ulta_Current_Folio_proxy

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 

 

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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Definitive Proxy Statement

Definitive Additional Materials

Soliciting Material Under §240.14a-12

 

 

 

 

 

 

ULTA BEAUTY, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

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When?

Where?

Who?

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10:00 am CDT
on Wednesday,
June 5, 2019

Ulta Beauty, Inc.
1000 Remington Blvd.
Suite 120
Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440

Stockholders of Record
as of
April 8, 2019

Meeting Agenda

 

 

 

 

 

Proposals

   

Board
Recommendation

   

For more
information

1.To elect Sally E. Blount, Mary N. Dillon, Charles Heilbronn and Michael R. MacDonald as Class III Directors to hold office until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders

 

FOR
(all nominees)

 

Page 6

2.To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year 2019, ending February 1, 2020

 

FOR

 

Page 15

3.To vote on an advisory resolution to approve the Company’s executive compensation

 

FOR

 

Page 42

We will also consider any other matters that may properly be brought before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Voting

Stockholders of Ulta Beauty as of the record date are entitled to vote, as follows:

 

 

 

 

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Internet

Telephone

Mail

www.proxyvote.com
for beneficial ownership

1-800-690-6903
for beneficial ownership

Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the pre-addressed postage paid envelope we have provided or return it to:

www.proxyvote.com
for registered ownership up until
11:59 pm CDT, on June 04, 2019

or
1-800-690-6903
for registered ownership up until
11:59 pm CDT, on June 04, 2019

For beneficial ownership:
Vote Processing
c/o Broadridge
51 Mercedes Way
Edgewood, NY 11717

For registered ownership:
Proxy Services
C/O American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
PO BOX 505008
Louisville, KY 40233 9814

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person, we encourage you to read this proxy statement and submit your proxy or voting instructions as soon as possible. For specific instructions on how to vote your shares, please refer to the instructions on the notice of internet availability of proxy materials you received in the mail. If you received paper copies of the proxy materials, kindly mark, sign and date the enclosed proxy card and return it promptly in the enclosed envelope (which is postage prepaid, if mailed in the United States). Even if you have given your proxy, you may still revoke your proxy and vote in person if you attend the meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the meeting, you must obtain, from your broker, bank or other nominee, the record holder, a proxy issued in your name. For specific instructions on voting, please refer to the section, Questions and Answers — Voting Information/page 48.

Proxy Materials

This Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement and Form of Proxy are being distributed and made available around April 24, 2019.

By order of the Board of Directors.

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Jodi J. Caro
General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Corporate Secretary

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 

1

 

 

Proposal One — Election of Directors 

6

 

 

Information About Our Directors Nominees 

7

 

 

Information About Our Directors Continuing in Office 

10

 

 

Non-Executive Director Compensation for Fiscal 2018 

13

 

 

Proposal Two — Ratification of Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

15

 

 

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

16

 

 

Audit Committee 

17

 

 

Report of the Audit Committee of the Board Of Directors 

18

 

 

Compensation Committee 

19

 

 

Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board Of Directors 

21

 

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS 

22

 

 

Proposal Three — Advisory Resolution on Executive Compensation 

42

 

 

CEO Pay Ratio 

43

 

 

STOCK 

44

 

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND TRANSACTIONS 

47

 

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROXY MATERIALS AND THE ANNUAL MEETING 

48

 

 

MISCELLANEOUS 

52

 

 

Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on June 5, 2019. The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended February 2, 2019 are available at http://ir.ultabeauty.com. Brokers cannot vote for Proposals 1 or 3 without your instructions.

We are furnishing proxy materials to our stockholders primarily via the internet. Internet distribution of our proxy materials is designed to expedite receipt by stockholders, lower the cost of the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (sometimes referred to as the “Annual Meeting”) and conserve natural resources. However, if you would prefer to receive paper copies of proxy materials, please follow the instructions included in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials.

 

 

 

 


 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

 

C

 

orporate Governance

Over the course of Ulta Beauty’s history, the Board of Directors has developed corporate governance policies, practices and guidelines consistent with its duties of good faith, due care and loyalty to help fulfill its responsibilities to our stockholders.

