,246 for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021. Stock-based compensation benefit for performance-based restricted stock units was $480 for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2020. At May 1, 2021, there was approximately $19,721 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to performance-based restricted stock units.

12.Income taxes

Income tax expense reflects the federal statutory tax rate and the weighted average state statutory tax rate for the states in which the Company operates stores. Income tax expense of $74,677 for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 represents an effective tax rate of 24.5%, compared to $24,247 of income tax benefit representing an effective tax rate of 23.6% for the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2020. The higher effective tax rate is primarily due to a decrease in the benefit of state tax credits compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2020 as a result of an increase in pretax income.

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13.Net income (loss) per common share

The following is a reconciliation of net income (loss) and the number of shares of common stock used in the computation of net income (loss) per basic and diluted common share:

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The denominator for diluted net income (loss) per common share for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020 excludes 262 and 732 stock options and restricted stock units, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effects. Outstanding performance-based restricted stock units are included in the computation of dilutive shares only to the extent that the underlying performance conditions are satisfied prior to the end of the reporting period or would be considered satisfied if the end of the reporting period were the end of the related contingency period and the results would be dilutive under the treasury stock method.

14.Share repurchase program

On March 14, 2019, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the 2019 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which the Company could repurchase up to $875,000 of the Company’s common stock. The 2019 Share Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amount of $25,435 from the earlier share repurchase program. The 2019 Share Repurchase Program did not have an expiration date but provided for suspension or discontinuation at any time.

On March 12, 2020, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the 2020 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $1,600,000 of the Company’s common stock. The 2020 Share Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amount of $177,805 from the 2019 Share Repurchase Program. The 2020 Share Repurchase Program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

A summary of common stock repurchase activity is presented in the following table:

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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,” “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:

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Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

References in the following discussion to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Ulta Beauty,” the “Company,” and similar references mean Ulta Beauty, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, 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 that offers a broad range of brands and price points, a compelling value proposition, and a convenient and welcoming

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shopping environment. We define our target consumer as a beauty enthusiast, a consumer who is passionate about the beauty category and has high expectations for the shopping experience. We believe our strategy provides us with the competitive advantages that have contributed to our financial performance.

We are the largest beauty retailer in the United States and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products, and salon services. We provide unmatched product breadth, value, and convenience in a distinctive specialty retail environment. Key aspects of our business include: our ability to offer our guests a unique combination of more than 25,000 beauty products from across the categories of prestige and mass cosmetics, fragrance, haircare, prestige and mass skincare, bath and body products, and salon styling tools, as well as a full-service salon in every store featuring hair, skin, and brow services; our focus on delivering a compelling value proposition to our guests across all of our product categories; and convenience, as our stores are predominantly located in convenient, high-traffic locations such as power centers.

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 strategic priorities: 1) build omnichannel operations that more deeply connects guests across channels, 2) reimagine how guests experience and discover beauty, 3) drive market share growth through the deployment of winning category strategies, 4) deepen Ulta Beauty love and loyalty, 5) drive holistic cost optimization, and 6) develop our talent and strengthen our culture. 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 Beauty’s competitive strengths, position 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.

Over the long term, our growth strategy is to increase total net sales through increases in our comparable sales, opening new stores, and increasing omnichannel capabilities. Long-term 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 1,500 to 1,700 store chain in the U.S. with successful e-commerce and competitive omnichannel capabilities.

Impact of COVID-19

We continue to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on all facets of our business. As we navigated the impact of the COVID pandemic, we proactively took steps to optimize our cost structure, while also investing in new capabilities to support future growth. As of May 1, 2021, all our stores, salons and brow service offerings were open and operating under our Shop Safe Standards. We intend to resume skin and make-up services when it is safe to do so. Additionally, during the first quarter of fiscal 2021, as local restrictions lifted, we increased our operating hours and, as store traffic trends improved, we adjusted staffing levels to support the increased demand.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2021, we experienced an increase in sales driven primarily by the favorable impact in the U.S. from improving consumer confidence, government stimulus payments and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. While operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2021 did not appear to be negatively impacted, the COVID-19 pandemic had a material negative impact on fiscal 2020 operations and financial results during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and could have additional negative impacts in the future. The extent of the impact of the pandemic on the Company's business and financial results will depend on future developments, including, but not limited to, the potential temporary reclosing of certain stores, the potential temporary restrictions on certain store operating hours and/or in-store capacity, the duration of potential future quarantines, shelter-in-place and other travel restrictions within the U.S. and other affected countries, supply chain disruptions, the potential for increased freight costs and higher wholesale costs, the duration of the pandemic and any more dangerous variants of the virus, the duration, timing and severity of the impact on

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consumer spending, the timing and effectiveness of vaccine distribution, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume.

Industry trends

Our research indicates that Ulta Beauty has captured meaningful market share across all categories over the last several years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its various impacts have changed consumer behavior and consumption of beauty products due to the closures of offices, retail stores and other businesses and the significant decline in social gatherings. Despite the overall beauty market decline in 2020, we expect the beauty category will return to growth in 2021 as consumers recover from the impacts of COVID-19, and we remain confident that our differentiated and diverse business model, our commitment to strategic investments, and our highly engaged associates will continue to drive market share gains over the long term.

Basis of presentation

The Company has one reportable segment, which includes retail stores, salon services, and e-commerce.  

We recognize merchandise revenue at the point of sale in our retail stores. E-commerce sales are recognized upon shipment or guest pickup of the merchandise based on meeting the transfer of control criteria. Retail store and e-commerce sales are recorded net of estimated returns. Shipping and handling are treated as costs to fulfill the contract and not a separate performance obligation. Accordingly, we recognize revenue for our single performance obligation related to online sales at the time control of the merchandise passes to the customer, which is at the time of shipment or guest pickup. We provide refunds for merchandise returns within 60 days from the original purchase date. State sales taxes are presented on a net basis as we consider our self a pass-through conduit for collecting and remitting state sales tax. Salon service revenue is recognized at the time the service is provided to the guest. Gift card sales revenue is deferred until the guest redeems the gift card. Company coupons and other incentives are recorded as a reduction of net sales. Other revenue sources include the private label and co-branded credit card programs, as well as deferred revenue related to the loyalty program and gift card breakage.

Comparable sales reflect sales for stores beginning on the first day of the 14^th 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 13^th month of operation and stores that were closed for part or all of the period in either year. Remodeled stores are included in comparable sales unless the store was closed for a portion of the current or prior period. Comparable sales include retail sales and salon services (including stores temporarily closed due to COVID-19), and e-commerce. 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:

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Cost of sales includes:

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Our cost of sales may be negatively impacted as we open new 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.

Impairment costs include long-lived asset impairment charges.

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 (income), net includes both interest expense and income. Interest expense includes interest costs and 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 cash equivalents and 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.

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 quarter in fiscal 2021 and 2020 ended on May 1, 2021 and May 2, 2020, 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.

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The following tables present the components of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated: