Ulta Beauty Announces Third Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Ulta Beauty announced its third quarter fiscal 2024 results, reporting net sales of $2.53 billion, a 1.7% increase from the previous year's $2.49 billion. Comparable sales rose by 0.6%, driven by a 0.5% increase in transactions and a 0.1% rise in average ticket. Net income was $242.2 million, translating to $5.14 per diluted share, up from $5.07. For the first nine months, net sales reached $7.8 billion, with a 2.0% increase from $7.7 billion. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased slightly to 39.7% in Q3 and 39.1% for the first nine months. SG&A expenses increased to $682.3 million in Q3, and $2.0 billion for the first nine months, reflecting strategic investments. The company repurchased 731,458 shares for $267.0 million in Q3. Ulta opened 28 new stores and remodeled 27 in Q3, with plans to open 60-65 new stores in fiscal 2024. The updated fiscal 2024 outlook projects net sales between $11.1 billion and $11.2 billion, with diluted EPS between $23.20 and $23.75.

Positive

• Net sales increased by 1.7% to $2.53 billion.
• Comparable sales rose by 0.6%.
• Net income reached $242.2 million, with diluted EPS of $5.14.
• Repurchased 731,458 shares for $267.0 million in Q3.
• Opened 28 new stores and remodeled 27 in Q3.
• Fiscal 2024 net sales outlook raised to $11.1-$11.2 billion.
• Fiscal 2024 diluted EPS outlook increased to $23.20-$23.75.

Negative

• Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 39.7% in Q3.
• SG&A expenses increased to $682.3 million in Q3.
• Operating income margin decreased to 12.6% from 13.1% in Q3.
• Net income for the first nine months decreased to $807.8 million from $896.6 million.
• Diluted EPS for the first nine months decreased to $16.93 from $17.99.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Ulta Beauty's Q3 results demonstrate resilience amid challenging retail conditions. The $2.53 billion revenue represents modest growth of 1.7% year-over-year, while comparable sales increased by 0.6%. The slight margin compression, with operating margin declining to 12.6% from 13.1%, reflects ongoing cost pressures and strategic investments.

The company's aggressive share repurchase program, with $267 million spent in Q3 alone, signals management's confidence in long-term prospects. The updated guidance raising both the lower end of revenue expectations and EPS range suggests improving business momentum. Notable is the healthy store expansion with 26 net new locations this quarter, accelerating from 12 in the year-ago period.

The balance sheet remains solid despite increased short-term debt, which is being strategically used for growth initiatives and shareholder returns. Inventory management appears disciplined, growing only 1.9% year-over-year while store count expanded more rapidly.

Market Research Analyst

The beauty retail sector's dynamics are reflected in Ulta's performance metrics. The marginal increase in comparable sales, driven by both transaction count (0.5%) and average ticket (0.1%), suggests a stabilizing consumer environment but with continued spending caution. The company's expansion strategy remains aggressive, with 1,437 stores now operating, demonstrating confidence in brick-and-mortar retail despite broader industry challenges.

The updated guidance range of $11.1-11.2 billion in revenue and improved EPS outlook indicates management's growing confidence in Q4 performance, likely supported by holiday season expectations. The sustained investment in store remodels (27 this quarter) shows commitment to enhancing the shopping experience, important for maintaining market leadership in the competitive beauty retail space.

Net Sales of $2.53 Billion Compared to $2.49 Billion in the Year-Ago Quarter

Comparable Sales Increased 0.6%

Net Income of $242.2 Million or $5.14 Per Diluted Share

BOLINGBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ulta Beauty, Inc. (NASDAQ: ULTA) today announced financial results for the thirteen-week period (“third quarter”) and thirty-nine-week period (“first nine months”) ended November 2, 2024 compared to the same periods ended October 28, 2023.