Board Leadership Structure

The Corporate Governance Guidelines (the “Corporate Governance Guidelines”) of Ulta Beauty, Inc. (“Ulta Beauty,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”) provide that the offices of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chairperson of the Board of Directors may be either combined or separated at the discretion of the Board of Directors (sometimes referred to as the “Board”). We currently separate the roles of CEO and Chairperson of the Board. Our Board is led by an independent, non‑executive Chairperson. We believe that this leadership structure enhances the accountability of the CEO to the Board, strengthens the Board’s independence from management and ensures a greater role for the independent directors in the oversight of the Company. In addition, separating these roles allows our CEO to focus her efforts on running our business and managing our Company in the best interests of our stockholders, while the Chairperson provides guidance to the CEO and, in consultation with management, helps to set the agenda for Board meetings and establishes priorities and procedures for the work of the full Board. The Chairperson presides over meetings of the full Board as well as executive sessions (without management), which the Board generally holds several times a year, both telephonically and in conjunction with each in‑person meeting of the full Board.

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines also provide that the independent directors will select a lead director when the Chairperson does not qualify as an independent director (which is not the situation currently since the Chairperson qualifies as an independent director). In the event that the independent directors make such a determination, a majority of the independent directors will appoint a lead director. In the event that a lead director is designated, his or her duties would include: assisting the Chairperson of the Board and Board of Directors in assuring compliance with and implementation of the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, coordinating the agenda for and moderating sessions of the Board’s non‑management directors and facilitating communications between the non‑management directors and the other members of the Board and the management of the Company. The Company currently has nine independent directors and to date they have not determined that the Board of Directors should have a lead director in addition to our independent Chairperson.

The Board believes that the current Board leadership structure is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders at this time. The Board recognizes that no single leadership model is right for all companies and at all times and that, depending on the circumstances, other leadership models, such as combining the Chairperson and CEO roles, might be appropriate. Accordingly, the Board periodically reviews its leadership structure. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide the flexibility for the Board to modify or continue its leadership structure in the future, as it deems appropriate.

Independence

Board member independence is an essential element of Ulta Beauty corporate governance. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the current non‑employee directors and each nominee for director is free of any relationship that would interfere with his or her individual exercise of independent judgment with regard to Ulta Beauty. Mary N. Dillon, CEO, is currently the sole member of the Board of Directors who is not independent due to her executive position with Ulta Beauty. Each member of the nominating and corporate governance committee, compensation committee and audit committee satisfies the current independence requirements of The NASDAQ Stock Market (“NASDAQ”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

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Board of Directors Meetings and Committees

 

 

 

During the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019 (“fiscal 2018”), the Board of Directors held eight meetings. During fiscal 2018, all directors attended at least 75 percent of the aggregate meetings of the Board of Directors and of the committees on which he or she served that were held during the period for which he or she was a director or committee member, respectively. The Board of Directors has an audit committee, a nominating and corporate governance committee and a compensation committee. Directors are invited and expected to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and all of our directors then in office attended our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. 

 

Non-Executive Chairperson

From June 2015 until his resignation on September 30, 2018, Charles J. Philippin served as our Non-Executive Chairperson. As of September 30, 2018, Robert F. DiRomualdo became our Non - Executive Chairperson and, as such, typically presides over meetings of the full Board as well as executive sessions.

Committee Composition: Unless otherwise noted, the following table provides the composition of each of our committees as of April 8, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Director

  

  

Audit Committee (1)

  

  

Nominating and
Corporate Governance
Committee (2)

  

  

Compensation
Committee (3)

Robert F. DiRomualdo*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sally E. Blount

 

 

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Michelle L. Collins

 

 

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Mary N. Dillon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dennis K. Eck

 

 

 

 

 

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Picture 13

Catherine A. Halligan

 

 

 

 

 

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Charles Heilbronn

 

 

 

 

 

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Michael R. MacDonald

 

 

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George R. Mrkonic

 

 

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Lorna E. Nagler

 

 

 

 

 

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Picture 2 Committee Chairperson

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* Non‑Executive Chairperson of the Board, as of September 30, 2018.

1.

Additional information regarding the audit committee can be found starting on page 17.

2.

Additional information regarding the nominating and corporate governance committee can be found starting on page 3.

3.

Additional information regarding the compensation committee can be found starting on page 19.

Board Role in Risk Oversight

Our Board of Directors oversees an enterprise‑wide approach to risk management, designed to support the achievement of organizational objectives, including strategic objectives, to improve long‑term organizational performance and enhance stockholder value. Management is responsible for the Company’s day‑to‑day risk management activities and processes, and our Board’s role is to engage in informed oversight of and provide guidance with respect to such risk management activities and processes. The Board recognizes that a fundamental part of risk management is not only understanding the risks our Company faces and the steps management is taking to manage those risks, but also understanding what level of risk is appropriate for our Company. As such, the Board focuses on understanding the nature of our enterprise risks, including operational, financial, legal and regulatory, cybersecurity, strategic, competitive and reputational risks, as well as the adequacy of our risk assessment and risk management processes. To facilitate such an understanding, the Board and its committees receive management updates on our business operations, financial results and strategy, and the Board discusses and provides guidance with respect to risks related to those topics.

