Ulta Beauty (ULTA) 10-K 2020 FY Annual report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended January 30, 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)

Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	38-4022268 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1000 Remington Blvd., Suite 120 Bolingbrook, Illinois (Address of principal executive offices)	60440 (Zip code)

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

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

Title of each class	Trading symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share	ULTA	The NASDAQ Global Select Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ⌧ Yes ◻ No

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ◻ Yes ⌧ No

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 emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:

Large Accelerated Filer ⌧	Accelerated filer ◻
Non-accelerated filer ◻	Smaller reporting company ☐	Emerging growth company ☐

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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ⌧

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based upon the closing sale price of the common stock on July 31, 2020, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, was approximately $8,127,797,000.

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, outstanding as of March 22, 2021 was 56,205,592 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Information required in response to Part III of Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference from portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Such proxy statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of the registrant’s fiscal year ended January 30, 2021.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward Looking Statements		1
Part I
Item 1.	Business	2
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	13
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	23
Item 2.	Properties	24
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	25
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	25
Item 4A.	Executive Officers	25
Part II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	26
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	29
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	43
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	44
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	44
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	44
Item 9B.	Other Information	44
Part III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	45
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	45
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	45
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	45
Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	45
Part IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	46
Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	83
Signatures		84

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

References in this Annual Report on Form 10-K 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.

This Annual Report on Form 10-K 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-K 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 negative impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have on our business, financial condition, profitability, cash flows and supply chain, as well as consumer spending (including future uncertain impacts);

● epidemics, pandemics like COVID-19 or natural disasters that have and could continue to negatively impact sales;

● changes in the overall level of consumer spending and volatility in the economy, including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and/or government aid programs;

● a decline in operating results that has and may continue to lead to asset impairment and store closure charges;

● our ability to sustain our growth plans and successfully implement our long-range strategic and financial plan;

● our ability to gauge beauty trends and react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner;

● the possibility that we may be unable to compete effectively in our highly competitive markets;

● our ability to execute our Efficiencies for Growth cost optimization program;

● the possibility that cybersecurity breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information or result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information;

● the possibility of material disruptions to our information systems;

● the possibility that the capacity of our distribution and order fulfillment infrastructure and the performance of our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers may not be adequate to support our expected future growth plans;

● changes in the wholesale cost of our products;

● the possibility that new store openings and existing locations may be impacted by developer or co-tenant issues;

● our ability to attract and retain key executive personnel;

● our ability to successfully execute our common stock repurchase program or implement future common stock repurchase programs; 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 this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2021, as such may be amended or supplemented in our subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

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.

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Part I

Item 1.   Business

Overview

Ulta Beauty is 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:

Shopping Experience. Our guests can satisfy all of their beauty needs at Ulta Beauty. Our stores, website, and mobile applications offer more than 25,000 products from more than 600 well-established and emerging beauty brands across a variety of categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty’s own private label, the Ulta Beauty Collection. Our bright and open store environment and easy to shop website and mobile applications encourage our guests to discover new products and services. We believe we offer the widest selection of beauty categories, including prestige and mass cosmetics, fragrance, haircare, prestige and mass skincare, bath and body products, professional hair products, and salon styling tools. We also offer a full-service salon in every store featuring hair, skin, makeup, and brow services.

Value Proposition. We believe our focus on delivering a compelling value proposition to our guests across all of our product categories drives guest loyalty. We offer a comprehensive loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, and target communications and promotions through our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform. We also offer frequent promotions and coupons, in-store events, and gifts with purchase.

Convenience. Today, we offer guests a variety of ways to shop for beauty, including in our stores, through our mobile applications, and on ulta.com. We also provide convenient fulfillment options including buy online pick-up in store, buy online pickup curbside, ship from store, and ship to home. Our stores are predominantly located in convenient, high-traffic locations such as power strip centers. Our typical store is approximately 10,000 square feet, including approximately 950 square feet dedicated to our full-service salon. Our store design, fixtures, and open layout provide the flexibility to respond to consumer trends and changes in our merchandising strategy. As of January 30, 2021, we operated 1,264 retail stores across 50 states, as well as an e-commerce website and mobile applications.

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 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 estimate that beauty enthusiasts represent approximately 57% of shoppers and 77% of spend in the U.S. beauty category.

The following description of our business should be read in conjunction with the information contained in our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in Item 7 and our Financial Statements and Supplementary Data included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Our strategy

We target beauty enthusiasts across multiple demographics and shopping behaviors. Beauty enthusiasts have a deep emotional connection with beauty, and historically, this connection has not diminished in softer economic environments. Our proprietary consumer research confirms engagement with the beauty category remains strong, but the unprecedented challenges faced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic will likely have sustained effects on the category. Health and safety concerns are elevated, consumers have quickly adopted new shopping behaviors, operating costs are increasing, and many retailers have faced financial challenges, resulting in increased store closures.

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Recognizing the impact these changes will have on the beauty category, we intend to leverage the strengths of our operating model and investments to position Ulta Beauty for continued success post-COVID. Specifically, we are focused on accelerating efforts in the following key areas to expand our long-term market share gains and extend our competitive advantages.

Build omnichannel operations that more deeply connects guests across channels. Our guest insights and loyalty program member data confirm that our guests prefer to transact in physical stores, where they can discover and interact with products and other beauty enthusiasts. In addition, our guests are increasingly engaging online to research, discover new products, and purchase. Our omnichannel guests are extremely valuable, spending nearly three times more than retail-only guests. To drive increased guest engagement across all channels, we are leveraging a multifaceted approach to communicate, engage, and transact, and we are expanding our fulfillment capabilities, including buy online and pickup in-store and curbside pickup. Our vision is to offer industry-leading omnichannel experiences that engage our guests and unlock the combined potential of our physical and digital channels.

Reimagine how guests experience and discover Beauty. Beauty enthusiasts value the human connection and the physical experience of beauty. The Ulta Beauty guest experience is differentiated by our broad array of categories, brands, and price points, immersive digital tools, multiple shopping options, high quality services, and friendly, well-trained associates. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased focus on personal safety and impacted how guests test products and experience beauty. As a result, we are reimagining the guest experience and product discovery process and exploring ways technology, services, and the role of our associates can evolve to deliver fun, interactive, easy, and functional experiences for our guests. Our vision is to become the most loved destination for beauty enthusiasts by reimagining the end-to-end guest experience, facilitating inspiration, discovery, and experimentation, and serving as a trusted guide, regardless of channel.

Drive market share growth through the deployment of winning category strategies. Assortment is the center of our value proposition and represents a core differentiator within the market. We engage beauty enthusiasts to discover and play across all categories with an enticing assortment focused on innovation and leading trends, differentiation and exclusivity, and speed to market. We believe our broad selection of merchandise across categories, price points, and brands offer a unique shopping experience for our guests. Guests can find everything they need in one shopping trip with our offering of more than 600 brands, eliminating the need to go to multiple departments stores, specialty stores, salons, drug stores, mass merchandisers, and pure play e-commerce companies that may sell the same or similar products. Because of our broad array of categories, brands, and price points, we appeal to a wide range of consumers of all ages, demographics, and lifestyles. We continue to change our assortment to reflect evolving beauty trends and innovation and to meet our guests’ desire for new products. Our vision is to engage and delight beauty enthusiasts with a curated beauty assortment focused on exclusivity and leading trends.

Deepen Ulta Beauty love and loyalty. We have 30.7 million active Ulta Beauty members enrolled in our Ultamate Rewards loyalty program. Loyalty member transactions represent more than 94% of our annual total net sales, and our data demonstrates that loyalty members shop with higher frequency and spend more per visit as compared to non-members. While recent disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted recent member growth, we believe we can expand Ulta Beauty’s reach, relevancy, and engagement with our guests by evolving the value proposition of our Ultamate Rewards program, increasing total membership in the program, building strategic partnerships that create incremental value for our guests, and using our customer data to deliver personalized member experiences. Our vision is to continue to innovate and integrate the Ultamate Rewards program in meaningful ways and personalize the guest experience across all touchpoints to create stronger member connection, engagement, and loyalty.

Drive holistic cost optimization. Similar to other retailers, we are experiencing cost pressures from macroeconomic trends, including rising wage rates and higher transportation and shipping costs. In addition, we are managing ongoing headwinds from channel and category mix shifts. Through our cost optimization program, Efficiencies For Growth, we are targeting and delivering cost savings in four work streams: category performance improvement, indirect procurement, end-to-end operations, and real estate. As we look forward, we are moving beyond process optimization to develop a cost structure that will enable us to weather future economic challenges while also supporting investments for future growth. Our vision is to deliver profitable growth and competitive advantage by optimizing our cost structure to

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enable scale and growth, developing agile operating processes that support rapid testing, learning and implementation, and building new capabilities tailored to win in a rapidly evolving omnichannel world.

Develop our talent and strengthen our culture. Leadership, culture, and engagement of our associates are key drivers of our performance. We have developed and sustained a world-class, guest-centric, values-based, high performance culture. We have an experienced management team that brings a creative merchandising approach and a disciplined operating philosophy to our business. We believe that beauty is for everyone, regardless of age, size, ability, skin tone, culture, or gender. Our vision is to provide an environment where every associate feels they can fully contribute and realize their full potential.

Our market

We operate within the large U.S. beauty products and salon services industry. In 2020, this market represented approximately $150 billion in sales, according to forecasted Euromonitor International and IBIS World Inc. In 2020, the beauty products industry totaled approximately $92 billion and included cosmetics, haircare, fragrance, bath and body, skincare, salon styling tools, and other toiletries. We estimate that Ulta Beauty had only a 7% share of the $92 billion beauty product industry. Within this market, we compete across all major categories as well as a range of price points by offering prestige, mass, and salon products. Our assortment strategy is built to maximize our opportunity in this industry. In 2020, the salon services industry totaled approximately $58 billion and included hair, skin, and nail services. We estimate that Ulta Beauty had less than 1% share of this industry. We have full-service hair salons and skin services in substantially every store and operate brow bars in most of our stores, as well as makeup services through our salons. Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, we were unable to offer skin and makeup services for most of fiscal 2020. We have plans to resume services as soon as it is safe to do so.

Although our business was impacted by temporary store closures due to COVID-19, our research indicates that Ulta Beauty continues to increase market share across most prestige beauty categories in the overall U.S. market. COVID-19 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. In addition, beauty cycles are impacted by demographics, trends, and product innovation.  While demographic trends continue to be favorable, we believe a lack of incremental product innovation has resulted in a challenging cycle for the cosmetics category, as innovation brought to the market has not resulted in incremental product purchases. Despite the overall beauty market decline in 2020 due to COVID-19 impacts, we expect the beauty category will return to growth 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 for Ulta Beauty.

Competition

Our major competitors for prestige and mass products include traditional department stores, specialty stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers, and the online capabilities of national retailers and brands, as well as pure-play e-commerce companies. The market for salon services and products is highly fragmented. Our competitors for salon services and products include chain and independent salons.

Our retail channels

We are committed to meeting guests where and how they want to shop and strive to offer guests a compelling shopping experience through our stores, website, and mobile applications.

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Stores. Our retail stores are predominantly located in convenient, high-traffic locations such as power strip centers. Our typical store is approximately 10,000 square feet, including approximately 950 square feet dedicated to our full-service salon. Our retail store concept, including physical layout, displays, lighting, and quality of finishes, has evolved over time to reflect the rising expectations of our guests and to keep pace with our merchandising and operating strategies.

We offer a full range of services in all of our stores, focusing on hair, skin, makeup, and brow services. Our current Ulta Beauty store format includes an open and modern salon area and a skin treatment room or dedicated skin treatment area on the sales floor. In addition, most of our stores offer brow services on the sales floor. The salon features a concierge desk, approximately five to ten stations, and a shampoo and hair color processing area. We employ highly skilled, licensed professional stylists and estheticians who offer services as well as educational experiences, including consultations, styling lessons, makeup applications, skincare regimens, and at-home care recommendations. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we operated at approximately 50% capacity for salon and brow services and were unable to offer skin and makeup services for most of fiscal 2020. We have plans to resume skin and makeup services as soon as it is safe to do so.

During our fiscal year ended January 30, 2021 (fiscal 2020), 74% of new stores opened in existing shopping centers and 26% opened in new shopping centers. Almost all new stores were opened in existing markets compared to new markets. As of January 30, 2021, we operated 1,264 stores across 50 states. During the first half of fiscal 2020, new store activity was temporarily paused due to COVID-19. New store openings resumed in the third quarter of fiscal 2020.

In addition to opening new stores, we also remodeled, relocated, or refreshed (in-store fixtures and merchandising upgrades) certain stores, as shown in the following table:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,	February 1,	February 2,
	2021	2020	2019
Total stores beginning of period	1,254	1,174	1,074
Stores opened	30	86	107
Stores closed	(20)	(6)	(7)
Total stores end of period	1,264	1,254	1,174
Total square footage	13,291,838	13,193,076	12,337,145
Average square footage per store	10,516	10,521	10,509
Stores remodeled	–	12	13
Stores relocated	5	8	2
Stores refreshed	–	240	109

Our real estate vision is to make Ulta Beauty accessible and convenient to more consumers across a variety of markets, a key driver of how we plan to expand our market share over time. We believe that over the long term, we have the potential to grow our store footprint to between 1,500 to 1,700 Ulta Beauty stores in the United States. We plan to further penetrate existing suburban markets, expand our presence in small markets, and further develop urban markets.

Our rigorous analytical approach to site selection has translated into a high performing real estate portfolio. The average investment required to open a new Ulta Beauty store is approximately $1.4 million, which includes capital investments, net of landlord contributions, pre-opening expenses, and initial inventory, net of payables. Our net investment required to open new stores and the net sales generated by new stores may vary depending on a number of factors, including geographic location.

Digital platform. In addition to store expansion, we continue to expand our digital capabilities. Our e-commerce platform has two key roles: generating direct channel sales and profits by communicating with our guests in an interactive, enjoyable way that reinforces the Ulta Beauty brand; and driving traffic to our stores, website, and native applications. Our omnichannel guests are extremely valuable, historically spending nearly three times as much as retail-only guests. We continue to develop and add new website and mobile features and functionality, marketing programs,

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new products and brands, and omnichannel integration points. We intend to establish ourselves as a leading online beauty resource by providing our guests with a rich online experience for information on key trends and products, editorial content, expanded assortments, interactive experiences, including virtual try-on capabilities, and social media content.

We continue to improve our order fulfillment capabilities with increased speed of delivery through existing distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers (e-commerce only), select retail stores, and more efficient processes designed for e-commerce order fulfillment. To support our e-commerce operations, during 2020 we opened the Jacksonville fast fulfillment center, expanded e-commerce operations in the Chambersburg, Greenwood and Dallas distribution centers, and expanded the ship-from-store program to 115 stores. These investments have increased our e-commerce shipping capacity and improved delivery speed to guests.

Our omnichannel capabilities such as “Buy Online, Pick-up in Store” and “Store 2 Door,” which provides the ability for customers to order in-store and have products delivered to their homes, are available in all stores. In response to COVID-related constraints, in fiscal 2020 our digital and store teams launched a new curbside pickup option for guests. We also expanded our store locator functionality to include greater visibility to store specific service offerings, in-store and curbside hours, and to communicate the opening status of local stores. In the Ulta app, we now provide store-specific occupancy levels for greater transparency and guest safety.

Partnerships

In support of our strategic priorities, we have formed a long-term partnership with Target Corporation to create Ulta Beauty at Target, a “shop-in-shop” concept that will offer a limited assortment of established and emerging prestige brands online and in approximately 100 Target locations beginning in the second half of 2021 (with plans to scale to hundreds more over time).

Merchandising

Strategy

We offer one of the most extensive product and brand selections in our industry, including a broad assortment of branded and private label beauty products in cosmetics, fragrance, haircare, skincare, bath and body products, and salon styling tools. A typical Ulta Beauty store carries more than 25,000 products from more than 600 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty’s own private label, the Ulta Beauty Collection. We present these products in an open-sell environment using centrally produced planograms (detailed schematics showing product placement in the store) and promotional merchandising planners. Our merchandising team continually monitors beauty and fashion trends, historical sales trends, and new product launches to keep Ulta Beauty’s product assortment fresh and relevant and to ensure that our assortment reflects the diversity of our guests. We believe our broad selection of merchandise, from moderate-priced brands to higher-end prestige brands, creates a unique shopping experience for our guests.

Certain beauty enthusiast consumer groups are growing more interested in choosing products that will support their overall health and wellness. These groups are focused on the connection between their own personal well-being and the well-being of workers, animals, communities, and the environment, and they are increasingly supporting brands whose products and actions align with their own values. Reflecting this growing importance of these trends, in fiscal 2020 we launched Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty^TM in all stores, on Ulta.com and on our app. This holistic initiative provides transparency for guests to help them choose brands and products that reflect their personal values and individual needs. Through this initiative, we are certifying brands across four key pillars: Clean Ingredients, Cruelty Free, Vegan, and Sustainable Packaging. We also highlight brands whose philanthropic efforts are critical to their business through the positive impact pillar. Displayed in stores on an endcap constructed of recycled and recyclable materials, the program launched with 187 brands. As of January 30, 2021, more than 230 brands participated in the program, with more than half certified in more than one pillar. As part of the launch, we published our “Made Without List,” an evolving ingredient standard for clean beauty products, and established the Conscious Beauty Advisory Council, a coalition of experts at the forefront of clean beauty, product development, and packaging sustainability. With the help of our

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Advisory Council, we will ensure that Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty^TM will continue to evolve and grow as expectations and standards for clean beauty continue to change.

We believe our private label, the Ulta Beauty Collection, is a strategically important opportunity for growth and profit contribution. Our objective is to provide quality, trend-right private label products to continue to strengthen our guests’ perception of Ulta Beauty as a contemporary beauty destination. Ulta Beauty manages the full development cycle of these products from concept through production to deliver differentiated packaging and formulas that enhance our brand image. The Ulta Beauty Collection has been certified in the Clean Ingredients and Cruelty Free pillars within the Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty™ program. We also offer products such as Tarte Double Duty Beauty cosmetics, IT Brushes for Ulta Beauty, and CHI for Ulta Beauty hair care appliances that are permanently exclusive to Ulta Beauty. Similarly, we offer a number of products that are exclusive for a limited period of time or are offered in advance of our competitors, such as Morphe, Colourpop, Pattern, and Florence. The Ulta Beauty Collection and permanent Ulta Beauty exclusive products represented approximately 5.5% of our total net sales in fiscal 2020. Both permanent and temporary exclusive products represented approximately 13.5% of our total net sales in fiscal 2020.

Categories

We offer a balanced portfolio across five primary categories: (1) cosmetics; (2) skincare, bath, and fragrance; (3) haircare products and styling tools; (4) services; and (5) other, which includes nail products, accessories, other revenue sources such as the private label and co-branded credit card programs, and deferred revenue related to the loyalty program and gift card breakage.

The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of net sales attributed to each category for the periods presented:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,	February 1,	February 2,
(Percentage of net sales)	2021	2020	2019
Cosmetics	44%	50%	51%
Skincare, bath, and fragrance	28%	22%	21%
Haircare products and styling tools	20%	19%	19%
Services	3%	5%	5%
Other (nail products, accessories, and other)	5%	4%	4%
	100%	100%	100%

Organization

Our merchandising team consists of a Chief Merchandising Officer who oversees the Senior Vice President of Cosmetics and category Vice Presidents who in turn oversee Divisional Merchandise Managers and their teams of buyers. Our Chief Merchandising Officer also oversees our centralized merchandise planning and forecasting group to ensure consistent execution across our store base and e-commerce platform and our planogram team. Our planogram team assists the merchants and inventory teams to keep new products flowing into stores on a timely basis. All major product categories undergo planogram revisions on a regular basis, and adjustments are made to assortment mix and product placement based on current sales trends.