		13 Weeks Ended							39 Weeks Ended
		November 2,			October 28,				November 2,			October 28,
(Dollars in millions, except per share data)		2024			2023				2024			2023
Net sales		$	2,530.1		$	2,488.9			$	7,808.0		$	7,653.0
Comparable sales (1)			0.6%			4.5%				0.3%			7.3%
Gross profit (as a percentage of net sales)			39.7%			39.9%				39.1%			39.7%
Selling, general and administrative expenses		$	682.3		$	661.4			$	1,993.0		$	1,874.2
Operating income (as a percentage of net sales)			12.6%			13.1%				13.4%			15.2%
Diluted earnings per share		$	5.14		$	5.07			$	16.93		$	17.99
New store openings, net			26			12				52			19
______________________
(1) Comparable sales are calculated based on the comparable 13 and 39 calendar weeks in the current and prior year.

“The Ulta Beauty team delivered better-than-expected sales and profitability reflecting improved sales trends and strong financial discipline. I am proud of the progress we’ve made and encouraged by early signs that our efforts to reinforce our market position and drive improved performance are gaining traction. As we look to the remainder of fiscal 2024, we are focused on executing with excellence across our key initiatives to deliver in a dynamic environment,” said Dave Kimbell, chief executive officer. “We remain confident that our model and strategies will drive long-term profitable growth and share leadership by enhancing our position as the destination for beauty enthusiasts for a lifetime.”

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023

• Net sales increased 1.7% to $2.53 billion compared to $2.49 billion, primarily due to new store contribution, partially offset by a decline in other revenue.
• Comparable sales (sales for stores open at least 14 months and e-commerce sales) increased 0.6% compared to an increase of 4.5%, driven by a 0.5% increase in transactions and a 0.1% increase in average ticket.
• Gross profit was $1.0 billion compared to $992.1 million. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 39.7% compared to 39.9%, primarily due to deleverage of store and supply chain fixed costs and lower other revenue, partially offset by favorable channel mix and lower inventory shrink.
• Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $682.3 million compared to $661.4 million. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 27.0% compared to 26.6%, primarily due to deleverage of store payroll and benefits, and corporate overhead, primarily due to strategic investments, partially offset by lower incentive compensation.
• Operating income was $318.5 million, or 12.6% of net sales, compared to $327.2 million, or 13.1% of net sales.
• The tax rate was 24.4% compared to 24.3%.
• Net income was $242.2 million compared to $249.5 million.
• Diluted earnings per share was $5.14 compared to $5.07.

First Nine Months of Fiscal 2024 Compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal 2023

• Net sales increased 2.0% to $7.8 billion compared to $7.7 billion, primarily due to new store contribution and growth in other revenue.
• Comparable sales increased 0.3% compared to an increase of 7.3%, driven by a 0.3% increase in average ticket.
• Gross profit was $3.1 billion compared to $3.0 billion. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased to 39.1% compared to 39.7%, primarily due to lower merchandise margin, partially offset by deleverage of store fixed costs.
• SG&A expenses were $2.0 billion compared to $1.9 billion. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses increased to 25.5% compared to 24.5%, primarily due to deleverage of corporate overhead due to strategic investments and deleverage of store payroll and benefits and store expenses, partially offset by lower incentive compensation.
• Operating income was $1.0 billion, or 13.4% of net sales, compared to $1.2 billion, or 15.2% of net sales.
• The tax rate was 23.9% compared to 23.7%.
• Net income was $807.8 million compared to $896.6 million.
• Diluted earnings per share was $16.93, including a $0.10 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation, compared to $17.99, including a $0.14 benefit due to income tax accounting for stock-based compensation.

Balance Sheet

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024 totaled $177.8 million.

Merchandise inventories, net at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024 increased 1.9% to $2.4 billion compared to $2.3 billion at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily due to the addition of 63 net new stores since October 28, 2023.

Short-term debt at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024 was $199.7 million compared to $195.4 million at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023, as the Company drew on its revolving credit facility to support ongoing capital allocation priorities, including share repurchases and capital expenditures, and merchandise inventory growth.

Share Repurchase Program

During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 731,458 shares of its common stock at a cost of $267.0 million. During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the Company repurchased 1.9 million shares of its common stock at a cost of $764.5 million. As of November 2, 2024, $2.9 billion remained available under the $3.0 billion share repurchase program announced in October 2024.