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While the Board has the ultimate oversight responsibility for the risk management process, various committees of the Board also have responsibility for risk management. The audit committee oversees risks associated with financial accounting and audits, internal control over financial reporting, as well as cybersecurity. The audit committee assists the Board in its oversight by discussing with management the Company’s risk assessment and management policies, the Company’s significant financial risk exposures and the actions taken by management to limit, monitor or control such exposures. The compensation committee oversees risks relating to the Company’s compensation policies and practices. In setting compensation, the compensation committee strives to create incentives that encourage a level of risk‑taking behavior consistent with the Company’s business strategy. The compensation committee also oversees risks relating to the Company’s management development and leadership succession. The nominating and corporate governance committee oversees the implementation of the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and monitors compliance therewith. The nominating and corporate governance committee also oversees implementation of the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, board evaluation process, and the process for recommending candidates to the Board of Directors for nomination as directors and membership on committees of the Board.

Director Age Limit

Our Corporate Governance Guidelines provide that any director who reaches the age of 75 years in his or her first year of his or her three‑year term will not be eligible to stand for election unless the nominating and corporate governance committee, after evaluation of the continued appropriateness of Board membership in light of all of the circumstances, decides to recommend to the Board that an exception be made. In addition, any director who reaches the age of 75 years in his or her second or third year of his or her three‑year term will, promptly following such director’s 75th birthday, submit to the Board his or her resignation from the Board. In this situation, the nominating and corporate governance committee will consider the resignation submitted, evaluate the continued appropriateness of Board membership in light of all of the circumstances and recommend to the Board whether to accept such director’s resignation or request that the director continue to serve. If such resignation is accepted by the Board, it will be effective at the next annual meeting of stockholders following the resignation. In accordance with our age limit policy, Mr. Eck, who reached the age of 75 on May 30, 2018, submitted his resignation as a director of the Company. Based on the recommendation of the nominating and corporate governance committee, the Board accepted Mr. Eck’s resignation on June 6, 2018, and it will be effective as of June 5, 2019, the date of the 2019 Annual Meeting.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The nominating and corporate governance committee acts under a written charter approved by the Board of Directors that is reviewed regularly and has been published under “Corporate Governance” in the Investor Relations section of the Ulta Beauty website at http://ir.ultabeauty.com. The primary responsibility of the nominating and corporate governance committee is to recommend to the Board of Directors candidates for nomination as directors and membership on committees of the Board. The committee reviews the performance and independence of each director, and in appropriate circumstances, may recommend the removal of a director. The committee oversees the evaluation of the Board of Directors and the committees of the Board and makes recommendations to improve performance. The committee also recommends to the Board of Directors policies with respect to corporate governance. During fiscal 2018, the nominating and corporate governance committee was composed of the following independent directors: Ms. Collins, Mr. Eck, Ms. Halligan, Mr. Heilbronn and Ms. Nagler. Ms. Collins serves as the current Chairperson of the committee. The Board of Directors has determined that each committee member qualifies as a “non‑employee director” under rules and regulations of the SEC, as well as the independence requirements of NASDAQ. The nominating and corporate governance committee met six times during fiscal 2018.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter

The nominating and corporate governance committee charter identifies the roles and responsibilities that govern the nominating and corporate governance committee, such as:

·

identifying and evaluating qualified candidates to become Board members;

·

selecting nominees for election as directors at the next annual meeting of stockholders (or special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected);

·

selecting candidates to fill any vacancies on the Board;

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Corporate Governance

 

 

 

·

reviewing the composition of the committees of the Board and making recommendations to the Board regarding the selection of the members of the committees;

·

overseeing the implementation of and monitoring compliance with Ulta Beauty’s Code of Business Conduct (other than with respect to accounting or auditing issues, that the audit committee oversees);

·

overseeing the evaluation of the Board and the committees of the Board; and

·

periodically reviewing the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and other governance policies.

Nomination Process — Qualifications

Pursuant to its charter, the nominating and corporate governance committee annually assesses the experience, expertise, capabilities, skills and diversity of the members of the Board, including diversity of age, gender, nationality, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, individually and collectively, and considers these factors when evaluating director candidates.