Our visual team works with our merchandising team to develop strategic placement of promotional merchandise, functional and educational signage, and creative product presentation standards in all of our stores. All stores receive centrally produced promotional merchandising planners to ensure consistent implementation of our marketing programs.

Planning and allocation

We have developed a disciplined approach to buying and a dynamic inventory planning and allocation process to support our merchandising strategy. We centrally manage product replenishment to our stores through our merchandise planning group. This group serves as a strategic partner to, and provides financial oversight of, the merchandising team. The

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merchandising team creates a sales forecast by category for the year. Our merchandise planning group creates an open-to-buy plan, approved by senior executives, for each product category. The open-to-buy plan is updated weekly with point-of-sale (POS) data, receipts, and inventory levels and is used throughout the year to balance buying opportunities and inventory return on investment. We believe this structure maximizes our buying opportunities while maintaining organizational and financial control. Regularly replenished products are presented consistently in all stores utilizing a centralized merchandising planogram process. POS data is used to calculate sales forecasts and to determine replenishment levels. We determine promotional product replenishment levels using sales history from similar or comparable events. To ensure our inventory remains productive, our planning and replenishment group, along with senior executives, monitor the levels of clearance and aged inventory in our stores on a weekly basis.

Brand partnerships

We have strong, active relationships with our more than 400 brand partners. Our top ten brand partners, such as Estée Lauder Companies, L’Oréal, and Shiseido among others, represented approximately 56% and 61% of our total net sales in fiscal 2020 and our fiscal year ended February 1, 2020 (fiscal 2019), respectively. We believe our brand partners view us as a significant distribution channel for growth and brand enhancement, and we work closely with them to market both new and existing brands.

All brand partners and respective subcontractors and their facilities are subject to Ulta Vendor Standards, as applicable, which set forth the ethical, legal, social, and workplace standards to meet in order to do business with Ulta Beauty. In addition to complying with Ulta Vendor Standards, many brand partners have committed to help advance our mission to maintain the beauty of our environment and minimize our impact on the world around us by offering sustainable packaging.

Marketing and advertising

We employ a multi-faceted marketing strategy to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to our stores, website, and mobile applications, acquire new loyalty program members, improve guest retention, increase frequency of shopping, and increase spend per member. We communicate with our guests and prospective guests through multiple vehicles, including print advertising, digital and social media, and television and radio. These vehicles highlight the breadth of our selection of prestige, mass and salon beauty products, new products and services, and special offers, as well as build our emotional connection with guests. Our comprehensive public relations strategy enhances Ulta Beauty’s reputation as a beauty destination, increases brand awareness, supports our charitable efforts related to the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation, and drives awareness of new products, in-store events, and new store openings.

The Ultamate Rewards loyalty program is an important tool to increase retention of existing guests and to enhance their loyalty to the Ulta Beauty brand. Our CRM platform enables sophisticated analysis of the customer data in our loyalty member database as well as greater personalization of our marketing campaigns and day-to-day communications. Our data demonstrates that loyalty members spend more per visit as compared to non-members. The 30.7 million active loyalty program members generated approximately 94% of total net sales in fiscal 2020. Ultamate Rewards enables customers to earn points based on their purchases. Points earned are valid for at least one year and may be redeemed on any product we sell or service we provide. To enhance our loyalty program, we offer co-branded and private label credit cards. The credit cards drive higher wallet share and greater loyalty from our rewards members, provide increased consumer insights, and offer attractive economics. Furthermore, we continue to expand our gift card program to increase distribution to thousands of retailers through partnerships with third parties.

We are directing a growing percentage of our marketing expense towards digital, social media, and streaming advertising. We believe these channels are highly effective in communicating with existing guests, as well as reaching those who have not yet shopped with us. Our marketing program has been effective in communicating with our existing online, mobile, and retail guests in a targeted and relevant way. Our digital marketing strategy includes search engine optimization, paid search, mobile advertising, social media, display advertising, and other digital marketing channels. Digital marketing, coupled with our national TV and radio advertising, has helped us increase brand awareness among those not familiar with Ulta Beauty, which we believe has resulted in new guests.

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Staffing and operations

Retail stores

Our current Ulta Beauty store format is typically staffed with a general manager, a services manager, and three associate managers, along with approximately twenty full- and part-time associates, including approximately four to eight prestige consultants and five to ten licensed salon professionals. The management team in each store reports to the general manager. The general manager oversees all store activities including salon management, inventory management, merchandising, cash management, scheduling, hiring, and guest services. Members of store management receive bonuses depending on their position and based upon various performance metrics. Each general manager reports to a District Manager, who in turn reports to a Regional Vice President of Operations, who in turn reports to a Senior Vice President of Stores, who in turn reports to the Chief Store Operations Officer, who in turn reports to the Chief Executive Officer. Each store team receives additional support from time to time from recruiting specialists for the retail and salon operations, regionally based talent development managers, a field loss prevention team, service district educators and service district leaders, and brand partners.

Ulta Beauty stores are open seven days a week, typically eleven hours a day, Monday through Saturday, and seven hours on Sunday. Our stores have extended hours during the holiday season. Due to COVID-19, for most of fiscal 2020 our store hours were shortened, on average, to nine hours a day, Monday through Saturday.

Salon services

A typical salon is staffed with five to ten licensed salon professionals, including six or more stylists and one or two estheticians. Our most productive salons have a guest coordinator and an assistant manager. Our services district educators and brand partner education classes create a comprehensive educational program for approximately 4,800 Ulta Beauty salon professionals.

Supply chain

Our vision is to develop an expanded and optimized end-to-end supply chain that improves operational efficiency, performance, and guest experience. This includes enhanced systems and processes as well as a modernized distribution center network to support our new store and e-commerce growth. We operate four distribution centers that support both stores and e-commerce demand, and two fast fulfillment centers that support e-commerce only. In addition, 115 stores fulfill e-commerce orders as part of our ship-from-store program.

Inventory is shipped from our suppliers to our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers. We carry more than 25,000 products and replenish our stores with such products primarily in eaches (i.e., less-than-case quantities), which allows us to ship less than an entire case when only one or two of a particular product is required. Our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers use warehouse management software systems to manage inventory to support product purchase decisions. Product is delivered to stores using a broad network of contract and local pool (final mile) carriers.

Information technology

We are committed to using technology to enhance our competitive position. We depend on a variety of information systems and technologies (including cloud technologies) to maintain and improve our competitive position and to manage the operations of our growing store base. We rely on computer systems to provide information for all areas of our business, including supply chain, merchandising, POS, e-commerce, marketing, finance, accounting, and human resources. Our core business systems consist mostly of purchased software programs that integrate together and with our internally developed software solutions. Our technology also includes a company-wide network that connects all corporate users, stores, and our distribution center infrastructure and provides communications for continual polling of sales and merchandise movement at the store level.

Our Security Operations Center constantly and proactively monitors our network and application landscape for threats and anomalies. We have established processes for sharing data and performing third-party risk assessment and regular

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disaster recovery planning and testing. Our security approach also includes multiple layers of defense and testing of controls. All Ulta Beauty associates have a role as stewards of company data, and we educate them on how to keep data safe. As part of our annual Code of Business Conduct training, we train associates on how to keep devices and data safe in public places; how to avoid security threats and phishing scams; how to maintain a secure workplace; and everyday practices that help maintain the security of corporate digital devices, data and systems.

We intend to leverage our technology infrastructure and systems where appropriate to gain operational efficiencies through more effective use of our systems, people, and processes. We update the technology supporting our stores, distribution infrastructure, and corporate headquarters on a regular basis. We will continue to make investments in our information systems to facilitate growth and enhance our competitive position.

Intellectual property

We have registered trademarks in the United States and other countries. The majority of our trademark registrations contain the ULTA mark, including Ulta Beauty and two related designs, Ulta.com and Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance (and design). We maintain our marks and monitor filing deadlines for renewal and continued validity. All marks that are deemed material to our business have been applied for or registered in the United States and select foreign countries, including Canada, Mexico and other countries in Latin America, Europe, and Asia.

We believe our trademarks, especially those related to the Ulta Beauty brand, “All Things Beauty. All In One Place. ^®”, “The Possibilities are Beautiful^®”, “21 Days of Beauty^®”, and “Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty^TM” have significant value and are important to building brand recognition.

Government regulation

We are affected by extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions, and similar constraints. Such laws, regulations, and other constraints exist at the federal, state, or local levels in the United States. The products we sell in our stores, such as cosmetics (including cannabidiol products), dietary supplements, food and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, medical devices, and styling tools, including our Ulta Beauty branded products, may be subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), state regulatory agencies, and State Attorneys General (State AGs). Such regulations principally relate to the safety, labeling, manufacturing, advertising, and distribution of the products. In addition, the salon services provided in our stores may be subject to state and local regulations.

Products classified as cosmetics (as defined in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act) are not subject to pre-market approval by the FDA, but the products must generally be safe and must be properly manufactured and labeled. Certain products, such as sunscreens and acne treatments, are classified as OTC drugs, and certain ingestible products, such as vitamins and minerals, are classified as dietary supplements. Both OTC drugs and dietary supplements have specific regulatory requirements, including ingredient, labeling, and manufacturing requirements. Products such as wrinkle reducing lights may be classified as medical devices and, in addition to being subject to labeling and manufacturing requirements, may also be subject to premarketing review by the FDA. Finally, products such as styling tools (e.g. blow dryers and curling irons) are regulated by the CPSC, which has strict requirements including the requirement to report certain product defects. The labeling and packaging of all of these products may also be subject to the requirements of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act and state specific requirements.

Further, statements we make in advertising, including statements about the safety or efficacy of products, pricing, and environmental claims, are subject to federal and state consumer protection laws, which generally prohibit unfair or deceptive practices.

Labor and employment and taxation laws, to which most retailers are typically subject, also impact our day-to-day operations. We are also subject to typical governmental and real estate land use restrictions and typical advertising and consumer protection laws (both federal and state). Our services business is subject to state board regulations and state licensing requirements.

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In our store leases, we require our landlords to obtain all necessary governmental approvals and permits for the site to be used as a retail site, and we also ask them to obtain any governmental approvals and permits for our specific use (but at times the responsibility for obtaining governmental approvals and permits for our specific use falls to us). As applicable, we require our landlords to deliver a certificate of occupancy for any work they perform on our buildings or the shopping centers in which our stores are located. If required by the municipality, we are responsible for delivering a certificate of occupancy for any remodeling or build-outs that we perform and are responsible for complying with all applicable laws in connection with such construction projects or build-outs.

Human capital management

We believe our associates, with their combined skills, knowledge, experiences, and commitment to serving our guests, are among our most important resources and are critical to our continued success.

The following table sets forth the approximate number of associates employed as of:

	January 30,
	2021
Full-time	16,000
Part-time	21,000
Total associates	37,000

We have no collective bargaining agreements and have not experienced any work stoppages. We believe we have good relationships with our associates.

Diversity and inclusion

Our goal is to create an inclusive environment where every associate feels he or she can be his or her authentic self and every guest is optimally served, regardless of differences. A critical way we achieve this is by educating all associates on the lived experiences of their peers and key moments in time that have cultural or heritage significance, as well as the unconscious beliefs and biases that shape our behavior today. We accomplish this through open discussion forums, interactive educational experiences, and opportunities to engage with our communities.

In addition, we aim to ensure that all in-store experiences are equitable, fair, and unbiased. We take action to support this goal by conducting mandatory trainings for in-store associates and providing weekly learning opportunities to focus on guest perspectives and reinforce key takeaways. We offer similar training across the organization to help key decision-makers and associates in their own learning journeys and support our Champion Diversity value and inclusion competency.

The following table sets forth key metrics as of January 30, 2021:

	Board of		All Other
	Directors	Leadership	Associates
Women	55%	64%	91%
Men	45%	36%	9%
People of color	18%	18%	47%

Oversight and management

We strive to make sure that our associates are at the heart of every decision we make. The Chief Human Resources Officer, along with the entire executive team, is responsible for developing and executing the Company’s human capital strategy. This includes the attraction, acquisition, development, and engagement of talent and the design of associate compensation and benefits programs. Our human capital objectives and initiatives, including the risks related to compensation policies and practices, management development and leadership succession, diversity and inclusion

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policies and practices, and implementation and compliance monitoring of our Code of Business Conduct, are also overseen by individual Board committees as described in our Corporate Governance Guidelines.

We believe open and honest two-way communication is critical to maintaining strong associate engagement. Our executive team reviews associate engagement and satisfaction surveys to monitor associate engagement and satisfaction with their role, their leader, and the Company as a whole. Our leadership team also hosts roundtable sessions to dive deeper on specific topics as well as additional forums, including department town halls, store and distribution center visits, and other small group gatherings.

Training and development

Our success is dependent, in part, on our ability to attract, train, retain, and motivate qualified associates at all levels of the organization. We are committed to continually developing our associates and providing career advancement opportunities. Our associates and management teams are essential to our store expansion strategy. We use a combination of existing managers, promoted associates, and outside hires to support our new stores. The majority of our promotions are internal. As we continue to promote and develop from within, we are building a bench of associates and leaders who know our company inside and out.

All of our associates participate in an interactive new-hire orientation through which each associate becomes acquainted with Ulta Beauty’s mission, vision, and values. Through our learning management system and our digital workplace system, we provide continuing education to associates throughout their careers at Ulta Beauty. Additionally, our leadership development program prepares promising future leaders for new levels of responsibility.

Compensation and benefits

Our commitment to our associates and their well-being is one of our highest priorities. We have assembled a suite of benefits that affirms and supports all that our associates contribute every day, including:

● Health care coverage is offered to those who work more than 30 hours a week in any position. Coverage extends to eligible dependents, including spouses, same-sex partners and children under the age of 26. We offer comprehensive medical plans that empower associates to choose the coverage that best suits them.

● 401(k) plan with up to a 4% company match.

● Disability and life insurance.

● Company-paid short-term disability pay at 80% of pay.

● Additional insurance options, including legal, pet, home, and auto.

● Tuition reimbursement program.

● Paid time off, including an extended illness bank.

● Discounts on retail products and salon services.

In addition, we believe wellness, like beauty, is more than skin deep, so we offer mental health resources, such as counseling services and access to apps; financial wellness planning and guidance; and health apps and educational resources for soon-to-be parents.

Since 2017, the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation (UBCF) has supported the Associate Relief Program to assist associates facing unforeseen financial hardship. The Associate Relief Program provides short-term financial support to pay off medical bills or support temporary housing. During 2020, we expanded the criteria for receiving funding to include those in need of extra assistance as a result of COVID-19.

Seasonality

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuation. Significant portions of our net sales and profits are realized during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to the holiday selling season. To a lesser extent, our business is also affected by Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day.

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Available information

Our principal website address is www.ulta.com. We make available at this address under investor relations (at http://ir.ultabeauty.com), free of charge, our proxy statement, annual report to shareholders, annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Information available on our website is not incorporated by reference in and is not deemed a part of this Form 10-K. In addition, our filings with the SEC may be accessed through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. All statements made in any of our securities filings, including all forward-looking statements or information, are made as of the date of the document in which the statement is included, and we do not assume or undertake any obligation to update any of those statements or documents unless we are required to do so by law.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors

The risks described below could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or future growth. We could also be affected by additional risks that apply to all companies operating in the United States, as well as other risks that are not presently known to us or that we currently consider to be immaterial. You should carefully consider the following risks and all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K before making an investment in our common stock.

Business, Operational and Strategic Risks

We may not be able to sustain our growth plans and successfully implement our long-range strategic and financial plans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Our continued and future growth largely depends on our ability to implement our long-range strategic and financial plans and successfully open and operate new stores on a profitable basis. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in implementing our growth plans or long-range strategic imperatives, including our Efficiencies for Growth cost optimization program, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

If we are unable to gauge beauty trends and react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner, our sales may decrease.

We believe our success depends in substantial part on our ability to:

● recognize and define product and beauty trends;

● anticipate, gauge, and react to changing consumer preferences (including relating to sustainability of product sources and packaging, ingredient transparency, and animal welfare) in a timely manner;

● translate market trends into appropriate, saleable product, and service offerings in our stores and salons in advance of our competitors;

● develop and maintain vendor relationships that provide us access to the newest merchandise on reasonable terms; and

● distribute merchandise to our stores in an efficient and effective manner and maintain appropriate in-stock levels.

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If we are unable to anticipate and fulfill the merchandise needs of the consumer, our net sales may decrease and we may be forced to increase markdowns of slow-moving merchandise, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Our comparable sales and quarterly financial performance may fluctuate for a variety of reasons, which could result in a decline in the price of our common stock.

Our comparable sales and quarterly results of operations have fluctuated in the past, and we expect them to continue to fluctuate in the future. A variety of factors affect our comparable sales and quarterly financial performance, including:

● general U.S. economic conditions and, in particular, the retail sales environment;

● changes in our merchandising strategy or mix;

● performance of our new and remodeled stores;

● the effectiveness of our inventory management;

● timing and concentration of new store openings, including additional human resource requirements and related pre-opening and other start-up costs;

● cannibalization of existing store sales by new store openings;

● levels of pre-opening expenses associated with new stores;

● timing and effectiveness of our marketing activities;

● seasonal fluctuations due to weather conditions;

● actions by our existing or new competitors; and

● hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, earthquakes, mudslides, other natural disasters, and epidemics or pandemics.

Accordingly, our results for any one fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other quarter, and comparable sales for any particular future period may decrease. In that event, the price of our common stock may decline.

Any significant interruption in the operations of our distribution centers could disrupt our ability to deliver merchandise to our stores in a timely manner, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

We distribute products to our stores without supplementing such deliveries with direct-to-store arrangements from vendors or wholesalers. We are a retailer carrying over 25,000 beauty products that change on a regular basis in response to beauty trends, which makes the success of our operations particularly vulnerable to disruptions in our distribution infrastructure. Any significant interruption in the operation of our supply chain infrastructure, such as disruptions in our information systems, disruptions in operations due to fire, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events (such as COVID-19), labor disagreements, or shipping and transportation problems, could drastically reduce our ability to receive and process orders and provide products and services to our stores and guests, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. In addition, shipping and transportation costs represent a component of our cost structure and an increase in shipping and transportation costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Our e-commerce platform exposes us to certain additional risks which could adversely affect our results of operations.

We offer most of our beauty products for sale through our Ulta.com website and through our mobile applications. As a result, we encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by internet-based businesses, including risks related to our ability to attract and retain customers on a cost-effective basis and our ability to operate, support, expand, and develop our internet operations, website, mobile applications and software, and other related operational systems. Although we believe that our omnichannel participation is a distinct advantage for us due to synergies and the potential for new customers, supporting product offerings through these channels can create issues that have the potential to adversely affect our results of operations. For example, if our e-commerce platform successfully grows, it may do so in part by attracting existing guests, rather than new guests, who choose to purchase products from us online or through our

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mobile applications rather than from our physical stores, thereby reducing the financial performance of our stores. In addition, offering different products through each channel could cause conflicts and cause some of our current or potential internet or mobile customers to consider competing distributors of beauty products. Offering products through our internet channel or through our mobile applications could also cause some of our current or potential vendors to consider competing internet or mobile offerings of their products either on their own or through competing distributors. Additionally, omnichannel retailing is rapidly evolving, and we must keep pace with changing guest expectations and new developments by our competitors. As we continue to grow our e-commerce platform, the impact of attracting existing rather than new guests, conflicts between product offerings online or through our mobile applications and through our stores, and opening up our channels to increased competition from pure-play e-commerce companies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. In addition, if we are unable to make, improve, or develop relevant guest-facing technology in a timely manner, our ability to compete and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Increased costs or interruption in our third-party vendors’ overseas sourcing operations could disrupt production, shipment, or receipt of some of our merchandise, which could result in lost sales and could increase our costs.