Store Update

During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company opened 28 new stores, remodeled 27 stores, and closed two stores. During the first nine months of fiscal 2024, the Company opened 57 new stores, relocated two stores, remodeled 36 stores, and closed five stores. At the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company operated 1,437 stores totaling 15.0 million square feet.

Fiscal 2024 Outlook

For fiscal 2024, the Company plans to:

			Prior FY24 Outlook		Updated FY24 Outlook
Net sales			$11.0 billion to $11.2 billion		$11.1 billion to $11.2 billion
Comparable sales			(2%) to 0%		(1%) to 0%
New stores, net			60-65		no change
Remodel and relocation projects			40-45		no change
Operating margin			12.7% to 13.0%		12.9% to 13.1%
Diluted earnings per share			$22.60 to $23.50		$23.20 to $23.75
Share repurchases			approximately $1 billion		no change
Interest income			approximately $13 million		$13 million to $14 million
Effective tax rate			approximately 24%		no change
Capital expenditures			$400 million to $450 million		$400 million to $425 million
Depreciation and amortization expense			$265 million to $270 million		no change

Conference Call Information

A conference call to discuss third quarter of fiscal 2024 results is scheduled for today, December 5, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. CT. Investors and analysts who are interested in participating in the call are invited to dial (877) 704-4453. Participants may also listen to a real-time audio webcast of the conference call by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website located at https://www.ulta.com/investor. A replay will be made available online approximately two hours following the live call for a period of 30 days.

About Ulta Beauty

At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest specialty U.S. beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. In 1990, the Company reinvented the beauty retail experience by offering a new way to shop for beauty – bringing together All Things Beauty. All in One Place^®. Today, Ulta Beauty operates 1,437 retail stores across 50 states and also distributes its products through its website, which includes a collection of tips, tutorials, and social content. For more information, visit www.ulta.com.

Forward‑Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which reflect the Company’s current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “estimates,” “targets,” “strategies” or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon the Company’s historical performance and on current plans, estimates and expectations. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the future plans, estimates, targets, strategies or expectations contemplated by the Company will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation:

• macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, elevated interest rates and recessionary concerns, as well as continuing labor cost pressures, and transportation and shipping cost pressures, have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our business, financial condition, profitability, and cash flows (including future uncertain impacts);
• changes in the overall level of consumer spending and volatility in the economy, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical events;
• our ability to sustain our growth plans and successfully implement our long-range strategic and financial plan;
• the ability to execute our operational excellence priorities, including continuous improvement, Project SOAR (the replacement of our enterprise resource planning platform), and supply chain optimization;
• our ability to gauge beauty trends and react to changing consumer preferences in a timely manner;
• the possibility that we may be unable to compete effectively in our highly competitive markets;
• the possibility of significant interruptions in the operations of our distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers, and market fulfillment centers;
• the possibility that cybersecurity or information security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information or result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information;
• the possibility of material disruptions to our information systems, including our Ulta.com website and mobile applications;
• the failure to maintain satisfactory compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws and regulations;
• changes in the good relationships we have with our brand partners, our ability to continue to obtain sufficient merchandise from our brand partners, and/or our ability to continue to offer permanent or temporary exclusive products of our brand partners;
• our ability to effectively manage our inventory and protect against inventory shrink;
• changes in the wholesale cost of our products and/or interruptions at our brand partners’ or third-party vendors’ operations;
• epidemics, pandemics or natural disasters, which could negatively impact sales;
• the possibility that new store openings and existing locations may be impacted by developer or co-tenant issues;
• our ability to attract and retain key executive personnel;
• the impact of climate change on our business operations and/or supply chain;
• our ability to successfully execute our common stock repurchase program or implement future common stock repurchase programs;
• a decline in operating results which could lead to asset impairment and store closure charges; and
• other risk factors detailed in the Company’s public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), including risk factors contained in its Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2024, as such may be amended or supplemented in its subsequently filed Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