 

 

 

 

What We Do:

We review the skills and characteristics of the board directors

The nominating and corporate governance committee is responsible for reviewing the appropriate skills and characteristics in the context of prevailing business conditions and, in its nominating committee capacity, for making recommendations regarding the size, composition and desired complementary skill sets of the Board of Directors, including diversity of age, gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

 

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We search for appropriate candidates based on recommendations

We consider potential director candidates recommended by current directors, officers, employees and others. We also consider all stockholder recommendations for candidates for the Board of Directors, however, to date, we have not received any director nominee recommendations from a stockholder. Stockholders who want to suggest a candidate for consideration should send a written notice, addressed to the Corporate Secretary. We have engaged the services of search firms to provide us with candidates, especially when we are looking for a candidate with a particular expertise, quality, skill or background.

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We interview candidates and deliberate

The nominating and corporate governance committee screens all potential candidates in the same manner, regardless of the source of the recommendation. Our review is typically based on any written materials provided with respect to potential candidates, as well as appropriate due diligence, and we review such materials to determine the qualifications, experience and background of the candidates. Final candidates are typically interviewed by members of the committee and other members of the Board, as appropriate. After review and deliberation of all feedback and data, the committee makes a recommendation to the full Board of Directors regarding who should be nominated by the Board of Directors.

 

 

Key Objectives and Considerations:

The objective of the nominating and corporate governance committee is to create and sustain a Board of Directors that brings to Ulta Beauty a variety of perspectives and skills derived from high-quality business and professional experience. Both the Board and the nominating and corporate governance committee believe that it is essential for Board members to represent diverse viewpoints, backgrounds, experiences, expertise and skill sets, including diversity of age, gender, nationality, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation, differences in professional experience, education, skill and other individual qualities and attributes that contribute to an active, effective Board.

 

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We value our stockholders’ input and encourage them to nominate candidates. To submit a candidate, please follow the process outlined under the Nomination of Directors header in the Questions and Answers section of this proxy statement.

The committee evaluates each individual in the context of our Board of Directors as a whole with the objective of assembling a group that can best perpetuate the success of our Company and represent stockholder interests through the exercise of sound judgment. The nominating and corporate governance committee recommends those candidates who possess the highest personal and professional integrity, have prior experience in corporate management and the industry, maintain academic or operational expertise in an area of our business and demonstrate practical and mature business judgment.

Code of Business Conduct

All Ulta Beauty employees, officers and members of the Board of Directors must always act ethically and in accordance with the policies comprising the Ulta Beauty Code of Business Conduct. All corporate employees, officers and members of the Board of Directors have signed a certificate acknowledging that they have read, understand and will continue to comply with the policy, and all corporate employees and officers are required to read and acknowledge this policy on an annual basis. Ulta Beauty includes the Code of Business Conduct in new hire materials for all corporate employees. The policy is published and any amendments or waivers thereto will be published under “Corporate Governance” in the Investor Relations section of the Ulta Beauty website located at http://ir.ultabeauty.com.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Our Board of Directors adopted the Corporate Governance Guidelines to assist the Board in the exercise of its responsibilities. The Corporate Governance Guidelines have been published under “Corporate Governance” in the Investor Relations section of the Ulta Beauty website located at http://ir.ultabeauty.com.

Director Ownership Guidelines

Our Board of Directors has adopted share ownership guidelines that apply to all of our non‑executive directors. Pursuant to these guidelines, each non‑executive director should hold shares of our common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options and/or stock appreciation rights with a value equal to five times the annual cash retainer paid to non‑executive directors by the fifth anniversary of the date the guidelines became effective for each director.

Stockholder Communication

Any stockholder is free to communicate in writing with the Board of Directors on matters pertaining to Ulta Beauty by addressing his or her comments to the Board of Directors, c/o General Counsel, Ulta Beauty, Inc., 1000 Remington Blvd., Suite 120, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, or by e‑mail at InvestorRelations@ulta.com. Our General Counsel will review all correspondence addressed to our Board of Directors, or any individual director, for any inappropriate correspondence and correspondence more suitably directed to management. Our General Counsel will forward appropriate stockholder communications to our Board of Directors prior to the next regularly scheduled meeting of our Board of Directors following the receipt of such communication. Our General Counsel will summarize all correspondence not forwarded to our Board of Directors and make the correspondence available to our Board of Directors for its review upon our Board’s request.

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Corporate Governance

 

 

 

PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that our Board of Directors be divided into three classes, designated Class I, Class II and Class III, with each class consisting, as nearly as possible, of one‑third of the total number of directors. Each class serves a three‑year term with one class being elected at each year’s annual meeting of stockholders. Vacancies on our Board of Directors may be filled by persons elected by a majority of the remaining directors. A director elected by our Board of Directors to fill a vacancy, including a vacancy created by an increase in size of our Board of Directors, will serve for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred and until that director’s successor is elected and qualified.