We directly source the majority of our Ulta Beauty branded product components and gifts with purchase and other promotional products through third-party vendors using foreign factories. In addition, many of our vendors use overseas sourcing to varying degrees to manufacture some or all of their products. Any event causing a sudden disruption of manufacturing or imports from such foreign countries, including the imposition of additional import restrictions, unanticipated political changes, increased customs duties, legal or economic restrictions on overseas suppliers’ ability to produce and deliver products, and natural disasters, could materially harm our operations. We have no long-term supply contracts with respect to such foreign-sourced items, many of which are subject to existing or potential duties, tariffs, or quotas that may limit the quantity of certain types of goods that may be imported into the United States from such countries. Our business is also subject to a variety of other risks generally associated with sourcing goods from abroad, such as political instability, disruption of imports by labor disputes, and local business practices. Our sourcing operations may also be hurt by health concerns regarding infectious diseases in countries in which our merchandise is produced (such as COVID-19), adverse weather conditions or natural disasters that may occur overseas, or acts of war or terrorism in the United States or worldwide, to the extent these acts affect the production, shipment, or receipt of merchandise. Our future operations and performance will be subject to these factors, and these factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows or may require us to modify our current business practices and incur increased costs.

Diversion of exclusive salon products, or a decision by manufacturers of exclusive salon products to utilize other distribution channels, could negatively impact our revenue from the sale of such products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

The retail products that we sell in our salons are meant to be sold exclusively by professional salons and authorized professional retail outlets. However, incidents of product diversion occur, which involve the selling of salon exclusive haircare products to unauthorized channels such as drug stores, grocery stores, or mass merchandisers. Diversion could result in adverse publicity that harms the commercial prospects of our products (if diverted products are old, tainted, or damaged), as well as lower product revenues should consumers choose to purchase diverted product from these channels rather than purchasing from one of our salons. Additionally, the various product manufacturers could, in the future, decide to utilize other distribution channels for such products, therefore widening the availability of these products in other retail channels, which could negatively impact the revenue we earn from the sale of such products.

The capacity of our distribution and order fulfillment infrastructure and the performance of our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers may not be adequate to support our historical growth and expected future growth plans, which could prevent the successful implementation of these plans or cause us to incur excess costs to expand this infrastructure, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

We currently operate four distribution centers, which house the distribution operations for Ulta Beauty retail stores together with the order fulfillment operations of our e-commerce platform, and two fast fulfillment centers (e-commerce

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only). In 2014, we began a multi-year supply chain project, which focused on, among other things, adding capacity and system improvements to support expanded omnichannel capabilities. To support our historical and expected future growth and to maintain the efficient operation of our business, it is likely additional distribution centers or fast fulfillment centers will be added in the future. Our failure to effectively upgrade and expand our distribution capacity on a timely basis to keep pace with our anticipated growth in stores and the performance of our distribution centers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

We rely on our good relationships with brand partners to purchase prestige, mass, and salon beauty products on reasonable terms. If these relationships were to be impaired, or if certain brand partners were to change their distribution model, or are unable to supply sufficient merchandise to keep pace with our growth plans, we may not be able to obtain a sufficient selection or volume of merchandise on reasonable terms, and we may not be able to respond promptly to changing trends in beauty products, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

We have no long-term supply agreements with brand partners and, therefore, our success depends on maintaining good relationships with our brand partners. Our business depends to a significant extent on the willingness and ability of our brand partners to supply us with a sufficient selection and volume of products to stock our stores. Some of our prestige brand partners may not have the capacity to supply us with sufficient merchandise to keep pace with our growth plans. We also have strategic partnerships with certain core brands, which have allowed us to benefit from the growing popularity of such brands. Any of our other core brands could in the future decide to scale back or end its partnership with us and strengthen its relationship with our competitors, which could negatively impact the revenue we earn from the sale of such products. If we fail to maintain strong relationships with our existing brand partners, or if we fail to continue acquiring and strengthening relationships with additional brand partners of beauty products, our ability to obtain a sufficient amount and variety of merchandise on reasonable terms may be limited, which could have a negative impact on our competitive position.

During fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019, merchandise supplied to Ulta Beauty by our top ten brand partners accounted for approximately 56% and 61% of our net sales, respectively. There continues to be vendor consolidation within the beauty products industry. The loss of or a reduction in the amount of merchandise made available to us by any one of these key vendors, or by any of our other brand partners, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Use of social media may adversely impact our reputation.

There has been a substantial increase in the use of social media platforms, including blogs, social media websites, and other forms of internet-based and mobile communications, which allow individuals access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. Negative commentary regarding us or the products we sell may be posted on social media platforms and similar devices at any time and may be adverse to our reputation or business. Customers value readily available information and often act on such information without further investigation and without regard to its accuracy or source. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction.

We also use social media platforms as marketing tools. For example, we maintain Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest accounts. As laws and regulations rapidly evolve to govern the use of these platforms and devices, the failure by us, our employees, or third parties acting at our direction to abide by applicable laws and regulations in the use of these platforms and devices could adversely impact our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

If we fail to retain our existing senior management team or attract qualified new personnel, such failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Our business requires disciplined execution at all levels of our organization. This execution requires an experienced and talented management team. If we were to lose the benefit of the experience, efforts, and abilities of key executive personnel, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. Furthermore, our ability to manage our retail expansion will require us to continue to train, motivate, and manage our associates. We will need to attract, motivate, and retain additional qualified executive, managerial, and merchandising

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personnel and store associates. Competition for this type of personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting, assimilating, and retaining the personnel required to grow and operate our business profitably.

Our secured revolving credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants that could limit our operational flexibility, including our ability to open stores.

We have a $1.0 billion secured revolving credit facility with a term expiring in March 2025. Substantially all of our assets are pledged as collateral for outstanding borrowings under the agreement. Outstanding borrowings bear interest 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 1.25% and the unused line fee is 0.20% per annum. The credit facility agreement contains usual and customary restrictive covenants relating to our management and the operation of our business. These covenants, among other things, limit our ability to grant liens on our assets, incur additional indebtedness, pay cash dividends and redeem our stock, enter into transactions with affiliates, and merge or consolidate with another entity. These covenants could restrict our operational flexibility and any failure to comply with these covenants or our payment obligations would limit our ability to borrow under the credit facility and, in certain circumstances, may allow the lenders thereunder to require repayment.

Economic, Market and Other External Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, a negative impact on our business, financial condition, profitability, cash flows and supply chain, as well as consumer spending.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Federal, state and local governments have since implemented numerous measures to try to contain the virus, such as travel restrictions, border closings, restrictions on public gatherings, quarantining of people who may have been exposed to the virus, shelter-in-place restrictions, and limitations or shutdowns of business operations. In response to government recommendations and for the health and safety of our associates (i.e., employees) and guests, on March 19, 2020 we temporarily closed all stores across the U.S. As a result of this decision, we experienced a significant reduction in customer traffic and demand which resulted in our sales and results of operations being negatively impacted. While we have reopened all stores, the potential temporary reclosing of certain stores in the future is possible. COVID-19 could also negatively impact our future results of operations by continuing to weaken demand for our products and services and/or by disrupting our supply chain.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased economic and demand uncertainty and has caused an economic slowdown that may continue. The pandemic has also led to disruption and volatility in the global capital markets, which may adversely affect our and our suppliers’ liquidity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had, and will continue to have, a negative impact on our business, financial condition, profitability, cash flows and supply chain, although the full extent is still uncertain. As the pandemic continues to evolve, the extent of the impact on our business, financial condition, profitability, cash flows and supply chain will depend on future developments, including, but not limited to, the potential temporary reclosing of certain of our stores, the potential temporary restrictions on certain of our stores operating hours and/or in store capacity, the duration of potential future quarantines, shelter-in-place and other travel restrictions within U.S. and other affected countries, the duration of the pandemic (including any continuing relapses), the actions to contain the virus and/or treat its impact, the duration, timing and severity of the impact on consumer spending, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

Epidemics, pandemics like COVID-19, natural disasters, or other catastrophes or crises that have and could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Epidemics, pandemics, or other public health crises, natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, earthquakes, and mudslides, as well as acts of violence or terrorism, have resulted in the temporary closure of our stores and, in the future, could also result in physical damage to our properties, the temporary reclosing of our stores, the temporary closing of our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers, the temporary lack of an adequate work force,

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the temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of products (or a substantial increase in the cost of those products) from domestic or foreign suppliers, the temporary disruption in the delivery of goods both to and from our distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers (or a substantial increase in the cost of those deliveries), the temporary reduction in the availability of products in our stores and/or the temporary reduction in visits to stores by customers. Accordingly, if one or more epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters, and/or acts of violence or terrorism were to occur (as it is with the COVID-19 pandemic), it has and could continue to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows or may require us to incur increased costs.

The health of the economy in the channels we serve may affect consumer purchases of discretionary items such as beauty products and salon services, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Our results of operations may be materially affected by conditions in the capital markets and the economy generally. We appeal to a wide demographic consumer profile and offer an extensive selection of beauty products sold directly to retail consumers and premium salon services. Uncertainty in the economy could adversely impact consumer purchases of discretionary items across all of our product categories, including prestige beauty products and premium salon services. Factors that could affect consumers’ willingness to make such discretionary purchases include: general business conditions, levels of employment, interest rates, tax rates, the availability of consumer credit, consumer confidence in future economic conditions, and risks related to epidemics or pandemics like COVID-19. In the event of a prolonged economic downturn or acute recession, consumer spending habits could be adversely affected, and we could experience lower than expected net sales.

In addition, a general deterioration in economic conditions could adversely affect our commercial partners including our brand partners as well as the real estate developers and landlords who we rely on to construct and operate centers in which our stores are located. A bankruptcy or financial failure of a significant vendor or a number of significant real estate developers or shopping center landlords could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. Additionally, volatility and disruption to the capital and credit markets may have a significant, adverse impact on global economic conditions, resulting in recessionary pressures and declines in consumer confidence and economic growth, which, in turn, may lead to declines in consumer spending. Reduced consumer spending could cause changes in customer order patterns and changes in the level of merchandise purchased by our customers, and may signify a reset of consumer spending habits, all of which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

We may be unable to compete effectively in our highly competitive markets.

The markets for beauty products and salon services are highly competitive with few barriers to entry. We compete against a diverse group of retailers, both small and large, including regional and national department stores, specialty retailers, drug stores, mass merchandisers, high-end and discount salon chains, locally owned beauty retailers and salons, online capabilities of national retailers, pure-play e-commerce companies, catalog retailers, and direct response television, including television home shopping retailers and infomercials. We believe the principal bases upon which we compete are the breadth of merchandise, our value proposition, the quality of our guests’ shopping experience, and the convenience of our stores as one-stop destinations for beauty products and salon services. Many of our competitors are, and many of our potential competitors may be, larger and have greater financial, marketing, and other resources and therefore, may be able to adapt to changes in customer requirements more quickly, devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products, generate greater national brand recognition, or adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we can. As a result, we may lose market share, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

A reduction in traffic to, or the closing of, the other destination retailers in the shopping areas where our stores are located could significantly reduce our sales and leave us with excess inventory, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

As a result of our real estate strategy, most of our stores are located in off-mall shopping areas known as power centers. Power centers typically contain three to five big-box anchor stores along with a variety of smaller specialty tenants. As a

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consequence of most of our stores being located in such shopping areas, our sales are derived, in part, from the volume of traffic generated by the other destination retailers and the anchor stores in power centers where our stores are located. Customer traffic to these shopping areas may be adversely affected by the closing of such destination retailers or anchor stores, or by a reduction in traffic to such stores resulting from a regional or global economic downturn, an outbreak of flu or other viruses (such as COVID-19), a general downturn in the local area where our store is located, or a decline in the desirability of the shopping environment of a particular power center. Such a reduction in customer traffic would reduce our sales and leave us with excess inventory, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. We may respond by increasing markdowns, initiating marketing promotions, or transferring product to other stores to reduce excess inventory, which would further decrease our gross profits and net income.

Increases in the demand for, or the price of, raw materials used to build and remodel our stores could hurt our profitability.

The raw materials used to build and remodel our stores are subject to availability constraints and price volatility caused by weather, supply conditions, government regulations, general economic conditions, and other unpredictable factors. As a retailer engaged in an active building and remodeling program, we are particularly vulnerable to increases in construction and remodeling costs. As a result, increases in the demand for, or the price of, raw materials could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Our stock repurchase programs could affect the price of our common stock and increase volatility and may be suspended or terminated at any time, which may result in a decrease in the trading price of our common stock.

We may have in place from time to time, a stock repurchase program. Any such stock repurchase program adopted will not obligate the Company to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock and may be suspended or discontinued at any time, which could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased under any such stock repurchase program depends on a variety of factors including the timing of open trading windows, price, corporate and regulatory requirements, and other market conditions. We may affect repurchases under any stock repurchase program from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise, including accelerated stock repurchase arrangements. Repurchases pursuant to any such stock repurchase program could affect our stock price and increase its volatility. The existence of a stock repurchase program could also cause our stock price to be higher than it would be in the absence of such a program and could potentially reduce the market liquidity for our stock. There can be no assurance that any stock repurchases will enhance stockholder value because the market price of our common stock may decline below the levels at which we repurchased shares of common stock. Although our stock repurchase program is intended to enhance stockholder value, short-term stock price fluctuations could reduce the program’s effectiveness.

Regulatory, Legal and Cybersecurity Risks

Cybersecurity breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information, result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential guest, employee, Company and/or business partners’ information, damage our reputation, and expose us to liability, which could negatively impact our business.

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, process, and store sensitive and confidential data, including our proprietary business information and that of our guests, suppliers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of our guests and employees, in our data centers and on our networks. The secure processing, maintenance, and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. We rely on commercially available systems, software, tools, and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission, and storage of confidential information. Despite the security measures we have in place and continual vigilance in regard to the protection of sensitive information, our systems and those of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to security breaches, attacks by hackers, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, human errors, or other similar events. Furthermore, we allow certain of our employees to work from home as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as certain of our third-party service providers also allow, and this remote working environment may increase cybersecurity related risks. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost, or stolen.

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Any such access, disclosure, or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, disrupt our operations, damage our reputation, and cause a loss of confidence in our business, products, and services, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

We are subject to risks relating to our information technology systems, and any failure to adequately protect our critical information technology systems or any material disruption of our information systems could negatively impact financial results and materially adversely affect our business operations, particularly during the holiday season.

We are increasingly dependent on a variety of information systems, including management, supply chain and financial information, and various other processes and transactions, to effectively manage our business. We also plan to expand and upgrade our information systems to support historical and expected future growth. The failure of our information systems to perform as designed or breaches of security could have an adverse effect on our business and results of our operations. Any material disruption of our systems could disrupt our ability to track, record, and analyze the merchandise that we sell and could cause delays or cancellation of customer orders or impede the manufacture or shipment of products, the processing of transactions, our ability to receive and process e-commerce orders, and/or the reporting of financial results.

Our e-commerce operations are increasingly important to our business. The Ulta.com website and our mobile applications serve as an effective extension of Ulta Beauty’s marketing and prospecting strategies (beyond catalogs, newspaper inserts, and national advertising) by exposing potential new customers to the Ulta Beauty brand, product offerings, and enhanced content. As the importance of our website, mobile applications, and e-commerce operations to our business grows, we are increasingly vulnerable to downtime and other technical failures. Our failure to successfully respond to these risks could reduce e-commerce sales and damage our brand’s reputation.

Litigation and other legal or regulatory proceedings or claims and the outcome of such litigation, proceedings or claims, including possible fines and penalties, could have a material adverse effect on our business and any loss contingency accruals may not be adequate to cover actual losses.

From time to time, we are subject to litigation, including potential class action and single-plaintiff litigation and other legal or regulatory proceedings or claims in the ordinary course of our business operations regarding, but not limited to, employment matters, consumer claims, security of consumer and employee personal information, contractual relations with suppliers, marketing and infringement of trademarks, and other intellectual property rights. Litigation to defend ourselves against claims by third parties, or to enforce any rights that we may have against third parties, may be necessary, which could absorb significant management time, result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows. We establish accruals for potential liability arising from litigation and other legal or regulatory proceedings or claims when potential liability is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated based on currently available information. We may still incur legal costs for a matter even if we have not accrued a liability. In addition, actual losses may be higher than the amount accrued for a certain matter, or in the aggregate. Any resolution of litigation or other legal or regulatory proceedings or claims could materially adversely impact our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Specifically, our technologies, promotional products purchased from third-party vendors, and/or Ulta Beauty branded products, or potential products in development may infringe rights under patents, patent applications, trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights of third parties in the United States and abroad. These third parties could bring claims against us that would cause us to incur substantial expenses and, if successful, could cause us to pay substantial damages. Further, if a third party were to bring an intellectual property infringement suit against us, we could be forced to stop or delay development, manufacturing, or sales of the product that is the subject of the suit.

As a result of intellectual property infringement claims, or to avoid potential claims, we may choose to seek, or be required to seek, a license from the third party and would most likely be required to pay license fees or royalties or both. These licenses may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all. Ultimately, we could be prevented from commercializing a product or be forced to cease some aspect of our business operations if, as a result of actual or threatened intellectual property infringement claims, we are unable to enter into licenses on acceptable terms. Even if we

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were able to obtain a license, the rights may be non-exclusive, which would give our competitors access to the same intellectual property. The inability to enter into licenses could harm our business significantly.

If our manufacturers are unable to produce products manufactured uniquely for Ulta Beauty, including Ulta Beauty branded products and gifts with purchase and other promotional products, consistent with applicable regulatory requirements, we could suffer lost sales and be required to take costly corrective action, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities and therefore depend upon independent third-party vendors for the manufacture of all products manufactured uniquely for Ulta Beauty, including the Ulta Beauty Collection and Ulta Beauty branded gifts with purchase and other promotional products. Our third-party manufacturers of Ulta Beauty products may not maintain adequate controls with respect to product specifications and quality and may not continue to produce products that are consistent with applicable regulatory requirements. If we or our third-party manufacturers fail to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, we could be required to take costly corrective action. In addition, sanctions under various laws may include seizure of products, injunctions against future shipment of products, restitution and disgorgement of profits, operating restrictions, and criminal prosecution. The FDA does not have a pre-market approval system for cosmetics, and we believe we are permitted to market our cosmetics and have them manufactured without submitting safety or efficacy data to the FDA. However, cosmetic products may become subject to more extensive regulation in the future. These events could interrupt the marketing and sale of our Ulta Beauty products, severely damage our brand reputation and image in the marketplace, increase the cost of our products, cause us to fail to meet customer expectations, or cause us to be unable to deliver merchandise in sufficient quantities or of sufficient quality to our stores, any of which could result in lost sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

We, as well as our vendors, are subject to laws and regulations that could require us to modify our current business practices and incur increased costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

In our U.S. markets, numerous laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels can affect our business. Legal requirements are frequently changed and subject to interpretation, and we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance with these requirements or their effect on our operations. If we fail to comply with any present or future laws or regulations, we could be subject to future liabilities, a prohibition on the operation of our stores, or a prohibition on the sale of our Ulta Beauty branded products. In particular, failure to adequately comply with the following legal requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

● Our large workforce makes us vulnerable to changes in labor and employment laws. In addition, changes in federal and state minimum wage laws and other laws relating to employee benefits could cause us to incur additional wage and benefits costs, which could hurt our profitability and affect our growth strategy.

● Our salon operations are subject to state board regulations and state licensing requirements for our stylists and our salon procedures. Failure to maintain compliance with these regulatory and licensing requirements could jeopardize the viability of our salons.