The Company’s filings with the SEC are available at www.sec.gov. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, the Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Exhibit 1
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
		13 Weeks Ended
		November 2,							October 28,
		2024							2023
		(Unaudited)							(Unaudited)
Net sales		$	2,530,100			100.0	%		$	2,488,933			100.0	%
Cost of sales			1,524,456			60.3	%			1,496,866			60.1	%
Gross profit			1,005,644			39.7	%			992,067			39.9	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			682,259			27.0	%			661,380			26.6	%
Pre-opening expenses			4,883			0.2	%			3,460			0.1	%
Operating income			318,502			12.6	%			327,227			13.1	%
Interest income, net			(1,674	)		(0.1	%)			(2,497	)		(0.1	%)
Income before income taxes			320,176			12.7	%			329,724			13.2	%
Income tax expense			77,997			3.1	%			80,241			3.2	%
Net income		$	242,179			9.6	%		$	249,483			10.0	%
Net income per common share:
Basic		$	5.16						$	5.09
Diluted		$	5.14						$	5.07
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic			46,928							49,007
Diluted			47,092							49,226

Exhibit 2
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Income
(In thousands, except per share data)
		39 Weeks Ended
		November 2,							October 28,
		2024							2023
		(Unaudited)							(Unaudited)
Net sales		$	7,808,035			100.0	%		$	7,653,005			100.0	%
Cost of sales			4,754,434			60.9	%			4,612,469			60.3	%
Gross profit			3,053,601			39.1	%			3,040,536			39.7	%
Selling, general and administrative expenses			1,992,993			25.5	%			1,874,201			24.5	%
Pre-opening expenses			11,957			0.2	%			5,396			0.1	%
Operating income			1,048,651			13.4	%			1,160,939			15.2	%
Interest income, net			(13,100	)		(0.2	%)			(14,294	)		(0.2	%)
Income before income taxes			1,061,751			13.6	%			1,175,233			15.4	%
Income tax expense			253,903			3.3	%			278,597			3.6	%
Net income		$	807,848			10.3	%		$	896,636			11.7	%
Net income per common share:
Basic		$	17.00						$	18.08
Diluted		$	16.93						$	17.99
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic			47,519							49,592
Diluted			47,710							49,846

Exhibit 3
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)
		November 2,			February 3,			October 28,
		2024			2024			2023
		(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	177,782		$	766,594		$	121,811
Receivables, net			213,621			207,939			202,868
Merchandise inventories, net			2,365,186			1,742,136			2,321,306
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			135,514			115,598			117,282
Prepaid income taxes			62,759			4,251			28,773
Total current assets			2,954,862			2,836,518			2,792,040
Property and equipment, net			1,264,419			1,182,335			1,117,874
Operating lease assets			1,619,055			1,574,530			1,578,316
Goodwill			10,870			10,870			10,870
Other intangible assets, net			281			510			591
Deferred compensation plan assets			48,872			43,516			38,371
Other long-term assets			60,127			58,732			56,946
Total assets		$	5,958,486		$	5,707,011		$	5,595,008
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	593,219		$	544,001		$	597,373
Accrued liabilities			333,463			382,468			405,443
Deferred revenue			405,040			436,591			350,937
Current operating lease liabilities			284,985			283,821			287,786
Accrued income taxes			—			11,310			—
Short-term debt			199,700			—			195,400
Total current liabilities			1,816,407			1,658,191			1,836,939
Non-current operating lease liabilities			1,656,317			1,627,271			1,616,747
Deferred income taxes			91,729			85,921			56,874
Other long-term liabilities			65,024			56,300			55,906
Total liabilities			3,629,477			3,427,683			3,566,466
Commitments and contingencies
Total stockholders’ equity			2,329,009			2,279,328			2,028,542
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	5,958,486		$	5,707,011		$	5,595,008