The Board of Directors is presently composed of ten members, nine of whom are non‑employee, independent directors. Each director was elected to the Board of Directors to serve until a successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her death, resignation or removal. As mentioned above, Dennis K. Eck, a director since 2007, is retiring as of the date of the Annual Meeting.

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to approve the nominees for election. Abstentions will be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast on proposals presented to the stockholders and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non‑votes will be counted towards a quorum, but will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether the nominees have been elected.

Summary of Qualifications and Experience of Director Nominees and Directors Continuing in Office

The following tables highlight specific experience, qualifications, attributes, skills, and background information, including age, gender, race, and sexual orientation, where self-disclosed, that the Board considered for each director nominee and each director continuing in office. A particular director may possess additional experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills, even if not expressly indicated below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

Leadership

  

  

Governance

  

  

Finance

  

  

Retail

  

  

Tech/

Digital

  

  

Operations

  

  

Marketing

  

  

Global

  

 

Academia

 

Robert F. DiRomualdo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sally E. Blount

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle L. Collins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catherine A. Halligan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Heilbronn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael R. MacDonald

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George R. Mrkonic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lorna E. Nagler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directors’

Directors’

Directors’

Directors’

Directors’

Directors’

Race

Gender

Average Tenure

Average Age

Independence

Sexual Orientation

 

 

 

 

 

 

11%

56%

7.9

62

89%

11%

Diverse

Female

Years

Years

Independent

LGBTQ+

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT OUR DIRECTOR NOMINEES 

 

 

 

What are you voting on?

You are being asked to elect Ms. Blount, Ms. Dillon and Messrs. Heilbronn and MacDonald as Class III Directors whose terms expire in 2019 and are nominees for re‑election. If elected at the Annual Meeting, Ms. Blount, Ms. Dillon and Messrs. Heilbronn and MacDonald would serve until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified or until their death, resignation or removal.

 

Class III Nominees for election for a three year term expiring at the 2022 Annual Meeting:

Sally E. Blount

Age: 57

Director since: 2017

Experience:

Dr. Blount is the Michael L. Nemmers Professor of Strategy and former Dean (2010-2018) at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. She currently serves on the Board of Directors at Abbott Laboratories, the Joyce Foundation and the Economic Club of Chicago. She is also a member of the advisory board for the Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Program and the Archdiocese of Chicago Finance Council.

 

She has 14 years of experience as a business school dean and senior university administrator at Northwestern University and New York University, as well as more than 30 years of experience as a business educator at the undergraduate, MBA, doctoral and executive levels at Northwestern’s Kellogg School, New York University’s Stern School of Business, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Early in her career she served as Director of Finance and Planning at Eva Maddox Associates (now part of Perkins + Will) and as an Associate Consultant at the Boston Consulting Group.

 

Qualifications:

As an experienced business educator, senior university administrator, and board member, Dr. Blount provides our Board with expertise on business organization, governance, and management matters. This experience makes her a valued member of the Board and member of our audit committee.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE IN FAVOR OF EACH NAMED NOMINEE

 

 

 

 

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Mary N. Dillon

Age: 57

Director since: 2013

Experience:

Ms. Dillon has been our Chief Executive Officer since July 2013. Ms. Dillon joined the Board of Directors of Starbucks in January 2016 and serves on the compensation and management development committee and nominating and corporate governance committee. Ms. Dillon also serves on the Board of Directors of KKR & Co. Inc.

Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, Ms. Dillon served as President and Chief Executive Officer and member of the board of directors of United States Cellular Corporation (“U.S. Cellular”), a provider of wireless telecommunication services, beginning in June 2010. Prior to joining U.S. Cellular, Ms. Dillon served as Global Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President of McDonald’s Corporation from 2005 to 2010, where she led its worldwide marketing efforts and global brand strategy. Prior to joining McDonald’s, Ms. Dillon held several positions of increasing responsibility at PepsiCo Corporation, including as President of the Quaker Foods division from 2004 to 2005 and as Vice President of Marketing for Gatorade and Quaker Foods from 2002 to 2004. Ms. Dillon served as a director of Target Corporation from 2007 to 2013 and as a member of its compensation committee from 2009 to 2013.