● We operate stores in California, which has enacted legislation commonly referred to as “Proposition 65” requiring that “clear and reasonable” warnings be given to consumers who are exposed to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. Although we have sought to comply with Proposition 65 requirements, there can be no assurance that we will not be adversely affected by litigation relating to Proposition 65.

● Future changes in healthcare reform legislation could significantly impact our business.

In addition, concern over climate change and greenhouse gases may result in new or additional legal, legislative, and regulatory requirements to reduce or mitigate the effects of climate change on the environment, which could result in future tax, transportation, and utility increases, which could adversely affect our business. There is also increased focus, including by investors, guests, and other stakeholders on these and other environmental, social, governance and sustainability matters, including the use of plastic, energy, waste, and worker safety. Our reputation could be damaged if

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we do not (or are perceived not to) act responsibly with respect to these matters, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

The formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, sale, and storage of our vendors’ products and our Ulta Beauty branded products are also subject to extensive regulation by various federal agencies, including FDA, FTC, CPSC, and various state and local agencies, such as State AGs and District Attorneys. If we, our vendors, or the manufacturers of our Ulta Beauty branded products fail to comply with those regulations, we could become subject to significant penalties, claims, or product recalls, which could harm our results of operations or our ability to conduct our business.

Additionally, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and may impair the marketability of our vendors’ products or our Ulta Beauty branded products, resulting in significant loss of net sales. Our failure to comply with federal, state, or local requirements when we advertise our products (including prices) or services, or engage in other promotional activities, in digital (including social media), television, or print may result in enforcement actions and imposition of penalties or otherwise harm the distribution and sale of our products.

Our associates or others may engage in misconduct or other improper activities, including noncompliance with our policies and procedures.

We are exposed to the risk of misconduct or other improper activities by our associates and third parties such as independent contractors or agents. Misconduct by associates, independent contractors, or agents could include inadvertent or intentional failures to comply with our policies and procedures, the laws and regulations to which we are subject, and/or ethical, social, product, labor, and environmental standards. Our current and former associates or independent contractors may also become subject to allegations of sexual harassment, racial and gender discrimination, or other similar misconduct, which, regardless or the ultimate outcome, may result in adverse publicity that could significantly harm our brand, reputation, and operations. Associate misconduct could also involve improper use of information obtained in the course of the associate’s prior or current employment, which could result in legal or regulatory action and harm to our reputation.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our brand and reputation could be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

We regard our trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, trade secrets, know-how, and similar intellectual property as critical to our success. Our principal intellectual property rights include registered and common law trademarks on “The Possibilities are Beautiful.^®,” “Ulta Beauty,” “Ulta,” and other marks incorporating our name and “All Things Beauty. All in One Place^®,” “21 Days of Beauty^®,” and “Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty^TM,” copyrights in our website and mobile applications content, rights to our domain name www.ulta.com, and trade secrets and know-how with respect to our Ulta Beauty branded product formulations, product sourcing, sales and marketing and other aspects of our business, and our digital innovations such as try-on applications and artificial intelligence. As such, we rely on trademark and copyright law, trade secret protection, and confidentiality agreements with certain of our employees, consultants, suppliers, and others to protect our proprietary rights. If we are unable to protect or preserve the value of our trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, or other proprietary rights for any reason (including any cybersecurity incident that results in the unauthorized use of our intellectual property rights), or if other parties infringe on our intellectual property rights, our brand and reputation could be impaired and we could lose customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Our Ulta Beauty branded products and salon services may cause unexpected and undesirable side effects that could result in their discontinuance or expose us to lawsuits, either of which could result in unexpected costs and damage to our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Unexpected and undesirable side effects caused by our Ulta Beauty branded products for which we have not provided sufficient label warnings or salon services, which may have been performed negligently, could result in the

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discontinuance of sales of our products or of certain salon services or prevent us from achieving or maintaining market acceptance of the affected products and services. Such side effects could also expose us to product liability or negligence lawsuits. Any claims brought against us may exceed our existing or future insurance policy coverage or limits. Any judgment against us that is in excess of our policy limits would have to be paid from our cash reserves, which would reduce our capital resources. These events could cause negative publicity regarding our Company, brand, or products, which could in turn harm our reputation and net sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows.

Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and Delaware law may discourage or prevent a change in control, even if a sale of the Company would be beneficial to our stockholders, which could cause our stock price to decline and prevent attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may delay or prevent a change in control, discourage bids at a premium over the market price of our common stock, and harm the market price of our common stock and diminish the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. These provisions include:

● dividing our Board of Directors into three classes serving staggered three-year terms;

● authorizing our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock and additional shares of our common stock without stockholder approval;

● prohibiting stockholder actions by written consent;

● prohibiting our stockholders from calling a special meeting of stockholders;

● prohibiting our stockholders from making certain changes to our certificate of incorporation or bylaws except with a two-thirds majority stockholder approval; and

● requiring advance notice for raising business matters or nominating directors at stockholders’ meetings.

We are also subject to provisions of Delaware law that, in general, prohibit any business combination with a beneficial owner of 15% or more of our common stock for three years after the stockholder becomes a 15% stockholder, subject to specified exceptions. Together, these provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and of Delaware law could make the removal of management more difficult and may discourage transactions that otherwise could involve payment of a premium over prevailing market prices for our common stock.

Item 1B.   Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

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Item 2.   Properties

All of our retail stores, distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers, and corporate offices are leased or subleased.

Retail stores

Our retail stores are predominantly located in convenient, high-traffic locations such as power centers. Our typical store is approximately 10,000 square feet, including approximately 950 square feet dedicated to our full-service salon. Most of our retail store leases provide for a fixed minimum annual rent and generally have a 10-year initial term with options for two or three extension periods of five years each, exercisable at our option. As of January 30, 2021, we operated 1,264 retail stores across 50 states, as shown in the table below:

	Number of		Number of
Location	stores	Location	stores
Alabama	22	Montana	6
Alaska	3	Nebraska	5
Arizona	30	Nevada	15
Arkansas	10	New Hampshire	7
California	156	New Jersey	42
Colorado	26	New Mexico	7
Connecticut	17	New York	49
Delaware	3	North Carolina	34
Florida	86	North Dakota	3
Georgia	38	Ohio	43
Hawaii	4	Oklahoma	21
Idaho	9	Oregon	17
Illinois	55	Pennsylvania	44
Indiana	24	Rhode Island	3
Iowa	10	South Carolina	20
Kansas	13	South Dakota	3
Kentucky	15	Tennessee	27
Louisiana	18	Texas	117
Maine	3	Utah	14
Maryland	27	Vermont	1
Massachusetts	21	Virginia	30
Michigan	48	Washington	34
Minnesota	19	West Virginia	7
Mississippi	10	Wisconsin	20
Missouri	25	Wyoming	3
		Total	1,264

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Distribution centers and fast fulfillment centers

Our standard distribution center and fast fulfillment center lease provides for a fixed minimum annual rent and generally has a 10 or 15-year initial term with three or four renewal options with terms of five years each. The general location, approximate size, and lease expiration date for each distribution center (DC) and fast fulfillment center (FFC) at January 30, 2021, are set forth below:

		Approximate	Lease Expiration
Location	Type	Square Feet	Date
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania	DC	503,605	June 30, 2027
Dallas, Texas	DC	671,000	July 31, 2026
Fresno, California	DC	671,000	July 31, 2028
Greenwood, Indiana	DC	671,000	July 31, 2025
Jacksonville, Florida	FFC	203,463	September 30, 2029
Romeoville, Illinois	FFC	291,000	May 31, 2023

Corporate office

Our principal executive office is in Bolingbrook, Illinois. The corporate office is approximately 341,000 square feet with lease terms expiring in 2028. Additionally, we have a satellite corporate office in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago office is approximately 23,000 square feet with lease expiration in 2024.

Item 3.   Legal Proceedings

See Note 11 to our consolidated financial statements, “Commitments and contingencies - General litigation,” for information on legal proceedings.

Item 4.   Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 4A.  Executive Officers

The names of our executive officers, their ages and their positions, as of March 1, 2021, are shown below:

Name	Age	Position
Mary N. Dillon	59	Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors
David C. Kimbell	54	President
Scott M. Settersten	60	Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
Jodi J. Caro	55	General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary
Jeffrey J. Childs	63	Chief Human Resources Officer

There is no family relationship between any of the directors or executive officers and any other director or executive officer of Ulta Beauty.

Mary N. Dillon. Ms. Dillon was named Chief Executive Officer effective July 2013. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, she was President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of U.S. Cellular from June 2010 to July 2013. From 2005 to 2010, Ms. Dillon served as Global Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President for McDonald’s Corporation. Prior to joining McDonald’s, she held various positions at PepsiCo, including President of the Quaker Foods division. Ms. Dillon serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Starbucks Corporation and KKR & Co. Inc. and previously served on the board of Target Corporation from 2007 to 2013.

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David C. Kimbell. Mr. Kimbell was named President in December 2019 after having previously served as Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer since March 2015 and Chief Marketing Officer since February 2014. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, he was Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President at U.S. Cellular since February 2011. From 2008 to 2010, Mr. Kimbell served as Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Seventh Generation, a producer of environmentally friendly household and baby care products. Prior to that from 2001 to 2008, Mr. Kimbell held various positions at PepsiCo, Quaker Food Division, including Vice President of Marketing. Mr. Kimbell held a number of brand management roles in the Beauty Division of The Procter and Gamble Company from 1995 to 2001.

Scott M. Settersten. Mr. Settersten was named Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary in March 2013 after having previously served as Acting Chief Financial Officer and Assistant Secretary since October 2012. Prior to this role, Mr. Settersten served as Vice President of Accounting since 2010 and was responsible for accounting, tax, external reporting and investor relations. He joined Ulta Beauty in January 2005 as a Director of Financial Reporting. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, Mr. Settersten spent 15 years with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as a certified public accountant serving in various senior manager roles in the assurance and risk management practices.

Jodi J. Caro. Ms. Caro was named General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary in August 2015. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, she was Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary for Integrys Energy Group, in addition to holding the role of Integrys’ Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer. Prior to joining Integrys in 2008, Ms. Caro owned and operated her own law practice, which provided general counsel and corporate services to clients ranging from established multi-million-dollar companies to medium and small early-stage enterprises. Prior to opening her law practice in 2006, she was co-founder and General Counsel of Looking Glass Networks, a privately held, facilities-based telecommunications company, and served as an in-house attorney with MCI/WORLDCOM.

Jeffrey J. Childs. Mr. Childs was named Chief Human Resource Officer in October 2013. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer at U.S. Cellular after joining as Senior Vice President of Human Resources in 2004. From 2001 to 2004, he was President and Owner of Childs Consulting Services. Previously, he served from 1979 to 2001 in a variety of human resources, marketing, sales and operations roles at AT&T, including Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Services.

Part II

Item 5.   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market information

Our common stock has traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ULTA” since October 25, 2007.

Holders of the registrant’s common stock

The last reported sale price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on March 22, 2021 was $315.09 per share. As of March 22, 2021, we had 34 holders of record of our common stock. Because many shares of common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders.

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Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers

The following table sets forth repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020:

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 be purchased under plans or programs (in thousands) (2)
November 1, 2020 to November 28, 2020	311	$	215.02	–	$	1,563,863
November 29, 2020 to December 26, 2020	43,218		266.41	43,218		1,552,349
December 27, 2020 to January 30, 2021	104,708		290.62	104,606		1,521,949
13 weeks ended January 30, 2021	148,237		283.40	147,824		1,521,949

(1) There were 147,824 shares repurchased as part of our publicly announced share repurchase program during the 13 weeks ended January 30, 2021 and there were 413 shares transferred from employees in satisfaction of minimum statutory tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock during the period.

(2) On March 12, 2020, we announced our 2020 share repurchase program pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $1.6 billion of the Company’s common stock. As of January 30, 2021, $1.5 billion remained available under the $1.6 billion 2020 share repurchase program, which does not have an expiration date but which may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

Recent sales of unregistered securities

None.

Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans

The following table provides information about Ulta Beauty common stock that may be issued under our equity compensation plans as of January 30, 2021:

				Number of securities
	Number of securities			remaining available
	to be issued upon	Weighted-average		for future issuance
	exercise of outstanding	exercise price of		under equity
	options, warrants	outstanding options,		compensation
Plan category	and rights (2)	warrants and rights (3)		plans (4)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)	961,413	$	208.47	2,791,165

(1) Includes options issued and available for exercise and shares available for issuance in connection with past awards under the Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Award Plan and predecessor equity incentive plans. We currently grant awards only under the Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Award Plan.

(2) Includes 671,344 shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of outstanding stock options, 252,713 shares issuable pursuant to restricted stock units, and 37,356 shares issuable pursuant to performance-based units.

(3) Calculation of weighted-average exercise price of outstanding awards includes stock options but does not include shares of restricted stock units or performance-based units that convert to shares of common stock for no consideration.

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(4) Represents shares that are available for issuance pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Award Plan. The shares available under the plan are reduced by 1.0 for each stock option awarded and by 1.5 for each restricted stock unit and performance-based unit awarded.

Stock performance graph

The following performance graph and related information shall not be deemed “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.

Set forth below is a graph comparing the cumulative total stockholder return on Ulta Beauty’s common stock with the NASDAQ Global Select Market Composite Index (NQGS), the S&P 500, and the S&P 500 Retailing/RLX (Industry Group, SP500-2550) for the period covering January 30, 2016 through the end of Ulta Beauty’s fiscal year ended January 30, 2021. The graph assumes an investment of $100 made at the closing of trading on January 30, 2016 in (i) Ulta Beauty’s common stock, (ii) the stocks comprising the NQGS, (iii) the stocks comprising the S&P 500 and (iv) the stocks comprising the S&P 500 Retailing/RLX (Industry Group, SP500-2550). As Ulta Beauty is a part of the S&P 500, pursuant to the rules of the SEC, the S&P 500 is included in the graph below. All values assume reinvestment of the full amount of all dividends, if any, into additional shares of the same class of equity securities at the frequency with which dividends are paid on such securities during the applicable time period.

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		January 28,		February 3,		February 2,		February 1,		January 30,
Company / Index	2016		2017		2018		2019		2020		2021
Ulta Beauty	$	100.00	$	150.29	$	122.59	$	161.13	$	147.88	$	154.42
NQGS		100.00		121.62		160.75		157.85		199.43		282.53
S&P 500		100.00		117.45		145.54		139.37		166.24		191.43
S&P 500 Retailing (RLX)		100.00		116.83		168.04		180.73		210.51		234.02

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Item 6.   Selected Financial Data

The following table presents our selected consolidated financial data. The table should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

	Fiscal year ended (1)
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,		February 3,		January 28,
	2021		2020		2019 (2)		2018 (3)		2017
	(In thousands, except per share and per square foot data and number of stores)
Statement of operations:
Net sales	$	6,151,953	$	7,398,068	$	6,716,615	$	5,884,506	$	4,854,737
Cost of sales		4,202,794		4,717,004		4,307,304		3,787,697		3,107,508
Gross profit		1,949,159		2,681,064		2,409,311		2,096,809		1,747,229
Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,583,017		1,760,716		1,535,464		1,287,232		1,073,834
Impairment, restructuring and other costs		114,322		—		—		—		—
Pre-opening expenses		15,000		19,254		19,767		24,286		18,571
Operating income		236,820		901,094		854,080		785,291		654,824
Interest expense (income), net		5,735		(5,056)		(5,061)		(1,568)		(890)
Income before income taxes		231,085		906,150		859,141		786,859		655,714
Income tax expense (4)		55,250		200,205		200,582		231,625		245,954
Net income	$	175,835	$	705,945	$	658,559	$	555,234	$	409,760
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	3.12	$	12.21	$	11.00	$	9.02	$	6.55
Diluted	$	3.11	$	12.15	$	10.94	$	8.96	$	6.52
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		56,351		57,840		59,864		61,556		62,519
Diluted		56,558		58,105		60,181		61,975		62,851
Other operating data:
Comparable sales (5)		(17.9)%		5.0%		8.1%		11.0%		15.8%
Number of stores end of year		1,264		1,254		1,174		1,074		974
Total square footage end of year		13,291,838		13,193,076		12,337,145		11,300,920		10,271,184
Total square footage per store (6)		10,516		10,521		10,509		10,522		10,545
Average total square footage (7)		13,260,705		12,804,988		11,893,413		10,742,874		9,641,367
Capital expenditures	$	151,866	$	298,534	$	319,400	$	440,714	$	373,747
Depreciation and amortization		297,772		295,599		279,472		252,713		210,295
Repurchase of common shares		114,895		680,979		616,194		367,581		344,275
Balance sheet data (at period end):
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,046,051	$	392,325	$	409,251	$	277,445	$	385,010
Short-term investments		—		110,000		—		120,000		30,000
Working capital		1,171,064		918,056		1,091,125		1,051,577		1,006,894
Property and equipment, net		995,795		1,205,524		1,226,029		1,189,453		1,004,358
Total assets (8)		5,089,969		4,863,872		3,191,172		2,908,687		2,551,878
Operating lease liabilities (8)		1,896,801		1,938,347		—		—		—
Total stockholders' equity		1,999,549		1,902,094		1,820,218		1,774,217		1,550,218

(1) Our fiscal year-end is the Saturday closest to January 31 based on a 52/53-week year. Each fiscal year consists of four 13-week quarters, with an extra week added onto the fourth quarter every five or six years.

(2) The Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC 606) using the modified retrospective transition method in fiscal 2018. Results from fiscal years prior to fiscal 2018 have not been recast for the adoption of ASC 606.

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(3) Fiscal 2017 includes 53 weeks; all other fiscal years reported include 52 weeks. Net sales for the 53^rd week of fiscal 2017 were approximately $108.8 million.

(4) On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted into law. This new legislation reduced the federal corporate tax rate to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018. In accordance with Section 15 of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company utilized a blended rate of 33.7% for the fiscal 2017 tax year, by applying a prorated percentage of the number of days prior to and subsequent to the January 1, 2018 effective date. Income tax expense in fiscal 2018 reflects the lower federal tax rate for the entire fiscal year.

(5) Comparable sales reflects sales for stores beginning on the first day of the 14^th month of operation. Remodeled stores are included in comparable sales unless the store was closed for a portion of the current or comparable prior year.

(6) Total square footage per store is calculated by dividing total square footage at end of year by number of stores at end of year.

(7) Average total square footage represents a weighted average, which reflects the effect of opening stores in different months throughout the year.

(8) The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), on February 3, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach by recognizing and measuring leases without revising comparative period information or disclosures.

Item 7.   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 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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 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 estimate that beauty enthusiasts represent approximately 57% of shoppers and 77% of spend in the U.S. beauty category. 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

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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.

COVID-19 response

We have been and continue to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on all facets of our business. We have taken decisive actions to protect the safety of our associates and guests and to manage the business throughout the fluid and challenging environment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In late 2019, COVID-19 was detected in Wuhan, China and other jurisdictions, prompting the Chinese government to quarantine certain affected regions and impose both internal and external travel restrictions within the country. The virus has since spread to every other part of the world, including the U.S., and in March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. Federal, state, and local governments have since implemented various restrictions, including travel restrictions, border closings, restrictions on public gatherings, quarantining of people who may have been exposed to the virus, shelter-in-place restrictions and limitations on business operations.

In response to government recommendations and for the health and safety of our associates and guests, on March 19, 2020 we temporarily closed all stores across the U.S., while continuing to support our essential e-commerce operations. Effective April 19, 2020, we temporarily furloughed many of our store and salon associates. In April 2020, we introduced curbside pickup, and in May 2020, we began reopening stores. Throughout the second quarter, stores were reopened on a phased timeline, by taking a thoughtful, measured approach based on a variety of criteria, including state and local guidelines and the adoption of our new Shop Safe Standards. As of July 20, 2020, we completed our phased reopening process. By October 31, 2020, salon and brow services had resumed in almost all stores. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we have not resumed skin and makeup services but we have plans to resume skin and makeup services as soon as it is safe to do so.

