Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, net sales increased by 4.5% to $2.8 billion, with operating profit at 14.1% of sales and diluted earnings per share at $6.70 [6][25][29] - Comparable sales rose by 2.9%, driven by a 2.3% increase in average ticket and a 0.6% increase in transactions [25] - Gross margin decreased by 10 basis points to 39.1%, primarily due to deleverage of store and supply chain fixed costs [27] - SG&A expenses increased by 6.7% to $711 million, with SG&A as a percentage of sales rising to 24.9% [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fragrance was the strongest performing category, delivering double-digit growth, while skincare and wellness saw high single-digit growth [10] - Hair care was roughly flat, with growth in hair color and accessories offset by declines in hair care tools [11] - Makeup category experienced a slight decrease in comp sales, driven by mass makeup, while prestige makeup remained flat [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer engagement with beauty remains strong, with beauty and wellness prioritized by consumers despite economic pressures [7] - The beauty category is expected to normalize growth rates, projected at 2% to 5% over the next few years [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan to accelerate performance and maintain leadership [7][19] - Strategic priorities include scaling new businesses, enhancing digital capabilities, and optimizing cost structures [17][19] - The company plans to open stores in Mexico City, Kuwait City, and Dubai later this year, alongside launching an online marketplace [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the operating environment, acknowledging ongoing consumer pressures and macroeconomic uncertainties [31][32] - The company updated its sales expectations for the year, projecting net sales between $11.5 billion and $11.7 billion, with comp sales growth expected to be flat to up 1.5% [31][32] Other Important Information - The company launched 19 new brands during the quarter, many of which are exclusive to Ulta Beauty [15] - The active loyalty member base reached a record 45 million, up 3% year over year [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan - Management highlighted improved in-store execution and marketing efforts as key contributors to the success of the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan [36][40] Question: Full year outlook and promotional strategies - Management discussed expectations for comp sales growth and the rationality of promotions, emphasizing a cautious approach due to market dynamics [42][45] Question: Newness and innovation pipeline - Management expressed confidence in a balanced pipeline of new products across categories, with a focus on exclusivity [48][50] Question: Demand improvements and competitive intensity - Management noted that competitive intensity remains high, but the company is well-positioned to drive market share through its initiatives [51][54] Question: E-commerce growth drivers - Management attributed the 10% growth in e-commerce to enhancements in digital capabilities and a focus on app engagement [92][93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for the fourth quarter decreased 1.9% to $3.5 billion compared to $3.6 billion in the previous year [29] - Comparable net sales increased 1.5%, driven by a 3% increase in average ticket, partially offset by a 1.4% decrease in transactions [30] - For the full year, net sales increased 0.8% to $11.3 billion, with comparable sales increasing 0.7% [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fragrance was the strongest category with double-digit comp growth, driven by men's fragrance and multi-branded gift sets [33] - Skincare category comp sales increased in the mid-single digit range, while hair category comp sales increased in the low single digit range [33] - Makeup category experienced a mid-single digit decrease, largely driven by mass makeup [33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The beauty category is expected to grow in the low to mid-single digit range over the next few years [14] - The competitive environment in beauty has intensified, with the company losing market share for the first time in 2024 [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on three main priorities: driving core business growth, scaling new accretive businesses, and realigning the foundation for the future under the "Ulta Beauty Unleashed" plan [17][20] - The company plans to enhance its assortment through investments in brand building and accelerate digital efforts [19][20] - The company aims to expand its wellness category and introduce new brands, with a focus on nutrition and mindfulness [70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges posed by a dynamic macro environment but remains optimistic about consumer engagement in beauty [14][39] - The company expects 2025 to be a transition year, with net sales projected between $11.5 billion and $11.6 billion and comp sales growth in the range of flat to up 1% [40][41] - Operating profit is expected to decrease in the low double-digit range due to inflationary pressures and investments in the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan [41][42] Other Important Information - The company plans to spend between $425 million and $500 million in CapEx for new stores, remodels, and IT [43] - The company has a target for cost optimization of $200 million to $250 million over the next three years [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the company thinking about the in-store experience and guest presentation? - Management emphasizes the importance of simplifying focus and prioritizing core business growth, brand building, and operational excellence [47][48] Question: Can you provide an update on the store fleet and new openings? - The company has a robust process for real estate site selection and anticipates strong performance from new stores [56][58] Question: What are the critical pieces to rebuild the business moat? - Management believes a balanced approach focusing on brand building, personalization, and marketplace expansion is essential [62][64] Question: How does the company plan to address the competitive landscape? - The company is focused on controlling what it can control and optimizing its business model to maintain its competitive edge [96][92] Question: What is the company's exposure to tariffs and how does it plan to navigate this? - The company has limited exposure to direct imports and is closely monitoring the evolving tariff landscape [104][105]