Qualifications:

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Ms. Dillon is able to provide the Board with valuable insight regarding the Company’s operations, its management team and associates as a result of her day to day involvement in the operations of the business. Additionally, the Board benefits from Ms. Dillon’s demonstrated leadership skills and the extensive senior management and executive operational experience she has acquired in businesses across various consumer and retail industries. With more than 30 years of experience in consumer driven businesses, Ms. Dillon lends her extensive operational and marketing expertise to the Board, as well as her insights into the management of complex organizations, and she contributes an understanding of operational and marketing strategy in today’s challenging environment.

 

Charles Heilbronn

Age: 64

Director since: 1995

Experience:

Mr. Heilbronn has been Executive Vice President and Secretary since 1998 of Chanel, Inc., a privately held luxury goods company selling fragrances and cosmetics, women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, leather goods, fine jewelry, and watches. Mr. Heilbronn is currently a Director of Chanel, Inc., Mousseluxe SARL, and various of their affiliates in the U.S. and worldwide.

Qualifications:

Mr. Heilbronn has more than 30 years of experience at one of the world’s leading luxury goods companies and brings a broad domestic and international perspective to issues considered by the Board. His business background and industry experience enable him to provide substantial expertise on relevant business matters and in the governance of publicly held corporations as a member of our compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee.

 

 

 

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Michael R. MacDonald

Age: 67

Director since: 2012

Experience:

Mr. MacDonald served as the President and Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors of DSW Inc. from April 2009 through December 2015. Prior to joining DSW Inc., Mr. MacDonald served as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Shopko Stores, a retail company, from May 2006 to March 2009. Prior to that time, Mr. MacDonald held executive positions at Saks Incorporated from 1998 to 2006, including as Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Department Stores Group for six years. Prior to serving in that capacity, Mr. MacDonald held executive positions at Carson Pirie Scott, including the position of Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer.

Qualifications:

The Board benefits from Mr. MacDonald’s experience serving as a director for a public company board and his prior experience makes him a valued member of the Board, a member of our compensation committee, and Chairperson of the audit committee. With more than 30 years of business experience in all phases of retail, including managing merchandising, marketing, stores, operations and finance functions, Mr. MacDonald brings strong leadership abilities and in depth retail knowledge to our Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT OUR DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE

Class I Directors Continuing In Office Until The 2020 Annual Meeting:

Michelle L. Collins

Age: 59

Director since: 2014

Experience:

Ms. Collins has been President of Cambium LLC, a business and financial advisory firm serving small and medium sized businesses, since 2007. Ms. Collins has served as a director of PrivateBancorp, Inc. since November 2014 and since its acquisition in June 2017, has been a board member of the acquirer, CIBC, and currently serves on the risk management committee.

In 1997, Ms. Collins co-founded Svoboda, Collins LLC, a private equity firm, where she served as Managing Director from 1998 to 2007, and continues to serve on its Advisory Board. From 1992 to 1997, Ms. Collins was a principal at William Blair & Company, LLC, where she focused on specialty retail, catalog and distribution businesses in corporate finance. Ms. Collins served as a director of Integrys Energy Group, Inc. from May 2011 to June 2015 and as a member of its audit committee and Chairperson of its governance committee. Additionally, Ms. Collins’ prior public company director experience includes Molex, Inc. from 2003 to 2013, including as a member of its audit committee and nominating and corporate governance committee, Bucyrus International, Inc. from 2009 to 2011, including as a member of its audit committee, and CDW Corporation from 1996 to 2007, where she served as Chairperson of its audit committee.

Qualifications:

The Board benefits from Ms. Collins’ extensive experience serving on both private and public company boards and her prior committee experience makes her a valued member of the Board and member of our audit committee and Chairperson of our nominating and corporate governance committee. Ms. Collins’ experience evaluating, investing in, monitoring and exiting private equity investments as well as advising growth companies as an investment banker also enhances her value to the Company’s Board.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Class II Directors Continuing In Office Until The 2021 Annual Meeting:

 

 

 

Robert F. DiRomualdo

Age: 74

Director since: 2004

Experience:

Mr. DiRomualdo is Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Naples Ventures, LLC, a private investment company that he formed in 2002. Mr. DiRomualdo currently serves as a Director of 4R Systems.

Prior to 2002, Mr. DiRomualdo served in various roles at Borders Group, Inc. and its predecessor companies, including as Chairperson of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. Prior to 1989, he also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Hickory Farms. He was previously a director of Gordon Brothers Group, where he served on the audit committee, Securus, Inc. and Bill Me Later, Inc., where he served as Chairperson of the compensation committee and as a member of the audit committee.