Our results of operations for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021 were significantly impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comparable sales decreased 17.9% for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the multi-year, strategic investments we have made to enhance our omnichannel and supply chain capabilities, combined with the ongoing commitment of our distribution associates, have enabled us to support increased e-commerce demand and strong guest engagement. In addition to decreases in net revenue, our overall profitability also decreased as compared to the prior year. These developments have further required us to recognize certain long-lived asset impairment charges and restructuring charges. Further, in connection with the Coronavirus Aid,

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Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, we recognized payroll subsidies as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

As we navigated these unprecedented circumstances, we continued to focus on our financial flexibility, including drawing down $800.0 million under our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility on March 18, 2020, which was repaid in full on September 2, 2020. In addition, we took the following steps to preserve financial liquidity:

● limited new hires and delayed merit increases for all corporate, store, and salon associates;

● reduced marketing, travel and controllable expenses;

● aligned inventory receipts with current sales trends;

● prioritized payment obligations;

● reduced new store openings, relocations and remodel projects; and

● suspended the stock repurchase program, which resumed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

To help support our associates through this crisis, we expanded the criteria for our Associate Relief Program to include those who need assistance due to a personal hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ulta Beauty executive team and Board of Directors have each made personal donations to the program.

Sales are expected to be challenged as events continue to change, and we are unable to accurately predict the future impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our results of operations due to uncertainties including, but not limited to, the potential temporary reclosing of certain of our 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, the duration of the pandemic and any more dangerous variants of the virus, the duration, timing and severity of the impact on 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, our research also suggests that the cosmetics category in the overall U.S. market experienced mid-single digit declines through fiscal 2019 and 2020. Beauty cycles are impacted by demographics and innovation. While demographic trends continue to be favorable, we believe a lack of incremental innovation has resulted in a challenging cycle for the cosmetics category, as innovation brought to the market has not resulted in incremental product purchases. In addition, 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. We expect the beauty category will return to growth 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; however, due to store closures during the first half of fiscal 2020, we extended our return policy to 180 days through November 16, 2020. 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

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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:

● the general national, regional, and local economic conditions and corresponding impact on customer 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 merchandising and marketing activities; and

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

Cost of sales includes:

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

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

● shipping and handling costs;

● retail stores occupancy costs including rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, insurance, and licenses;

● salon services payroll and benefits; and

● shrink and inventory valuation reserves.

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:

● payroll, bonus, and benefit costs for retail store 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 stores and distribution 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.

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Impairment, restructuring and other costs include long-lived asset impairment charges, restructuring costs associated with store closings, costs associated with the suspension of our Canadian expansion, and employee related severance costs. 

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 income and expense. 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 fiscal years are the 52- or 53-week periods ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The Company’s fiscal years ended January 30, 2021 (fiscal 2020), February 1, 2020 (fiscal 2019), and February 2, 2019 (fiscal 2018) were all 52-week years.

As of January 30, 2021, we operated 1,264 stores across 50 states. The following tables present the components of our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(Dollars in thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Net sales	$	6,151,953	$	7,398,068	$	6,716,615
Cost of sales		4,202,794		4,717,004		4,307,304
Gross profit		1,949,159		2,681,064		2,409,311
Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,583,017		1,760,716		1,535,464
Impairment, restructuring and other costs		114,322		—		—
Pre-opening expenses		15,000		19,254		19,767
Operating income		236,820		901,094		854,080
Interest expense (income), net		5,735		(5,056)		(5,061)
Income before income taxes		231,085		906,150		859,141
Income tax expense		55,250		200,205		200,582
Net income	$	175,835	$	705,945	$	658,559
Other operating data:
Number of stores end of year		1,264		1,254		1174
Comparable sales		(17.9)%		5.0%		8.1%

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	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(Percentage of net sales)	2021		2020		2019
Net sales		100.0%		100.0%		100.0%
Cost of sales		68.3%		63.8%		64.1%
Gross profit		31.7%		36.2%		35.9%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		25.7%		23.8%		22.9%
Impairment, restructuring and other costs		1.9%		0.0%		0.0%
Pre-opening expenses		0.2%		0.3%		0.3%
Operating income		3.9%		12.1%		12.7%
Interest expense (income), net		0.1%		(0.1)%		(0.1)%
Income before income taxes		3.8%		12.2%		12.8%
Income tax expense		0.9%		2.7%		3.0%
Net income		2.9%		9.5%		9.8%

Fiscal year 2020 versus fiscal year 2019

Net sales

Net sales decreased $1.2 billion, or 16.8%, to $6.2 billion in fiscal 2020 compared to $7.4 billion in fiscal 2019. The net sales decrease was driven by the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the temporary closing of our brick-and-mortar retail stores, social distancing and quarantines, reduction of operating hours, and limitations on in-store capacity, and a decrease of $6.6 million in other revenue. Total comparable sales in fiscal 2020 decreased 17.9% compared to an increase of 5.0% in fiscal 2019. During fiscal 2020, transactions declined 24.5% and average ticket increased 8.8%.

Gross profit

Gross profit decreased $0.7 billion, or 27.3%, to $1.9 billion in fiscal 2020, compared to $2.7 billion in fiscal 2019. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 450 basis points to 31.7% in fiscal 2020 compared to 36.2% in fiscal 2019. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to:

● 220 basis points of deleverage due to channel mix shifts;

● 220 basis points deleverage of fixed costs and 90 basis points of deleverage in salon services, both attributed to the impact of lower sales; partially offset by

● 80 basis points of leverage driven by lower promotional activity and cost optimization efforts.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased $0.2 billion, or 10.1%, to $1.6 billion in fiscal 2020 compared to $1.8 billion in fiscal 2019. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased 190 basis points to 25.7% in fiscal 2020 compared to 23.8% in fiscal 2019. The deleverage in SG&A expenses was primarily due to:

● 170 basis points of deleverage primarily due to higher corporate overhead;

● 80 basis points of deleverage of store payroll and benefits and variable store expenses due to the impact of lower sales and personal protective equipment and COVID-related expenses; and

● 30 basis points of deleverage of marketing expenses attributed to the impact of lower sales volume; partially offset by

● 90 basis points of leverage related to the employee retention credits made available under the CARES Act.

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Impairment, restructuring and other costs

Impairment, restructuring and other costs were $114.3 million for fiscal 2020, which consisted of $41.9 million due to the impairment of tangible long-lived assets and operating lease assets associated with certain retail stores, $29.1 million related to the suspension of the planned expansion to Canada, $27.5 million related to the permanent closure of 19 stores, and $15.8 million of severance charges. All restructuring expenses were recognized in fiscal 2020. There was no impairment, restructuring and other costs in fiscal 2019.

Pre-opening expenses

Pre-opening expenses decreased $4.3 million, or 22.1%, to $15.0 million in fiscal 2020 compared to $19.3 million in fiscal 2019 due to current year real estate activity and stores expected to open in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. During fiscal 2020, we opened 30 new stores and relocated five stores. During fiscal 2019, we opened 86 new stores, remodeled 12 stores, and relocated eight stores.

Interest expense (income), net

Interest expense, net was $5.7 million in fiscal 2020 compared to $5.1 million of interest income, net in fiscal 2019. Interest expense represents interest on borrowings and fees related to the credit facility. Interest income results from cash equivalents and short-term investments with maturities of twelve months or less from the date of purchase. We did not have any outstanding borrowings on our credit facility as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense of $55.3 million in fiscal 2020 represents an effective tax rate of 23.9%, compared to fiscal 2019 income tax expense of $200.2 million and an effective tax rate of 22.1%. The higher effective tax rate is primarily due to less investment tax credits received and tax expense from the income tax accounting for stock-based compensation compared to a benefit in fiscal 2019.

Net income

Net income decreased $530.1 million, or 75.1%, to $175.8 million in fiscal 2020 compared to $705.9 million in fiscal 2019. The decrease in net income was primarily due to a $731.9 million decrease in gross profit and a $114.3 million increase in impairment, restructuring and other costs, partially offset by a $177.6 million decrease in SG&A expenses and $145.0 million decrease in income taxes.

Fiscal year 2019 versus fiscal year 2018

Net sales

Net sales increased $0.7 billion, or 10.1%, to $7.4 billion in fiscal 2019 compared to $6.7 billion in fiscal 2018. The net sales increases are due to the opening of 80 net new stores in 2019, a 5.0% increase in comparable sales, and an increase of $23.4 million in other revenue. The 5.0% comparable sales increase included a 3.3% increase in transactions and a 1.7% increase in average ticket. We attribute the increase in comparable sales to our successful marketing and merchandising strategies.

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Gross profit

Gross profit increased $0.3 billion, or 11.3%, to $2.7 billion in fiscal 2019, compared to $2.4 billion in fiscal 2018. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 30 basis points to 36.2% in fiscal 2019 compared to 35.9% in fiscal 2018. The increase in gross profit margin was primarily due to:

● 50 basis points improvement in merchandise margins driven by our marketing and merchandising strategies and benefits from our Efficiencies for Growth (EFG) initiatives;

● 20 basis points of leverage in fixed store costs attributed to the impact of higher sales volume, partially offset by;

● 40 basis points of deleverage due to investments in our salon services and supply chain operation.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses increased $0.2 billion, or 14.7%, to $1.8 billion in fiscal 2019 compared to $1.5 billion in fiscal 2018. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased 90 basis points to 23.8% in fiscal 2019 compared to 22.9% in fiscal 2018. The deleverage in SG&A expenses was primarily due to:

● 80 basis points of deleverage primarily due to strategic investments in future growth opportunities and infrastructure to support our EFG initiatives;

● 50 basis points of deleverage related to higher payroll and benefit-related expenses, partially offset by;

● 30 basis points of leverage in lower variable compensation expense; and

● 10 basis points of leverage in marketing expense attributed to strong sales growth.

Pre-opening expenses

Pre-opening expenses decreased $0.5 million, or 2.6%, to $19.3 million in fiscal 2019 compared to $19.8 million in fiscal 2018. During fiscal 2019, we opened 86 new stores, remodeled 12 stores, and relocated eight stores. During fiscal 2018, we opened 107 new stores, remodeled 13 stores, and relocated two stores.

Interest income, net

Interest income, net was $5.1 million in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018. Interest income results from cash equivalents and short-term investments with maturities of twelve months or less from the date of purchase. Interest expense represents interest on borrowings and fees related to the credit facility. We did not have any outstanding borrowings on our credit facility as of February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019.

Income tax expense

Income tax expense of $200.2 million in fiscal 2019 represents an effective tax rate of 22.1%, compared to fiscal 2018 income tax expense of $200.6 million and an effective tax rate of 23.3%. The lower tax rate is primarily due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation and federal income tax credits.

Net income

Net income increased $47.4 million, or 7.2%, to $705.9 million in fiscal 2019 compared to $658.6 million in fiscal 2018. The increase in net income was primarily due to a $271.8 million increase in gross profit partially offset by a $225.3 million increase in SG&A expenses.

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Liquidity and capital resources

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

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, cash flows from operations, including changes in working capital, and borrowings under our credit facility. The most significant components of our working capital are merchandise inventories and cash and cash equivalents reduced by related accounts payable and accrued expenses.

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. Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe that cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, 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 twelve months.

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows for fiscal years 2020, 2019 and 2018:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	810,355	$	1,101,293	$	956,127
Net cash used in investing activities		(48,751)		(471,480)		(215,107)
Net cash used in financing activities		(107,934)		(646,739)		(609,214)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		56		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	653,726	$	(16,926)	$	131,806

Operating activities

Operating activities consist of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, non-cash lease expense, long-lived asset impairment charge, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation expense, realized gains or losses on disposal of property and equipment, and the effect of working capital changes. The fiscal 2020 decrease over fiscal 2019 is mainly due to the decrease in net income, merchandise inventories, and the timing of accounts payable. The decrease in net income was primarily due to a decrease in gross profit resulting from lower sales as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in impairment, restructuring and other costs, partially offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses and income taxes.

Merchandise inventories, net were $1.2 billion at January 30, 2021, compared to $1.3 billion at February 1, 2020, representing a decrease of $125.5 million or 9.7%. The decrease in total inventory was primarily driven by reduced store inventory due to a decline in store traffic trends, partially offset by an increase due to 10 net new stores opened since February 1, 2020 and the opening of our Jacksonville fast fulfillment center.

Investing activities

We have historically used cash primarily for new, remodeled, relocated, and refreshed stores, supply chain investments, short-term investments, and investments in information technology systems. Investment activities for capital expenditures were $151.9 million in fiscal 2020 compared to $298.5 million and $319.4 million in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capital expenditures decreased in fiscal 2020 compared to fiscal 2019 due to actions we took to preserve liquidity as we navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic. Proceeds of short-term investments were $110.0 million during fiscal 2020 and consist of certificates of deposit with maturities of three to twelve months from the date of purchase. During fiscal 2020, we contributed $5.7 million to equity method investments.

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The following table presents a summary of our store activities in fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,	February 1,	February 2,
	2021	2020	2019
Stores opened	30	86	107
Stores remodeled	–	12	13
Stores relocated	5	8	2
Stores refreshed	–	240	109

During fiscal 2020, the average investment required to open a new Ulta Beauty store was approximately $1.4 million, which includes capital investment net of landlord contributions, pre-opening expenses, and initial inventory net of payables.

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 by major category are as follows:

	Budget
	Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal		Fiscal
(In millions)	2021		2020		2019		2018
New, Remodeled, and Relocated Stores	$	79	$	56	$	141	$	154
Merchandising and Refreshed Stores		36		14		29		63
Information Technology Systems		47		36		54		51
Supply Chain		30		13		17		22
Store Maintenance and Other		33		33		58		29
Total	$	225	$	152	$	299	$	319

Our future investments will depend primarily on the number of new, remodeled, and relocated stores, information technology systems, and supply chain investments that we undertake and the timing of these expenditures. Based on past performance and current expectations, we believe our sources of liquidity will be sufficient to fund future capital expenditures.

Financing activities

Financing activities in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018 consist principally of borrowing and repayment of our revolving credit facility, share repurchases, and capital stock transactions. Purchases of treasury shares represent 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 at the end of fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we drew down $800.0 million of our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility and suspended our share repurchase program. We repaid the $800.0 million of borrowings on September 2, 2020 and resumed share repurchases in the fourth quarter. The zero outstanding borrowings position continues to be due to a combination of factors including an improvement in sales trends in the second half of the year, overall performance of management initiatives including expense control as well as inventory and other working capital reductions. We may require borrowings under the facility from time to time in future periods for unexpected business disruptions, to support our new store program, share repurchases, and seasonal inventory needs.

Share repurchase plan

On March 15, 2018, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the 2018 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which the Company could repurchase up to $625.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The 2018 Share Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amount of $41.3 million from the earlier share repurchase program. The 2018 Share Repurchase Program did not have an expiration date but provided for suspension or discontinuation at any time.

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On March 14, 2019, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2019 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which the Company could repurchase up to $875.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The 2019 Share Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amount of $25.4 million from the 2018 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, we announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program (the 2020 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $1.6 billion of the Company’s common stock. The 2020 Share Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amounts of $177.8 million 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. On April 2, 2020, we announced that the share repurchase program had been suspended in order to strengthen liquidity and preserve cash while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The program resumed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

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

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(Dollars in millions)	2021		2020		2019
Shares repurchased		474,794		2,320,896		2,463,555
Total cost of shares repurchased	$	114.9	$	681.0	$	616.2

Credit facility

On March 11, 2020, we 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 $1.0 billion 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 $50.0 million subfacility for letters of credit and allows the Company to increase the revolving facility by an additional $100.0 million, 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 January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, we had no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and we were in compliance with all terms and covenants of the Loan Agreement.

Seasonality

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuation. Significant portions of our net sales and profits are realized during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to the holiday selling season. To a lesser extent, our business is also affected by Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Any decrease in sales during these higher sales volume periods could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or operating results for the entire fiscal year. 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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Impact of inflation and changing prices

Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross margin and SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales if the selling prices of our products do not increase with these increased costs. In addition, inflation could materially increase the interest rates on any future debt.

Off-balance sheet arrangements

As of January 30, 2021, we have not entered into any “off-balance sheet” arrangements, as that term is described by the SEC. We do, however, have off-balance sheet purchase obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business as indicated within the contractual obligations table below.

Contractual obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual arrangements and the timing and effect that such commitments are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods. The table below includes obligations for executed agreements for which we do not yet have the right to control the use of the property as of January 30, 2021:

			Less Than		1 to 3		3 to 5		More than 5
(In thousands)	Total		1 Year		Years		Years		Years
Operating lease obligations (1)	$	2,227,650	$	321,708	$	683,114	$	552,688	$	670,140
Purchase obligations		1,020		1,020		—		—		—
Total (2)	$	2,228,670	$	322,728	$	683,114	$	552,688	$	670,140

(1) These amounts are for our undiscounted lease obligations recorded in our consolidated balance sheets, as operating lease liabilities. Also included are legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced of $75,782, which are excluded from operating lease liabilities shown on our consolidated balance sheets.

(2) The unrecognized tax benefit of $2.8 million as of January 30, 2021 is excluded due to uncertainty regarding the realization and timing of the related future cash flows, if any.

Purchase obligations reflect legally binding agreements entered into by the Company to purchase goods or services. Excluded from our purchase obligations are normal purchases and contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business. The amount of purchase obligations relates to commitments made to third-parties for products and services and other goods and service contracts entered into as of January 30, 2021.

Critical accounting policies and estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. 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. A discussion of our more significant estimates follows. Management has discussed the development, selection, and disclosure of these estimates and assumptions with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.

Inventory valuation

Merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market (net realizable value). Cost is determined using the moving average cost method and includes costs incurred to purchase and distribute goods as well as related vendor allowances including co-op advertising, markdowns, and volume discounts. We record valuation adjustments to our inventories if the cost of a specific product on hand exceeds the amount we expect to realize from the ultimate sale or

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disposal of the inventory. These estimates are based on management’s judgment regarding future demand, age of inventory, and analysis of historical experience. If actual demand or market conditions are different than those projected by management, future merchandise margin rates may be unfavorably or favorably affected by adjustments to these estimates.

Inventories are adjusted for the results of periodic physical inventory counts at each of our locations. We record a shrink reserve representing management’s estimate of inventory losses by location that have occurred since the date of the last physical count. This estimate is based on management’s analysis of historical results and operating trends.

We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our inventory reserves. Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to management’s estimates of the inventory reserves have been insignificant during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018. An increase or decrease in the lower of cost or market (net realizable value) reserve of 10% would not have a material impact on our operating income for fiscal 2020. An increase or decrease in the shrink rate included in the shrink reserve calculation of 10% would not have a material impact on our operating income for fiscal 2020.

Vendor allowances

The majority of cash consideration received from a vendor is considered to be a reduction of the cost of the related products and is reflected in cost of sales in our consolidated statements of operations as the related products are sold unless it is in exchange for an asset or service or a reimbursement of a specific, incremental, identifiable cost incurred by the Company in selling the vendors’ products. We estimate the amount recorded as a reduction of inventory at the end of each period based on a detailed analysis of inventory turns and management’s analysis of the facts and circumstances of the various contractual agreements with vendors. We record cash consideration expected to be received from vendors in receivables. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our reduction of inventory. An increase or decrease in inventory turns of five basis points would not have a material impact on our operating income for fiscal 2020.

