Ulta Beauty (ULTA) FY 2025 Conference September 04, 2025 08:55 AM ET Speaker0Okay. Good morning, everyone. It's my pleasure to introduce Ulta Beauty and to moderate this fireside chat. Today, we have with us Keisha Steelman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ulta. She's been in the role since January 2025 and previously served in a number of leadership roles since joining the company in July 2014.And we also have with us Chris Liolas, interim chief financial officer of Ulta as of June 25, previously ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 10% increase in adjusted operating earnings and a 20% growth in adjusted earnings per share year-over-year despite a challenging external environment [4] - Consolidated net sales decreased by 2.8% to $883 million, impacted by a 110 basis point unfavorable foreign currency effect [20] - Adjusted operating margin increased by 90 basis points to 8.5%, while adjusted EBITDA margin also rose by 90 basis points to 11.9% [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Sally Beauty segment, net sales decreased by 2.5% to $500 million, with comparable sales roughly flat at -0.3% [25] - The BSG segment saw net sales decrease by 3.2% to $383 million, with comparable sales down 2.7% [27] - E-commerce sales for Sally increased by 21% year-over-year to $41 million, representing 8% of segment net sales [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - E-commerce sales globally were $94 million, up 6% year-over-year, accounting for 11% of total net sales [21] - The company experienced a decline in comparable sales due to external factors such as a harsh flu season and macroeconomic uncertainty [20][27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing customer centricity, growing high-margin owned brands, and increasing operational efficiency [9] - Strategic initiatives include digital marketplaces, licensed Colorist on Demand, and product innovation, which contributed to a 225 basis point comp sales growth before macro pressures [14] - The company is rolling out a brand refresh to modernize its image and attract new customer segments [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer sentiment and spending were impacted by economic uncertainty, particularly in the latter part of Q2 [5] - The company anticipates improving sales trends in the BSG segment as the flu season subsides [7] - Guidance for Q3 and full-year outlook reflects expectations of flat to down 1% comparable sales, with adjusted operating margin projected between 8% to 8.5% [31] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with $92 million in cash and no outstanding borrowings [28] - A four-year extension to the share repurchase program was announced, with approximately $500 million remaining under the original authorization [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Comparison of Sally division to BSG and e-commerce forecast - Management noted that both segments experienced lighter sales, but strategic initiatives contributed positively to comp sales growth [34][36] Question: Store refresh performance and Happy Beauty initiative - Initial results from the store refresh have been positive, with increased customer engagement noted [42] Question: Impact of tariff changes on consumer behavior - Management expressed hope that recent tariff news would reduce consumer uncertainty and improve spending habits [46] Question: Guidance change and segment performance outlook - The guidance reflects current trends, with expectations of recovery in the BSG segment and continued strength in color sales for Sally [52][54] Question: Current promotional environment and consumer sentiment - Management feels confident in their strategy but is closely monitoring consumer behavior for potential adjustments [76]