Qualifications:

Mr. DiRomualdo’s qualifications for the Board include his ability to provide the insight and perspectives of an experienced Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of a major retail company, during which time he was instrumental in the development and implementation of a growth strategy that led to the company’s expansion into major domestic and international markets. He also oversaw a public stock offering and listing on the New York Stock Exchange by Borders Group as well as its inclusion into the Fortune 500. Due to his experience supervising the principal financial officer of Borders Group as well as his previous committee experience, Mr. DiRomualdo provides valuable insight as the Chairperson of our board of directors.

 

Catherine A. Halligan

Age: 56

Director since: 2012

Experience:

Ms. Halligan has served as an Advisor/Consultant to Chanel Inc. since January 2014 and Narvar Inc. since February 2013. Ms. Halligan has served as a member of the board of directors of FLIR Systems, Inc. since March 2014, including as Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of its Audit Committee. Since January 2019, she has served as a Non-Executive Director of Ferguson plc, including a member of the Audit, Nominating and Governance and Remuneration Committees.

Ms. Halligan held Senior Executive level positions with a SaaS software company and prominent retailers. She served as an Advisor from January to April 2012 and Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing from July 2010 to December 2011 of PowerReviews Inc., a leading SaaS software for customer reviews and social commerce. Prior to joining PowerReviews Inc., from 2005 to 2010, she was an Officer, and served in various executive positions with Walmart, including Chief Marketing Officer of Walmart from 2007 to 2009 and Vice President Market Development, Global eCommerce of Walmart.com from 2009 to 2010. From 2000 to 2005, Ms. Halligan served as an Associate Partner at Prophet, a global strategy consultancy. From 1996 to 1999, Ms. Halligan held Executive retail management positions with Williams Sonoma Inc., including Vice President and General Manager, Internet and Vice President, Marketing. Ms. Halligan also has previous retail experience with Blue Nile, Inc. and the Gymboree Corporation. Ms. Halligan began her career as a Marketing and Planning analyst for Lands’ End from 1987 to 1991.

Qualifications:

With over 20 years of experience in marketing, digital and e-commerce in the retail and SaaS software industries, Ms. Halligan provides valuable insight and expertise on strategic marketing issues, digital technology and omnichannel business capabilities. In addition, Ms. Halligan’s business experience with large retail companies makes her a valued member of our nominating and corporate governance committee and Chairperson of our compensation committee.

 

 

 

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George R. Mrkonic

Age: 66

Director since: 2015

Experience:

Mr. Mrkonic is the Non-Executive Chairman of Maru Group, a UK and North America based market research company unifying deep sector expertise with cloud-based customer insight communities. In addition to being Non-Executive Chairman of Maru and a member of its audit committee, he serves as a director and member of the compensation committee of Brinker International and the audit and compensation committees of AutoZone, Inc.

Mr. Mrkonic is also the retired Non-Executive Chairman of Paperchase Products Limited, London, UK, a retailer of cards, stationery, wraps and gifts. He is also the retired President and Vice Chairman of Borders Group, Inc. having served as Director from 1994 to 2004, Vice Chairman from 1994 to 2002 and President from 1994 to 1997. He began his retail career in 1978 and has led several retail companies including Herman’s Sporting Goods, Eyelab, Kmart’s Specialty Retailing Group and Borders. In the last five years he has also served on the board of directors of Syntel and Pacific Sunwear.

Qualifications:

Mr. Mrkonic’s more than 30 years of experience in the retail industry as well as his knowledge and skills as a senior executive and director of large public companies brings to our Board and audit committee a broad understanding of the complex strategic, governance and financial issues facing large public companies in the current economic environment.

 

Lorna E. Nagler

Age: 62

Director since: 2009

Experience:

Ms. Nagler was President of Bealls Department Stores, Inc. from January 2011 to January 2016. She served as President, Chief Executive Officer and director of Christopher & Banks Corporation, a specialty retailer of women’s clothing, from August 2007 to October 2010. From 2004 to 2007, Ms. Nagler was President of Lane Bryant, a division of Charming Shoppes, Inc., a women’s apparel company. From 2002 to 2004, she was President of Catherines Stores, also a division of Charming Shoppes, Inc. From 1996 to 2002, Ms. Nagler held various retail management positions with Kmart Corporation, including Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager of Apparel and Jewelry, Divisional Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Kids and Menswear. From 1994 to 1996, Ms. Nagler was a Vice President, Divisional Merchandise Manager for Kids “R” Us. Ms. Nagler also has previous retail experience with Montgomery Ward and Main Street Department Stores.