Impairment of long-lived tangible assets

We review long-lived tangible assets whenever events or circumstances indicate these assets might not be recoverable. Assets are primarily reviewed at the store level, which is the lowest level for which cash flows can be identified. Significant estimates are used in determining future operating results of each store over its remaining lease term. An impairment loss would be recorded if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset exceeds its fair value. We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions we use to calculate our impairment charges. During fiscal 2020, we recognized $72.5 million of impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets which consisted of $41.9 million due to impairment analysis which indicated that the carrying values of certain long-lived assets exceeded their respective fair values, $19.6 million related to the suspension of the planned expansion to Canada, and $11.0 million related to the permanent closure of 19 stores. No significant impairment charges were recognized in fiscal 2019 or fiscal 2018.

Loyalty program

We maintain a customer loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, which allows members to earn points based on purchases of merchandise or services. Points earned are valid for at least one year. The loyalty program represents a material right to the customer and points may be redeemed on future products and services. Revenue from the loyalty program is recognized when the members redeem points or points expire. We defer revenue related to points earned that have not yet been redeemed. The amount of deferred revenue includes estimates for the standalone selling price of points earned by members and the percentage of points expected to be redeemed. The expected redemption percentage is based on historical redemption patterns and considers current information or trends. The estimated redemption rate is evaluated each reporting period. We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions used to calculate the estimated redemption rate.

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Adjustments to earnings resulting from revisions to management’s estimates of the redemption rates have been insignificant during fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018. An increase or decrease in the estimated redemption rate of 5% would not have a material impact on our operating income in fiscal 2020.
​

Income taxes

We are subject to income taxes in the United States. Judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes and income tax assets and liabilities, including evaluating uncertainties in the application of accounting principles and complex tax laws.

We recognize deferred income taxes for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are anticipated to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in income tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in the period of enactment. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized unless it is more-likely-than-not that such assets will be realized in full. The estimated tax benefit of an uncertain tax position is recorded in our consolidated financial statements only after determining a more-likely-than-not probability that the uncertain tax position will withstand challenge, if any, from applicable taxing authorities.  

Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized on our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. Variations in the actual outcome of these future tax consequences could materially impact our consolidated financial statements.

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, “Summary of significant accounting policies – Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted.”

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, “Summary of significant accounting policies – Recently adopted accounting pronouncements.”

Item 7A.   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 and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

Interest rate risk

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 have any outstanding borrowings on our credit facility as of January 30, 2021, February 1, 2020, or February 2, 2019.

A hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates on variable rate debt would have increased interest expense for fiscal 2020 by approximately $3.7 million.

Foreign currency exchange rate risk

We are exposed to risks from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on the translation of our foreign operations into U.S. dollars and on the purchase of goods by these foreign operations that are not denominated in their local currencies. Our exposure to foreign currency rate fluctuations is not material to our financial condition or results of operations.

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Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

See the index, consolidated financial statements, and notes to consolidated financial statements included under Item 15, “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.”

Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.   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 January 30, 2021, 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 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.

Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer and effected by the Board of Directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S generally accepted accounting principles.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, management evaluated the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2021, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of January 30, 2021. Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2021 and has issued the attestation report included in Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

There were no changes to our internal controls over financial reporting during the 13 weeks ended January 30, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

Item 9B.   Other Information

None.

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Part III

Item 10.   Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

The information required by this item with respect to our executive officers is set forth in Part I, Item 4A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers.” The additional information required by this item is included under the captions “Corporate Governance – Code of Business Conduct,” “Corporate Governance – Nomination Process – Qualifications,” “Corporate Governance – Proposal One – Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance – Information About Our Director Nominees,” “Corporate Governance – Information About Our Directors Continuing in Office” and “Corporate Governance – Audit Committee” in our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the Proxy Statement) and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

We have a Code of Business Conduct that applies to all of our employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller, and other persons performing similar functions. We have posted a copy of our Code of Business Conduct under “Governance” in the Investor Relations section of our website located at http://ir.ultabeauty.com, and such Code of Business Conduct is available in print, without charge, to any stockholder who requests it from our Corporate Secretary. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding amendments to, or waivers from, the Code of Business Conduct by posting such information under “Governance” in the Investor Relations section of our website located at http://ir.ultabeauty.com. We are not including the information contained on our website as part of, or incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 11.   Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is included under the captions “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee,” “Corporate Governance – Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,” and “Corporate Governance – Non-Executive Director Compensation for Fiscal 2020” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this item with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is included under the caption "Stock - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference. The information required by this item with respect to compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance as of January 30, 2021 is set forth in Item 5 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption “Securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans.”

Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this item is included under the captions “Corporate Governance – Independence,” “Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” and “Certain Relationships and Transactions” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item is included under the caption “Corporate Governance – Proposal Two – Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference.

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Part IV

Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following documents are filed as a part of this Form 10-K:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	47
Consolidated Balance Sheets	52
Consolidated Statements of Operations	53
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	54
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	55
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity	56
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	57
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	80

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ulta Beauty, Inc. (the Company) as of January 30, 2021, and February 1, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2021, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

As discussed in the Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases in 2019 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) using the modified retrospective approach.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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Critical audit matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

	Impairment of Long-Lived Tangible and Right of Use Assets
Description of the matter	As described in Notes 2 and 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company evaluates if there are indicators of impairment for long-lived tangible and right of use assets in accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment. The Company’s first step is to determine whether indicators of impairment exist in its long-lived assets (property and equipment and leasehold improvements and operating lease right-of-use assets) at the individual retail store level, which is the lowest level at which cash flows can be identified. If indicators of impairment are identified for any retail stores, the Company evaluates if the projected undiscounted cash flows derived from continued retail operations by those stores are less than their carrying amounts. When this is the case, the Company compares the calculated fair value of the respective retail store to its carrying value. If fair value is less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded. For the year ended January 30, 2021, the Company recorded impairment charges of $41,948 thousand and $19,569 thousand related to operating retail stores and closed stores, respectively, as the Company experienced lower than projected revenues for certain stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant assumptions used in the Company’s projected undiscounted cash flow analyses included estimates of future revenue growth rates and operating expenses. Additionally, significant assumptions utilized in the fair value analyses included the aforementioned assumptions, as well as market-based assumptions such as a discount rate and market rents. This led to a high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity in performing procedures and in assessing the assumptions utilized to project the undiscounted cash flows generated by retail stores with indicators of impairment, for purposes of determining if such cash flows were less than the carrying amount as well as in evaluating the assumptions utilized to estimate the fair value of those retail stores to calculate the impairment all of which can be affected by expectations about future market or economic conditions including outcomes resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
How we addressed the matter in our audit	We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design, and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s processes over the identification of indicators of impairment, the assessment of the projected undiscounted cash flows to be generated by retail stores with indicators of impairment, the determination of the fair value of the retail stores and the measurement of any resulting impairment. These controls include, among others, management’s evaluation of indicators of impairment, management’s review of the assumptions utilized to develop the projected undiscounted cash flows and the related fair value estimates, and management’s testing of the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data utilized to project future operating results for the retail stores. Our testing of the Company’s impairment analyses included, among other procedures, testing the completeness of retail stores evaluated for impairments, management’s process for developing the undiscounted cash flows, evaluating the models used and evaluating significant assumptions discussed above used to project the undiscounted cash flows and the incremental assumptions discussed above used to estimate fair value. For example, we compared the significant assumptions used by management to historical results and current industry and economic trends. We performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the individual retail stores that would result from changes in the

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underlying assumptions. We involved our valuation specialists to assist in our evaluation of the fair value estimate specific to evaluating the discount rate and market rents.

	Loyalty Program
Description of the matter	The Company maintains a loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, which offers members the ability to earn and redeem points on purchases of products and services. As described in Notes 2 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements, revenue from the loyalty program is recognized when the members redeem points or points expire. The Company estimates the amount of revenue to defer using the standalone selling price of the points earned and the expected redemption percentage. The Company evaluates its estimated standalone selling price quarterly based on the value of products or services purchased using points. The expected redemption percentage is based on historical redemption patterns in conjunction with current information and trends. Auditing the Company’s estimate of loyalty deferred revenue was complex because the calculation involves subjective management assumptions for the standalone selling price and expected redemption rate. In particular, the estimate is sensitive to these significant assumptions, which are affected by expectations about future customer behavior.
How we addressed the matter in our audit	We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of the Company’s estimation process and controls supporting the measurement and recognition of the amount of loyalty revenue deferred. This included testing controls over management’s review of the assumptions and other inputs used in the estimation, the completeness and accuracy of issuance and redemption data used in the calculation and controls over the assignment of membership levels based on customer spending patterns. Our audit procedures included, among others, evaluating the methodology used, analyzing the significant assumptions discussed above, and testing the accuracy and completeness of the underlying data used in management’s calculation. To audit the standalone selling price per point, we validated that the price per point for each membership level was appropriate based on products or services purchased by loyalty members. To audit the redemption rate, we tested redemption activity and compared the results of that testing to the redemption rate used by management in its estimate. We also considered recent trends in redemption activity and the impact on the redemption rate. In addition, we performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the change in the deferral amounts.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1997.

Chicago, Illinois

March 26, 2021

49

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Stockholders’ and the Board of Directors Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Ulta Beauty, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Ulta Beauty, Inc. (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2021, based on COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2021, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 and our report dated March 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois

March 26, 2021

51

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands, except per share data)	2021		2020
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,046,051	$	392,325
Short-term investments		—		110,000
Receivables, net		193,109		139,337
Merchandise inventories, net		1,168,215		1,293,701
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		107,402		103,567
Prepaid income taxes		—		16,387
Total current assets		2,514,777		2,055,317
Property and equipment, net		995,795		1,205,524
Operating lease assets		1,504,614		1,537,565
Goodwill		10,870		10,870
Other intangible assets, net		2,465		3,391
Deferred compensation plan assets		33,223		27,849
Other long-term assets		28,225		23,356
Total assets	$	5,089,969	$	4,863,872
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	477,052	$	414,009
Accrued liabilities		296,334		246,088
Deferred revenue		274,383		237,535
Current operating lease liabilities		253,415		239,629
Accrued income taxes		42,529		—
Total current liabilities		1,343,713		1,137,261
Non-current operating lease liabilities		1,643,386		1,698,718
Deferred income taxes		65,359		89,367
Other long-term liabilities		37,962		36,432
Total liabilities		3,090,420		2,961,778
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000 shares authorized; 56,952 and 57,285 shares issued; 56,260 and 56,609 shares outstanding; at January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, respectively		569		573
Treasury stock-common, at cost		(37,801)		(34,448)
Additional paid-in capital		847,303		807,492
Retained earnings		1,189,422		1,128,477
Accumulated other comprehensive income		56		—
Total stockholders’ equity		1,999,549		1,902,094
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	5,089,969	$	4,863,872

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

52

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands, except per share data)	2021		2020		2019
Net sales	$	6,151,953	$	7,398,068	$	6,716,615
Cost of sales		4,202,794		4,717,004		4,307,304
Gross profit		1,949,159		2,681,064		2,409,311
Selling, general and administrative expenses		1,583,017		1,760,716		1,535,464
Impairment, restructuring and other costs		114,322		—		—
Pre-opening expenses		15,000		19,254		19,767
Operating income		236,820		901,094		854,080
Interest expense (income), net		5,735		(5,056)		(5,061)
Income before income taxes		231,085		906,150		859,141
Income tax expense		55,250		200,205		200,582
Net income	$	175,835	$	705,945	$	658,559
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	3.12	$	12.21	$	11.00
Diluted	$	3.11	$	12.15	$	10.94
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		56,351		57,840		59,864
Diluted		56,558		58,105		60,181

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

53

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Net income	$	175,835	$	705,945	$	658,559
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments		56		—		—
Comprehensive income	$	175,891	$	705,945	$	658,559

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

54

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Operating activities
Net income	$	175,835	$	705,945	$	658,559
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		297,772		295,599		279,472
Non-cash lease expense		268,071		278,820		—
Long-lived asset impairment charge		72,533		—		—
Deferred income taxes		(24,008)		5,503		34,080
Stock-based compensation expense		27,583		25,045		26,636
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		6,827		5,850		2,885
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables		(53,772)		(20,637)		(36,387)
Merchandise inventories		125,486		(79,372)		(122,019)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(4,363)		9,289		(39,450)
Income taxes		58,916		610		(29,609)
Accounts payable		62,324		9,993		78,256
Accrued liabilities		58,599		28,183		29,265
Deferred revenue		36,848		38,481		50,684
Operating lease liabilities		(297,513)		(256,910)		—
Deferred rent		—		—		27,064
Other assets and liabilities		(783)		54,894		(3,309)
Net cash provided by operating activities		810,355		1,101,293		956,127
Investing activities
Purchases of short-term investments		—		(110,000)		(386,193)
Proceeds from short-term investments		110,000		—		506,193
Capital expenditures		(151,866)		(298,534)		(319,400)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired		(1,220)		—		(13,606)
Purchases of equity investments		(5,665)		(62,946)		(2,101)
Net cash used in investing activities		(48,751)		(471,480)		(215,107)
Financing activities
Proceeds from long-term debt		800,000		—		—
Payments on long-term debt		(800,000)		—		—
Repurchase of common shares		(114,895)		(680,979)		(616,194)
Stock options exercised		12,229		43,780		13,121
Purchase of treasury shares		(3,353)		(9,540)		(6,141)
Debt issuance costs		(1,915)		—		—
Net cash used in financing activities		(107,934)		(646,739)		(609,214)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		56		—		—
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		653,726		(16,926)		131,806
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		392,325		409,251		277,445
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	1,046,051	$	392,325	$	409,251
Supplemental information
Cash paid for interest	$	6,987	$	—	$	—
Income taxes paid, net of refunds		19,454		133,861		195,869
Non-cash capital expenditures		20,487		26,901		28,746

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

55

Ulta Beauty, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

				Treasury -							Accumulated
	Common Stock			Common Stock			Additional				Other		Total
	Issued			Treasury			Paid-In		Retained		Comprehensive		Stockholders'
(In thousands)	Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Capital		Earnings		Income		Equity
Balance – February 3, 2018	61,441	$	614	(619)	$	(18,767)	$	698,917	$	1,093,453	$	—	$	1,774,217
Net income	—		—	—		—		—		658,559		—		658,559
Stock-based compensation	—		—	—		—		26,636		—		—		26,636
Adoption of accounting standards - ASC 606	—		—	—		—		—		(29,980)		—		(29,980)
Stock options exercised and other awards	255		3	—		���		13,118		—		—		13,121
Purchase of treasury shares	—		—	(29)		(6,141)		—		—		—		(6,141)
Repurchase of common shares	(2,464)		(25)	—		—		—		(616,169)		—		(616,194)
Balance – February 2, 2019	59,232	$	592	(648)	$	(24,908)	$	738,671	$	1,105,863	$	—	$	1,820,218
Net income	—		—	—		—		—		705,945		—		705,945
Stock-based compensation	—		—	—		—		25,045		—		—		25,045
Adoption of accounting standards - ASC 842	—		—	—		—		—		(2,375)		—		(2,375)
Stock options exercised and other awards	374		4	—		—		43,776		—		—		43,780
Purchase of treasury shares	—		—	(28)		(9,540)		—		—		—		(9,540)
Repurchase of common shares	(2,321)		(23)	—		—		—		(680,956)		—		(680,979)
Balance – February 1, 2020	57,285	$	573	(676)	$	(34,448)	$	807,492	$	1,128,477	$	—	$	1,902,094
Net income	—		—	—		—		—		175,835		—		175,835
Stock-based compensation	—		—	—		—		27,583		—		—		27,583
Foreign currency translation adjustments	—		—	—		—		—		—		56		56
Stock options exercised and other awards	142		1	—		—		12,228		—		—		12,229
Purchase of treasury shares	—		—	(16)		(3,353)		—		—		—		(3,353)
Repurchase of common shares	(475)		(5)	—		—		—		(114,890)		—		(114,895)
Balance – January 30, 2021	56,952	$	569	(692)	$	(37,801)	$	847,303	$	1,189,422	$	56	$	1,999,549

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

56

Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands, except per share and store count data)

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 Annual Report on Form 10-K, 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 January 30, 2021, the Company operated 1,264 stores across 50 states. All amounts are stated in thousands, with the exception of per share amounts and number of stores.

The Company has 1 reportable segment, which includes retail stores, salon services, and e-commerce.

2.   Summary of significant accounting policies

Fiscal year

The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The Company’s fiscal years ended January 30, 2021 (fiscal 2020), February 1, 2020 (fiscal 2019), and February 2, 2019 (fiscal 2018) were 52-week years.

Consolidation

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions, and unrealized profit were eliminated in consolidation.

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 operating lease assets, loyalty program and income taxes to be the most significant accounting policies that involve management estimates and judgments. The COVID-19 pandemic has created and may continue to create significant uncertainty in macroeconomic conditions, which may cause further business disruptions and adversely impact the Company’s results of operations. While the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated, the Company has made accounting estimates based on the facts and circumstances available as of the reporting date. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates, and such differences could be material.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

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Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash equivalents also include amounts due from third-party financial institutions for credit card and debit card transactions. These receivables typically settle in five days or less with little or no default risk.

	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Cash	$	887,299	$	212,876
Short-term investments		99,986		110,000
Receivables from third-party financial institutions for credit card and debit card transactions		58,766		69,449
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,046,051	$	392,325

Short-term investments

The balance sheet classification of investments is determined at the time of purchase and evaluated at each balance sheet date. Money market funds, certificates of deposit, and time deposits with maturities of greater than three months but no more than twelve months are carried at cost, which approximates fair value and are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets in short-term investments (see Note 16, “Investments”).

Receivables

Receivables consist principally of amounts due from vendors and amounts related to the employee retention credit (see Note 3, “Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic”). The Company does not require collateral on its receivables and does not accrue interest. Credit risk with respect to receivables is limited due to the diversity of vendors comprising the Company’s vendor base. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its vendors and evaluates the collectability of its receivables based on the length of time the receivable is past due and historical experience.

The receivable for vendor allowances was $90,271 and $113,048 as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, respectively. The allowance for doubtful receivables was $768 and $1,363 as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, respectively. The receivable for the employee retention credit was $52,405 as of January 30, 2021. There was 0 receivable for the employee retention credit as of February 1, 2020.

Merchandise inventories

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined using the moving average cost method and includes costs incurred to purchase and distribute goods. Inventory cost also includes vendor allowances related to co-op advertising, markdowns, and volume discounts. The Company maintains an inventory reserve for lower of cost or net realizable value and shrink. The inventory reserve was $52,860 and $46,941 as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, respectively.

Fair value of financial instruments

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. There was 0 outstanding debt as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020.

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Property and equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and depreciated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the assets’ estimated useful lives or lease term. Leasehold improvements purchased after the beginning of the initial lease term are amortized over the shorter of the assets’ useful lives or a term that includes the original lease term, plus any renewals that are reasonably certain at the date the leasehold improvements are acquired. Repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

Equipment and fixtures	1 to 10 years
Electronic equipment and software	3 to 5 years

Costs incurred to obtain or develop internal use software are capitalized. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the software.

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.

The Company evaluates long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets for indicators of impairment quarterly or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company performs an undiscounted cash flow analysis 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.

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 15, “Fair value measurements”). If actual results are not consistent with estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, the Company may be exposed to additional impairment losses in a future period (see Note 6, “Impairment, restructuring and other costs”).

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets acquired. The Company reviews the recoverability of goodwill annually during the fourth quarter or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that impairment may exist (see Note 8, “Goodwill”).

Other intangible assets

Other definite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. The Company reviews the recoverability of intangible assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable (see Note 9, “Other intangible assets”).

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Leases

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) on February 3, 2019 using the modified retrospective approach. Results and disclosure requirements for reporting periods beginning February 3, 2019 and later are presented under Topic 842, while prior period amounts have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under Topic 840.

The Company determines whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at contract inception. The lease classification evaluation begins at the lease commencement date. The lease term used in the evaluation includes the non-cancellable period for which the Company has the right to use the underlying asset, together with renewal option periods when the exercise of the renewal option is reasonably certain.