Exhibit 4
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
		39 Weeks Ended
		November 2,				October 28,
		2024				2023
		(Unaudited)				(Unaudited)
Operating activities
Net income		$	807,848			$	896,636
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			197,075				181,273
Non-cash lease expense			235,950				232,772
Deferred income taxes			5,808				1,528
Stock-based compensation expense			27,691				33,477
Loss on disposal of property and equipment			7,280				6,310
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables			(5,682	)			(3,446	)
Merchandise inventories			(623,050	)			(717,855	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			(19,916	)			12,964
Income taxes			(69,818	)			9,535
Accounts payable			54,210				41,817
Accrued liabilities			(45,777	)			(34,955	)
Deferred revenue			(31,551	)			(43,740	)
Operating lease liabilities			(250,267	)			(248,469	)
Other assets and liabilities			12,240				(9,836	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			302,041				358,011
Investing activities
Capital expenditures			(300,536	)			(311,030	)
Other investments			(6,108	)			(4,870	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(306,644	)			(315,900	)
Financing activities
Borrowings from credit facility			199,700				195,400
Repurchase of common shares			(765,384	)			(840,551	)
Stock options exercised			9,200				9,302
Purchase of treasury shares			(23,566	)			(22,328	)
Debt issuance costs			(4,159	)			—
Net cash used in financing activities			(584,209	)			(658,177	)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents			(588,812	)			(616,066	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			766,594				737,877
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	177,782			$	121,811

Exhibit 5
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Store Update
		Total stores open		Number of stores		Number of stores		Total stores
		at beginning of the		opened during the		closed during the		open at
Fiscal 2024		quarter		quarter		quarter		end of the quarter
1st Quarter		1,385		12		2		1,395
2nd Quarter		1,395		17		1		1,411
3rd Quarter		1,411		28		2		1,437
				Gross square feet for
		Total gross square		stores opened or		Gross square feet for		Total gross square
		feet at beginning of		expanded during the		stores closed		feet at end of the
Fiscal 2024		the quarter		quarter		during the quarter		quarter
1st Quarter		14,515,593		114,786		15,615		14,614,764
2nd Quarter		14,614,764		178,624		10,800		14,782,588
3rd Quarter		14,782,588		258,320		20,083		15,020,825

Exhibit 6
Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Sales by Category
The following tables set forth the approximate percentage of net sales by primary category:
		13 Weeks Ended
		November 2,			October 28,
		2024			2023
Cosmetics		41	%		42	%
Skincare		23	%		22	%
Haircare		20	%		21	%
Fragrance		10	%		9	%
Services		4	%		4	%
Other		2	%		2	%
		100	%		100	%
		39 Weeks Ended
		November 2,			October 28,
		2024			2023
Cosmetics		41	%		42	%
Skincare		24	%		22	%
Haircare		19	%		21	%
Fragrance		10	%		9	%
Services		4	%		4	%
Other		2	%		2	%
		100	%		100	%
Certain sales departments were reclassified between categories in the prior year to conform to current year presentation, including moving the bath category from Fragrance to Skincare.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205470535/en/

Investor Contact:

Kiley Rawlins, CFA

Vice President, Investor Relations

krawlins@ulta.com

Media Contact:

Crystal Carroll

Senior Director, Public Relations

ccarroll@ulta.com

Source: Ulta Beauty, Inc.

FAQ

What were Ulta Beauty's net sales for Q3 fiscal 2024?

Ulta Beauty reported net sales of $2.53 billion for Q3 fiscal 2024.

How did Ulta Beauty's comparable sales perform in Q3 fiscal 2024?

Comparable sales increased by 0.6% in Q3 fiscal 2024.

What was Ulta Beauty's net income in Q3 fiscal 2024?

Net income for Q3 fiscal 2024 was $242.2 million.

What is Ulta Beauty's updated fiscal 2024 net sales outlook?

Ulta Beauty's updated fiscal 2024 net sales outlook is $11.1 billion to $11.2 billion.

How many shares did Ulta Beauty repurchase in Q3 fiscal 2024?

Ulta Beauty repurchased 731,458 shares in Q3 fiscal 2024.

What is Ulta Beauty's fiscal 2024 diluted EPS outlook?

Ulta Beauty's fiscal 2024 diluted EPS outlook is $23.20 to $23.75.