Total rent payable is recorded during the lease term, including rent escalations in which the amount of future rent is fixed on the straight-line basis over the term of the lease (including the rent holiday period beginning upon control of the premises and any fixed payments stated in the lease). For leases with an initial term greater than 12 months, a related lease liability is recorded on the balance sheet at the present value of future payments discounted at the estimated fully collateralized incremental borrowing rate (discount rate) corresponding with the lease term. In addition, a right-of-use asset is recorded as the initial amount of the lease liability, plus any lease payments made to the lessor before or at the lease commencement date and any initial direct costs incurred, less any tenant improvement allowance incentives received. Tenant incentives are amortized through the right-of-use asset as reduction of rent expense over the lease term. The difference between the minimum rents paid and the straight-line rent is reflected within the associated right-of-use asset.

Certain leases contain provisions that require variable payments based upon sales volume or payment of common area maintenance costs, real estate taxes, and insurance related to leases (variable lease cost).  Variable lease costs are expensed as incurred. This results in some variability in lease expense as a percentage of revenues over the term of the lease in stores where variable lease costs are paid. Contingent rent is accrued each period as the liabilities are incurred, in addition to the straight-line rent expense. This results in some variability in lease expense as a percentage of revenues over the term of the lease in stores where contingent rent is paid.

Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short-term leases) are not recorded on the balance sheet. Short-term lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company subleases certain real estate to third parties for stores with excess square footage space.

The Company does not separate lease and non-lease components (e.g., common area maintenance).

As the interest rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate corresponding with the lease term. As there are no outstanding borrowings under the Company’s credit facility, this rate is estimated based on prevailing market conditions, comparable company and credit analysis, and judgment. The incremental borrowing rate is reassessed if there is a change to the lease term or if a modification occurs and it is not accounted for as a separate contract (see Note 10, “Leases”).

Loyalty program

The Company maintains a loyalty program, Ultamate Rewards, which allows members to earn points based on purchases of merchandise or services. Points earned are valid for at least one year. The loyalty program represents a material right to the customer and points may be redeemed on future products and services. Revenue from the loyalty program is recognized when the members redeem points or points expire. The Company defers revenue related to points earned that have not yet been redeemed. The amount of deferred revenue includes estimates for the standalone selling price of points earned by members and the percentage of points expected to be redeemed. The expected redemption percentage is based on historical redemption patterns and considers current information or trends.

When a guest redeems points or the points expire, the Company recognizes revenue in net sales on the consolidated statements of operations.

60

Credit cards

The Company has agreements (the Agreements) with third parties to provide guests with private label credit cards and/or co-branded credit cards (collectively, the Credit Cards). The private label credit card can be used at any store location and online, and the co-branded credit card can be used anywhere the co-branded card is accepted. A third-party financing company is the sole owner of the accounts and underwrites the credit issued under the Credit Card programs. The Company’s performance obligation is to maintain the Ultamate Rewards loyalty program as only guests enrolled in the loyalty program can apply for the Credit Cards. Loyalty members earn points through purchases at Ulta Beauty and anywhere the co-branded credit card is accepted.

The third parties reimburse the Company for certain credit card program costs such as advertising and loyalty points, which help promote the credit card program. The Company recognizes revenue when collectability is reasonably assured, under the assumption the amounts are not constrained and it is probable that a significant revenue reversal will not occur in future periods, which is generally the time at which the actual usage of the Credit Cards or specified transaction occurs.

The Company accounts for the amounts associated with the Agreements as a single contract with the sole commercial objective to maintain the Credit Card programs. As a result, all amounts associated with the Agreements are recognized within net sales on the consolidated statements of operations.

Gift card program

The Company records a contract liability for gift card sales which will be redeemed in the future within deferred revenue on the consolidated balance sheets and recognized in net sales when the gift card is redeemed for product or services. Gift cards do not expire and do not include service fees that decrease guest balances. The Company has maintained historical data related to gift card transactions sold and redeemed over a significant time frame. Gift card breakage (amounts not expected to be redeemed) is recognized to the extent there is no requirement for remitting balances to governmental agencies under unclaimed property laws. Estimated gift card breakage revenue is recognized over time in proportion to actual gift card redemptions. Gift card breakage revenue was $11,717, $12,448, and $12,446 in fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods or services is transferred to the guest, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services.

The Company determines revenue recognition through the following steps:

● Identification of the contract, or contracts, with a guest;

● Identification of the performance obligations in the contract;

● Determination of the transaction price;

● Allocation of the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and

● Recognition of revenue when, or as, a performance obligation is satisfied.

Net sales include retail stores and e-commerce merchandise sales as well as salon services and other revenue.

Revenue from merchandise sales at retail stores is recognized at the point of sale, net of estimated returns. Revenue from e-commerce merchandise sales is recognized upon shipment to the guest or guest pickup of the merchandise based on meeting the transfer of control criteria, net of estimated returns. Salon services revenue is recognized at the time the service is provided to the guest. Shipping and handling are treated as costs to fulfill the contract and not a separate performance obligation. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue for its single performance obligation related to e-commerce sales at the time control of the merchandise passes to the customer, which is at the time of shipment or guest pickup. The Company provides refunds for merchandise returns within 60 days from the original purchase date; however, due to store closures during the first half of fiscal 2020, we extended our return policy to 180 days through November 16, 2020. State sales taxes are presented on a net basis as the Company considers itself a pass-through conduit

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for collecting and remitting state sales tax. Company coupons and other incentives are recorded as a reduction of net sales. 

Vendor allowances

The Company receives allowances from vendors in the normal course of business including advertising and markdown allowances, purchase volume discounts and rebates, reimbursement for defective merchandise, and certain selling and display expenses. Substantially all vendor allowances are recorded as a reduction of the vendor’s product cost and are recognized in cost of sales as the product is sold.

Advertising

Advertising costs consist principally of print, digital and social media, and television and radio advertising. Costs related to advertising are expensed in the period the related promotional event occurs. Prepaid advertising costs included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheets were $7,112 and $9,605 as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, respectively. Advertising expense, exclusive of incentives from vendors and start-up advertising expense, is presented in the following table:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Advertising expense	$	281,573	$	317,865	$	294,489
Advertising expense as a percentage of net sales		4.6%		4.3%		4.4%

Pre-opening expenses

Non-capital expenditures incurred prior to the grand opening of a new, remodeled, or relocated store are expensed as incurred.

Cost of sales

Cost of sales includes the cost of merchandise sold, including substantially all vendor allowances, which are treated as a reduction of merchandise costs; distribution costs including labor and related benefits, freight, rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, and insurance; shipping and handling costs; retail stores occupancy costs including rent, depreciation and amortization, real estate taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, insurance, and licenses; salon services payroll and benefits; and shrink and inventory valuation reserves.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses includes 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 store and distribution operations, which are included in cost of sales; and legal, finance, information systems, and other corporate overhead costs.

Income taxes

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effect of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. The amounts reported were derived using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year the differences are expected to reverse.

Income tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities. The determination is based on the technical merits of the position and presumes that each uncertain tax position will be examined by the relevant taxing authority that has full

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knowledge of all relevant information. Penalties and interest related to unrecognized tax positions are recorded in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations (see Note 13, “Income taxes”).

Stock-based compensation

Stock-based compensation expense is measured at grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. Stock-based compensation expense was $27,583, $25,642, and $27,489 in fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively (see Note 17, “Stock-based compensation”).

Insurance expense

The Company has insurance programs with third party insurers for employee health, workers compensation, and general liability, among others, to limit the Company’s liability exposure. The insurance programs are premium based and include retentions, deductibles, and stop loss coverage. Current stop loss coverage per claim is $350 for employee health claims, $100 for general liability claims, and $250 for workers compensation claims. The Company makes collateral and premium payments during the plan year and accrues expenses in the event additional premium is due from the Company based on actual claim results. In fiscal 2018, the Company created UB Insurance, Inc., an Arizona-based wholly owned captive insurance subsidiary of the Company, which charges the operating subsidiaries of the Company premiums to insure certain liability exposures. Pursuant to Arizona insurance regulations, UB Insurance, Inc. maintains certain levels of cash and cash equivalents related to its liability exposures.

Net income per common share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share includes dilutive common stock equivalents, using the treasury stock method (see Note 18, “Net income per common share”).

Recent accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

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 adoption of ASU 2019-12 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. 

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

Intangibles – Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customers Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract, which clarifies and aligns the accounting for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and should be applied either retrospectively or prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the new guidance prospectively as of

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February 2, 2020, and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

3. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. In response to federal, state, and local government restrictions and recommendations and for the health and safety of our associates and guests, the Company temporarily closed all stores effective March 19, 2020. Effective April 19, 2020, the Company temporarily furloughed many store and salon associates and introduced curbside pickup, and on May 11, 2020, the Company started a phased store reopening process. By July 20, 2020, the full fleet of Ulta Beauty stores was operational, and by January 30, 2021, salon and brow services had resumed in almost all stores.

Results of operations for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021 were significantly impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pandemic is expected to continue to have a negative impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, profitability, cash flows, and supply chain, although the full extent is uncertain. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and resurgences occur, the extent of the impact on the Company’s business, financial condition, profitability, cash flows, and supply chain 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, the duration of the pandemic and any more dangerous variants of the virus, the duration, timing and severity of the impact on consumer spending, the timing and effectiveness of vaccine distribution, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions can resume, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.

The multi-year, strategic investments the Company made to enhance omnichannel and supply chain capabilities, combined with the ongoing commitment of the Company’s distribution associates, enabled the Company to support increased e-commerce demand and guest engagement.

The Company took the following actions during fiscal 2020 to preserve financial liquidity through these unprecedented circumstances:

● the drawdown of $800,000 on March 18, 2020 under the Company’s revolving credit facility, which was repaid in full on September 2, 2020;

● limited new hires and delayed merit increases for all corporate, store, and salon associates;

● reduced marketing, travel and controllable expenses;

● aligned inventory receipts with current sales trends;

● prioritized payment obligations;

● reduced new store openings, relocations and remodel projects; and

● suspended the stock repurchase program, which resumed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

The Company evaluates long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets for indicators of impairment quarterly or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company experienced lower than projected revenues and identified indicators of impairment for certain stores, which resulted in the recording of certain long-lived asset impairment and restructuring charges. See Note 6, “Impairment, restructuring and other costs,” for additional details.

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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 to the Company, 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 and through January 1, 2021. To be eligible, the Company must (i) have had operations fully or partially suspended because of a shut-down order from a governmental authority related to the COVID-19 pandemic, or (ii) have had gross receipts decline by more than 50% in a calendar quarter, 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 fiscal year ended January 30, 2021, the Company recognized $52,405 related to the ERC 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.

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 January 30, 2021, the Company had deferred $43,845 in social security tax payments, 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 Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Technical corrections to tax depreciation. The CARES Act also includes a technical correction of tax depreciation methods for qualified improvement property, which changes 39-year property to 15-year property eligible for 100% tax bonus depreciation. This provision of the CARES Act resulted in a cash tax refund of $4,600 relating to property and equipment, from filing an amendment to the Company’s 2018 federal income tax return, during fiscal 2020.

4.   Acquisitions

The Company has made investments to evolve the customer experience, with a strong emphasis on integrating technology across the business. To support these efforts, the Company paid $13,606 to acquire 2 technology companies in fiscal 2018.

On September 10, 2018, the Company acquired QM Scientific, an artificial intelligence technology company. The acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On October 29, 2018, the Company acquired GlamST, an augmented reality technology company. The acquisition is not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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5.   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

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

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,	February 1,	February 2,
	2021	2020	2019
Cosmetics	44%	50%	51%
Skincare, bath, and fragrance	28%	22%	21%
Haircare products and styling tools	20%	19%	19%
Services	3%	5%	5%
Other (nail products, accessories, and other)	5%	4%	4%
	100%	100%	100%

Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue primarily represents contract liabilities for the Company’s 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.

The following table provides a summary of the changes included in deferred revenue during fiscal years 2020 and 2019:

	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Beginning balance	$	230,011	$	193,585
Additions to contract liabilities (1)		200,267		206,701
Deductions to contract liabilities (2)		(161,246)		(170,275)
Ending balance	$	269,032	$	230,011

(1) Loyalty points and gift cards issued in the current period but not redeemed or expired.

(2) Revenue recognized in the current period related to the beginning liability.

Other amounts included in deferred revenue were $5,351 and $7,524 at January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, respectively.

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6. Impairment, restructuring and other costs

The following table provides a summary of the impairment, restructuring and other costs included in the consolidated statements of operations:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,
(In thousands)	2021
Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets (1)	$	41,948
Store closures
Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets (1)		19,569
Lease termination costs		7,443
Severance (2)		489
Total store closures		27,501
Suspension of Canadian expansion
Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets (1)		11,016
Lease termination costs		17,388
Severance (2)		717
Total suspension of Canadian expansion		29,121
Other severance (2)		15,752
Total (3)	$	114,322

(1) Amount included in the non-cash $72,533 long-lived asset impairment charge on the consolidated statements of cash flows for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021.

(2) As of January 30, 2021, there was $9,476 in accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets primarily for severance.

(3) There were 0 impairment, restructuring and other costs recognized during the fiscal years ended February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019.

Impairment of long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company experienced lower than projected revenues and identified indicators of impairment for certain retail stores. 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, the Company recognized impairment charges related to certain retail stores for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021. These impairment charges 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. The Company also recorded long-lived tangible and right-of-use asset impairment charges related to store closures and suspension of the Canadian expansion during the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021 as described below.

Store closures. During the second quarter of fiscal 2020, the Company announced that after evaluating its store portfolio, it would permanently close 19 stores in the third quarter of fiscal 2020. Accordingly, for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021, the Company recognized impairment, restructuring and other costs related to store closures. The impairment charges reduced the carrying value of the long-lived tangible and right-of-use assets to their fair value.

Suspension of Canadian expansion. In fiscal 2019, the Company announced plans to expand internationally with an initial launch into Canada. The Company continues to believe international markets provide a long-term growth opportunity. However, given the current operating environment, in September 2020 the Company decided to prioritize growth of its U.S. operations at this time and suspended its planned expansion to Canada. Investments to support the expansion into Canada were limited to early-stage infrastructure buildout and lease obligations for a small number of

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stores. The Company recognized impairment, restructuring and other costs related to suspension of the Canada expansion during the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021.

Other severance. As part of the efforts to optimize its cost structure, the Company eliminated certain field and corporate roles. As a result, severance expense was recognized during the fiscal year ended January 30, 2021.

7.   Property and equipment

Property and equipment consists of the following:

	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Equipment and fixtures	$	1,083,509	$	1,073,764
Leasehold improvements		782,036		803,398
Electronic equipment and software		649,603		596,323
Construction-in-progress		52,668		92,355
		2,567,816		2,565,840
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(1,572,021)		(1,360,316)
Property and equipment, net	$	995,795	$	1,205,524

8.  Goodwill

The changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill during the fiscal years 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Balance at beginning of the period	$	10,870	$	10,870
Acquisitions		—		0
Balance at the end of the period	$	10,870	$	10,870

9.   Other intangible assets

Other intangible assets subject to amortization consists of the following:

		January 30, 2021						February 1, 2020
	Weighted-average	Gross						Gross
	remaining useful	carrying		Accumulated				carrying		Accumulated
(In thousands)	life in years	value		amortization		Net		value		amortization		Net
Developed technology	2.7	$	4,631	$	(2,166)	$	2,465	$	4,631	$	(1,240)	$	3,391

Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $926, $926, and $314 in fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019, and fiscal 2018, respectively.

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Estimated amortization expense related to intangible assets at January 30, 2021, for the next five years and thereafter is as follows:

	Estimated
	amortization
	expense
Fiscal year	(In thousands)
2021	$	926
2022		926
2023		613
2024		—
2025		—
2026 and thereafter		—
	$	2,465

10. 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. Leases 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.

All retail store, distribution center, fast fulfillment center, and corporate office leases are classified as operating leases. The Company does not have any finance leases.

The following table presents supplemental balance sheet information, the weighted-average remaining lease term, and discount rate for operating leases:

		January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	Classification on the Balance Sheet	2021		2020
Right-of-use assets	Operating lease assets	$	1,504,614	$	1,537,565
Current lease liabilities	Current operating lease liabilities	$	253,415	$	239,629
Non-current lease liabilities	Non-current operating lease liabilities		1,643,386		1,698,718
Total lease liabilities		$	1,896,801	$	1,938,347
Weighted-average remaining lease term			6.9 years		7.3 years
Weighted-average discount rate			3.6%		4.1%

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Lease cost

The following table presents the components of lease cost for operating leases:

		Fiscal Year Ended
		January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	Classification on the Statement of Operations	2021		2020
Operating lease cost	Cost of sales (1)	$	304,743	$	289,007
Variable lease cost	Cost of sales		80,557		77,142
Short-term lease cost	Selling, general and administrative expenses		567		352
Sublease income	Net sales		(827)		(691)
Total lease cost		$	385,040	$	365,810

(1) 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 the selling, general and administrative expenses. Operating lease cost from the control date through store opening date is classified within pre-opening expenses.

Other information

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

	Fiscal Year Ended
	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Cash paid for operating lease liabilities (1)	$	354,133	$	338,942
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities (non-cash)		255,966		355,286

(1) Excludes $33,092 and $71,294 related to cash received for tenant incentives as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, respectively.

Maturity of lease liabilities

The following table presents maturities of operating lease liabilities as of January 30, 2021:

Fiscal year	(In thousands)
2021	$	319,430
2022		353,137
2023		316,199
2024		283,813
2025		254,364
2026 and thereafter		624,925
Total lease payments	$	2,151,868
Less: imputed interest		(255,067)
Present value of operating lease liabilities	$	1,896,801

Operating lease payments exclude $75,782 of legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced.

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11.   Commitments and contingencies

Contractual obligations – As of January 30, 2021, the Company had various non-cancelable obligations of $1,020 related to commitments made for goods and service contracts. All of these agreements expire over one year.

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

12.   Accrued liabilities

Accrued liabilities consist of the following:

	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Accrued payroll, bonus, and employee benefits	$	143,992	$	77,435
Accrued taxes		36,787		39,051
Other accrued liabilities		115,555		129,602
Accrued liabilities	$	296,334	$	246,088

13.   Income taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Current:
Federal	$	67,724	$	163,596	$	137,255
State		11,534		31,106		29,247
Total current		79,258		194,702		166,502
Deferred:
Federal		(19,631)		1,182		29,374
State		(4,377)		4,321		4,706
Total deferred		(24,008)		5,503		34,080
Provision for income taxes	$	55,250	$	200,205	$	200,582

A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company’s effective tax rate is as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
	2021		2020		2019
Federal statutory rate	21.0	%	21.0	%	21.0	%
State effective rate, net of federal tax benefit	2.9	%	3.1	%	3.1	%
Executive compensation limitation	1.2	%	0.2	%	0.2	%
Excess deduction of stock compensation	(0.3)	%	(1.1)	%	(0.6)	%
Other	(0.9)	%	(1.1)	%	(0.4)	%
Effective tax rate	23.9	%	22.1	%	23.3	%

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Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Deferred tax assets:
Operating lease liability	$	484,780	$	496,977
Reserves not currently deductible		32,590		35,626
Accrued liabilities		31,056		27,363
Employee benefits		23,687		22,907
Inventory valuation		8,386		4,021
NOL carryforwards		255		288
Credit carryforwards		291		224
Other		—		1,019
Total deferred tax assets		581,045		588,425
Deferred tax liabilities:
Operating lease asset		561,605		567,198
Property and equipment		32,812		61,570
Prepaid expenses		46,013		45,354
Receivables not currently includable		3,720		2,863
Intangibles		585		807
Other		1,669		—
Total deferred tax liabilities		646,404		677,792
Net deferred tax liability	$	(65,359)	$	(89,367)

At January 30, 2021, the Company had $291 of credit carryforwards for state income tax purposes that expire between 2022 and 2024. The Company also had $533 of state net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards that expire by 2039 and $985 of federal and $36 of state NOL carryforwards that do not expire.

The Company accounts for uncertainty in income taxes in accordance with the ASC 740-10 rules for income taxes. The reserve for uncertain tax positions was $2,783 and $3,536 at January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, respectively. The balance is the Company’s best estimate of the potential liability for uncertain tax positions. A reconciliation of unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, is as follows:

	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Balance at beginning of the year	$	3,536	$	3,844
Increase due to a prior year tax position		224		602
Decrease due to a prior year tax position		(977)		(910)
Balance at end of the year	$	2,783	$	3,536

The Company acknowledges that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits may change in the next twelve months. However, it does not expect the change to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. Income tax-related interest and penalties were insignificant for fiscal 2020 and 2019.

The Company files tax returns in the U.S. federal and state jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal examinations by the Internal Revenue Service for years before 2018 and is no longer subject to examinations by state authorities before 2016.

14.   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

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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 January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, the Company had 0 borrowings outstanding under the credit facility and the weighted average interest rate was 1.56% for fiscal year 2020. As of January 30, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all terms and covenants of the Loan Agreement.

15.   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.

Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy, which are described 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 January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, the Company held financial liabilities included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets of $32,909 and $29,442, 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 values which are based primarily on quoted market prices of underlying assets of the funds within the plan.

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.

16.   Investments

Short-term investments typically consist of certificates of deposit and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value and are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets in short-term investments. There were 0 short-term investments as of January 30, 2021. Short-term investments were $110,000 as of February 1, 2020.

Investments in renewable energy projects are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The balance of these investments was $3,174 and $3,936 as of January 30, 2021 and February 1, 2020, respectively, and is included in other long-term assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company contributed capital of $5,665 and received distributions including $1,689 of investment tax credits during fiscal year 2020. The Company contributed capital of $62,946 and received distributions including $60,208 of investment tax credits during fiscal year 2019.

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17.  Stock-based compensation

The Company’s equity incentive plan was adopted in order to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial authority and to provide additional incentive to employees and directors to promote the success of the business.

In June 2016, the Company adopted the Amended and Restated 2011 Incentive Award Plan (the 2011 Plan). The 2011 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, performance awards, dividend equivalent rights, stock payments, deferred stock, and cash-based awards to employees, consultants, and directors. Unless provided otherwise by the administrator of the plan, options vest over four years at the rate of 25% per year from the date of grant and must be exercised within ten years. Options are granted with the exercise price equal to the fair value of the underlying stock on the date of grant. As of January 30, 2021, the 2011 Plan reserves for the issuance upon grant or exercise of awards up to 2,791 shares of common stock.

The following table presents information related to stock-based compensation:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Stock options	$	10,757	$	8,660	$	8,590
Restricted stock units		16,608		12,762		12,077
Performance-based restricted stock units		218		4,220		6,822
Total stock-based compensation expense	$	27,583	$	25,642	$	27,489
Cash received from stock option exercises	$	12,229	$	43,780	$	13,121
Income tax benefit	$	750	$	11,600	$	6,135

Common stock options

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 with the following weighted-average assumptions:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
	2021		2020		2019
Volatility rate		43.0%		31.0%		29.0%
Average risk-free interest rate		0.3%		2.3%		2.4%
Average expected life (in years)		3.4		3.5		3.4
Dividend yield		NaN		NaN		NaN

The expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock. The risk-free interest rate is based on the United States Treasury yield curve in effect on the date of grant for the respective expected life of the option. The expected life represents the time the options granted are expected to be outstanding. The expected life of options granted is derived from historical data on Ulta Beauty stock option exercises. Forfeitures of stock options are estimated at the grant date based on historical rates of stock option activity and reduce the stock-based compensation expense recognized. The Company does not currently pay a regular dividend.

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The following table presents information related to common stock options:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands, except weighted-average grant date fair value)	2021		2020		2019
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$	54.40	$	89.91	$	50.10
Fair value of options vested		9,741		9,143		10,042
Intrinsic value of options exercised		11,304		51,650		25,902

At January 30, 2021, there was approximately $16,810 of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately two years.

A summary of stock option activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):

	Fiscal 2020			Fiscal 2019			Fiscal 2018
			Weighted-			Weighted-			Weighted-
	Number of		average	Number of		average	Number of		average
	options		exercise price	options		exercise price	options		exercise price
Beginning of year	539	$	212.58	755	$	174.34	766	$	147.76
Granted	248		174.45	97		348.73	163		204.27
Exercised	(90)		135.70	(285)		153.64	(166)		78.81
Forfeited/Expired	(26)		219.47	(28)		263.34	(8)		260.83
End of year	671	$	208.47	539	$	212.58	755	$	174.34
Exercisable at end of year	236	$	209.03	172	$	159.39	296	$	134.27
Vested and Expected to vest	639	$	208.49	510	$	211.14	718	$	173.02

The following table presents information related to stock options outstanding and stock options exercisable at January 30, 2021 based on ranges of exercise prices (shares in thousands):
​

	Options outstanding				Options exercisable
		Weighted-				Weighted-
		average				average
		remaining				remaining
		contractual		Weighted-		contractual		Weighted-
	Number of	life		average	Number of	life		average
Range of Exercise Prices	options	(years)		exercise price	options	(years)		exercise price
$57.42 – $127.15	31	2	$	83.88	31	2	$	83.88
$127.16 – $164.06	104	5		163.63	54	5		163.23
$164.07 – $174.45	234	9		174.45	–	–		–
$174.46 – $204.27	139	7		201.79	73	6		199.51
$204.28 – $281.53	78	6		279.03	56	6		278.91
$281.54 – $348.73	85	8		348.73	22	8		348.73
$57.42 – $348.73	671	7	$	208.47	236	5	$	209.03

The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable stock options as of January 30, 2021 was $53,868 and $18,332, respectively. The last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on January 30, 2021 was $279.76 per share.

Restricted stock units

Restricted stock units are granted to certain employees and directors. Employee grants generally cliff vest after three years and director grants cliff vest within one year. The grant date fair value of restricted stock units is based on the closing market price of shares of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Forfeitures of restricted stock units are estimated at the grant

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date based on historical rates of stock award activity and reduce the stock-based compensation expense recognized. At January 30, 2021, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock units was $26,267. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately one and a half years.

A summary of restricted stock units activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):

	Fiscal 2020			Fiscal 2019			Fiscal 2018
		Weighted-			Weighted-			Weighted-
	Number of	average grant		Number of	average grant		Number of	average grant
	units	date fair value		units	date fair value		units	date fair value
Beginning of year	159	$	259.21	168	$	220.68	134	$	207.70
Granted	163		179.72	53		335.28	97		208.82
Vested	(38)		276.51	(46)		207.77	(52)		164.35
Forfeited	(31)		218.40	(16)		259.65	(11)		227.44
End of year	253	$	210.46	159	$	259.21	168	$	220.68
Expected to vest	234	$	210.46	147	$	259.21	154	$	220.68

Performance-based restricted stock units

Performance-based restricted stock units are granted to certain employees. These awards cliff vest after three years based upon achievement of pre-established net sales and earnings before tax goals at the end of the second year of the term. The grant date fair value of performance-based restricted stock units is based on the closing market price of shares of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Performance-based restricted stock units are expensed on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period, based on the probability of achieving the performance goal, with changes in expectations recognized as an adjustment to earnings in the period of the change. If the performance goal is not met, no stock-based compensation expense is recognized and any previously recognized stock-based compensation expense is reversed. Forfeitures of performance-based restricted stock units are estimated at the grant date based on historical rates of stock award activity and reduce the stock-based compensation expense recognized. At January 30, 2021, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to performance-based restricted stock units was $183. The unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately one year.

A summary of performance-based restricted stock unit activity is presented in the following table (shares in thousands):

	Fiscal 2020			Fiscal 2019			Fiscal 2018
		Weighted-			Weighted-			Weighted-
	Number of	average		Number of	average		Number of	average
	units	grant date		units	grant date		units	grant date
Beginning of year	62	$	267.60	94	$	214.64	78	$	196.81
Granted	–		–	21		348.73	33		204.27
Change in performance award payout	(5)		204.27	(3)		281.53	22		191.76
Vested	(14)		281.53	(43)		191.76	(36)		151.20
Forfeited	(6)		263.38	(7)		258.80	(3)		224.49
End of year	37	$	271.88	62	$	267.60	94	$	214.64
Expected to vest	35	$	271.88	57	$	267.60	87	$	214.64

The number of performance-based restricted stock units granted is based on achieving the targeted performance goals as defined in the performance-based restricted stock unit agreements. As of January 30, 2021, the maximum number of units that could vest under the provisions of the agreements was 55.

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18.   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 common share:

		Fiscal year ended
		January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands, except per share data)		2021		2020		2019
Numerator:
Net income		$	175,835	$	705,945	$	658,559
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares – Basic			56,351		57,840		59,864
Dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested stock			207		265		317
Weighted-average common shares – Diluted			56,558		58,105		60,181
Net income per common share:	��
Basic		$	3.12	$	12.21	$	11.00
Diluted		$	3.11	$	12.15	$	10.94

The denominator for diluted net income per common share for fiscal years 2020, 2019, and 2018 excludes 211, 298, and 302 employee 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.

19.   Employee benefit plans

The Company provides a 401(k) retirement plan covering all employees who qualify as to age and length of service. The plan is funded through employee contributions and a Company match. In fiscal 2018, the Company match was 100% of the first 3% of eligible compensation. Starting in January 2019, the Company added an additional 50% match for the next 2% of eligible compensation. Total expense recorded under this plan is included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of operations as follows:

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands)	2021		2020		2019
401(k) plan matching contribution expense	$	16,878	$	16,556	$	10,029

The Company also has a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for highly compensated employees whose contributions are limited under qualified defined contribution plans. The plan is funded through employee contributions and a Company match. In fiscal 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company match was 100% of the first 3% of salary. Amounts contributed and deferred under the plan are credited or charged with the performance of investment options offered under the plan as elected by the participants. In the event of bankruptcy, the assets of this plan are available to satisfy the claims of general creditors. The Company manages the risk of changes in the fair value of the liability for deferred compensation by electing to match its liability under the plan with investment vehicles that offset a substantial portion of its exposure. Total expense recorded under this plan is included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of operations and was insignificant during fiscal 2020, 2019, and 2018.

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Amounts included in the consolidated balance sheets related to the deferred compensation plan were as follows:

	January 30,		February 1,
(In thousands)	2021		2020
Deferred compensation plan liability	$	32,909	$	29,442
Deferred compensation plan assets		33,223		27,849

20.   Selected quarterly financial data (unaudited)

The following tables set forth the unaudited quarterly results of operations for each of the quarters in fiscal 2020 and fiscal 2019. The quarterly periods are the 13 weeks ending on the Saturday closest to April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31.

	Fiscal 2020
(In thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Net sales	$	1,173,210	$	1,228,009	$	1,552,033	$	2,198,701
Cost of sales		869,605		899,002		1,006,514		1,427,673
Gross profit		303,605		329,007		545,519		771,028
Selling, general and administrative expenses		380,912		271,587		416,378		514,140
Impairment, restructuring and other costs		19,542		40,758		23,624		30,398
Pre-opening expenses		4,635		3,907		4,240		2,218
Operating income (loss)		(101,484)		12,755		101,277		224,272
Interest expense, net		1,272		2,617		1,383		463
Income (loss) before income taxes		(102,756)		10,138		99,894		223,809
Income tax expense (benefit)		(24,247)		2,086		25,096		52,315
Net income (loss)	$	(78,509)	$	8,052	$	74,798	$	171,494
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic	$	(1.39)	$	0.14	$	1.33	$	3.04
Diluted	$	(1.39)	$	0.14	$	1.32	$	3.03

	Fiscal 2019
(In thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
Net sales	$	1,743,029	$	1,666,607	$	1,682,514	$	2,305,918
Cost of sales		1,098,182		1,060,708		1,059,081		1,499,033
Gross profit		644,847		605,899		623,433		806,885
Selling, general and administrative expenses		403,133		392,843		449,198		515,542
Pre-opening expenses		4,174		5,038		6,455		3,587
Operating income		237,540		208,018		167,780		287,756
Interest income, net		(2,046)		(1,671)		(900)		(439)
Income before income taxes		239,586		209,689		168,680		288,195
Income tax expense		47,365		48,431		38,933		65,476
Net income	$	192,221	$	161,258	$	129,747	$	222,719
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	3.28	$	2.77	$	2.25	$	3.91
Diluted	$	3.26	$	2.76	$	2.25	$	3.89

The sum of the quarterly net income per common share may not equal the annual total due to quarterly changes in the weighted average shares and share equivalents outstanding.

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21.   Share repurchase program

On March 15, 2018, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the 2018 Share Repurchase Program) pursuant to which the Company could repurchase up to $625,000 of the Company’s common stock. The 2018 Share Repurchase Program authorization revoked the previously authorized but unused amount of $41,317 from the earlier share repurchase program. The 2018 Share Repurchase Program did not have an expiration date but provided for suspension or discontinuation at any time.

On March 14, 2019, the Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new 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 2018 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 Company announced that the Board of Directors authorized a new 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 amounts 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. On April 2, 2020, the Company announced that the share repurchase program had been suspended in order to strengthen its liquidity and preserve cash while navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. The program resumed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2020.

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

	Fiscal year ended
	January 30,		February 1,		February 2,
(In thousands)	2021		2020		2019
Shares repurchased		475		2,321		2,464
Total cost of shares repurchased	$	114,895	$	680,979	$	616,194

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Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (Continued)

(b)   Financial Statement Schedule

Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(In thousands)

	Balance at		Charged to					Balance at
	beginning		costs and					end
Description	of period		expenses		Deductions			of period
Fiscal 2020
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,363	$	22	$	(617)	(a)	$	768
Inventory reserve		46,941		42,634		(36,715)			52,860
Fiscal 2019
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	651	$	1,094	$	(382)	(a)	$	1,363
Inventory reserve		36,640		50,285		(39,984)			46,941
Fiscal 2018
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	1,371	$	573	$	(1,293)	(a)	$	651
Inventory reserve		24,804		47,923		(36,087)			36,640

(a) Represents write-off of uncollectible accounts

All other financial statement schedules required by Form 10-K have been omitted because they were inapplicable or otherwise not required under the instructions contained in Regulation S-X.

(c)   Exhibits

The exhibits listed in the Exhibit Index below are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

			Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit		Filed			Exhibit	File
Number	Description of document	Herewith	Form		Number	Number	Filing Date
3.1	Certificate of Incorporation of Ulta Beauty, Inc.		8-K		3.1	001-33764	1/30/2017
3.2	Bylaws of Ulta Beauty, Inc., as amended through June 3, 2020		8-K	3.2		001-33764	6/8/2020
4	Description of Ulta Beauty, Inc.’s Securities		10-K	4		001-33764	3/27/2020
10.1	Compensation Plan Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2017 between Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. and Ulta Beauty, Inc.*		8-K	10.1		001-33764	1/30/2017
10.2	Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of August 23, 2017, among Ulta Beauty, Inc., Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., the subsidiaries of Ulta Beauty signatory thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and PNC Bank, National Association		8-K	10.0		001-33764	8/24/2017
10.3	Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement, dated March 11, 2020, among Ulta Beauty, Inc., Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., the subsidiaries of Ulta Beauty signatory thereto, the lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and collateral agent for the lenders		10-K	10.3		001-33764	3/27/2020
10.4	Ulta Beauty, Inc. Second Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Option Plan*		S-1	10.7		333-144405	8/17/2007
10.5	Amendment to Ulta Beauty, Inc. Second Amended and Restated Restricted Stock Option Plan*		S-1	10.7(a)		333-144405	8/17/2007
10.6	Ulta Beauty, Inc. 2007 Incentive Award Plan*		S-1	10.10		333-144405	9/27/2007
10.7	Amended and Restated Ulta Beauty, Inc. 2011 Incentive Award Plan*		DEF 14A	Appendix A		001-33764	4/20/2016
10.8	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement—Performance Shares under the 2011 Incentive Award Plan*		8-K	10.1		001-33764	3/31/2015
10.9	Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan*		10-K	10.17		001-33764	4/2/2009
10.10	Letter Agreement dated June 20, 2013 between Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. and Mary N. Dillon*		8-K	10.1		001-33764	6/24/2013

81

			Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit		Filed			Exhibit	File
Number	Description of document	Herewith	Form		Number	Number	Filing Date
10.11	Letter Agreement dated September 13, 2013 between Ulta Inc. and Jeffrey J. Childs*		10-Q	10.1		001-33764	6/10/2014
10.12	Letter Agreement dated January 6, 2014 between Ulta Inc. and David Kimbell*		10-Q	10.1		001-33764	6/4/2015
10.13	Form of Option Agreement under the 2011 Incentive Award Plan*		10-K	10.13		001-33764	3/28/2017
10.14	Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the 2011 Incentive Award Plan*		10-K	10.14		001-33764	3/28/2017
10.15	Letter Agreement dated August 3, 2015 between Ulta Inc. and Jodi J. Caro*		10-K	10.15		001-33764	3/28/2017
10.16	Ulta Beauty, Inc. Executive Change in Control and Severance Plan*		10-K	10.16		001-33764	3/28/2017
10.17	Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement dated March 29, 2018, with Mary Dillon*		10-K	10.17		001-33764	4/3/2018
10.18	Amendment to Employment Letter Regarding Severance Entitlements, dated March 29, 2018, between Ulta Beauty, Inc. and Mary Dillon*		10-K	10.18		001-33764	4/3/2018
21	List of Significant Subsidiaries	X
23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	X
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 pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	X
32.2	Certification of the 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

82

			Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit		Filed		Exhibit	File
Number	Description of document	Herewith	Form	Number	Number	Filing Date
99	Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. [To be filed with the SEC under Regulation 14A within 120 days after January 30, 2021; except to the extent specifically incorporated by reference, the Proxy Statement for the 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders shall not be deemed to be filed with the SEC as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K]
101.INS	Inline XBRL Instance	X
101.SCH	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema	X
101.CAL	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation	X
101.LAB	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels	X
101.PRE	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation	X
101.DEF	Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition	X
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101).

*     A management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

Item 16.    Form 10-K Summary

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 its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Bolingbrook, State of Illinois, on March 26, 2021.

ULTA BEAUTY, INC.
By:	/s/ Scott M. Settersten
	Scott M. Settersten
	Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Signatures	Title	Date
/s/ Mary N. Dillon	Chief Executive Officer and	March 26, 2021
Mary N. Dillon	Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Scott M. Settersten	Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer	March 26, 2021
Scott M. Settersten	and Assistant Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Sally E. Blount	Director	March 26, 2021
Sally E. Blount
/s/ Michelle L. Collins	Director	March 26, 2021
Michelle L. Collins
/s/ Robert F. DiRomualdo	Chairperson of the Board of Directors	March 26, 2021
Robert F. DiRomualdo
/s/ Catherine Halligan	Director	March 26, 2021
Catherine Halligan
/s/ Charles Heilbronn	Director	March 26, 2021
Charles Heilbronn
/s/ Patricia A. Little	Director	March 26, 2021
Patricia A. Little
/s/ Michael R. MacDonald	Director	March 26, 2021
Michael R. MacDonald
/s/ George Mrkonic	Director	March 26, 2021
George Mrkonic
/s/ Lorna E. Nagler	Director	March 26, 2021
Lorna E. Nagler
/s/ Michael C. Smith	Director	March 26, 2021
Michael C. Smith

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