Qualifications:

With years of experience as a senior level executive in a wide variety of retail companies, including as the President and Chief Executive Officer of a public retail company, Ms. Nagler provides considerable expertise on strategic, management and operational issues facing a multi-state retailer. Running a public company gave Ms. Nagler front line exposure to many of the issues facing public retail companies, particularly on the operational, financial and corporate governance fronts. The Board also benefits from Ms. Nagler’s extensive experience in the retail industry and the informed perspectives such experience facilitates. Additionally, her past role as President and Chief Executive Officer positions her well to serve as a member of our compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee.

 

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NON‑EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL 2018

We strive to promote an ownership mentality among our key leadership and Board of Directors.

The Company utilizes equity compensation to encourage our directors to maintain a stock ownership investment in the Company under appropriate circumstances. As a result, an annual equity retainer totaling $150,000 is granted to each non‑employee director, in the form of restricted stock units valued on the share price of our common stock on the date of grant. During fiscal 2018, each non‑employee director received a grant of 587 restricted stock units that will vest on June 6, 2019. Ms. Nagler was granted stock options upon joining our Board in 2009, all of which are currently vested and exercisable.

Each non‑employee director is paid an annual cash retainer. In addition, the Non‑Executive Chairperson and each committee Chairperson receive an additional cash retainer for serving in those roles. Cash payments are paid pro‑rata in quarterly installments at the end of each fiscal quarter. The compensation committee reviews on an annual basis market data gathered by the compensation committee’s independent advisor for determining compensation. In June 2018, the Board of Directors approved increases to the retainers paid to each non-employee director, the Non-Executive Chairperson and committee Chairpersons. The following table sets forth the cash retainers for services before and after June 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Cash Retainer
Before

 

 

Cash Retainer
After

 

  

 

  

Role

 

June 5, 2018
($)

 

 

June 5, 2018
($)

 

 

Percentage Increase

 

Non-Employee Director

 

105,000

 

 

110,000

 

 

5%

 

Non-Executive Chairperson

 

125,000

 

 

155,000

 

 

24%

 

Audit Committee Chairperson

 

25,000

 

 

30,000

 

 

20%

 

Compensation Committee Chairperson

 

20,000

 

 

25,000

 

 

25%

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairperson

 

15,000

 

 

20,000

 

 

33%

 

The following table provides information related to non‑employee director compensation earned for fiscal 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fees Earned or

 

 

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paid in Cash

 

 

Awards (1)(2)

 

 

Total

 

Name

  

  

($)

  

  

($)

  

  

($)

  

Robert F. DiRomualdo

 

 

179,574

 

 

150,184

 

 

329,758

 

Sally E. Blount

 

 

108,324

 

 

150,184

 

 

258,508

 

Michelle L. Collins

 

 

126,648

 

 

150,184

 

 

276,832

 

Dennis K. Eck

 

 

108,324

 

 

150,184

 

 

258,508

 

Catherine A. Halligan

 

 

131,648

 

 

150,184

 

 

281,832

 

Charles Heilbronn

 

 

108,324

 

 

150,184

 

 

258,508

 

Michael R. MacDonald

 

 

118,626

 

 

150,184

 

 

268,810

 

George R. Mrkonic

 

 

108,324

 

 

150,184

 

 

258,508

 

Lorna E. Nagler

 

 

108,324

 

 

150,184

 

 

258,508

 

Charles J. Philippin (3)

 

 

162,266

 

 

164,941

 

 

327,207

 

Vanessa A. Wittman (4)

 

 

108,324

 

 

150,184

 

 

258,508

 

1.

Amounts shown represent the grant date fair value as computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). For a discussion of the assumptions made in the valuation reflected in this column, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2018 contained in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed on April 2, 2019.

2.

The grant date fair value of the restricted stock units awarded to each director in fiscal 2018, other than Mr. Philippin, was based on a fair value of $255.85 per share on June 6, 2018. Mr. Philippin’s award was modified to accelerate the vesting upon his retirement on September 30, 2018. The grant date fair value of the modified restricted stock units awarded to Mr. Philippin was based on a fair value of $280.99 per share on September 30, 2018.

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3.

Mr. Philippin retired from the Board of Directors effective September 30, 2018 and his compensation as a non‑employee director in fiscal 2018 was pro‑rated in accordance with his service period.

4.

Ms. Wittman resigned from the Board of Directors on March 15, 2019.

The following table sets forth the outstanding stock options and restricted stock units held by our non‑employee directors as of April 8, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

Name

  

  

Options (#)

  

  

Units (#)

  

Robert F. DiRomualdo

 

 

 —

 

 

587

 

Sally E. Blount

 

 

 —

 

 

587

 

Michelle L. Collins

 

 

 —

 

 

587

 

Dennis K. Eck

 

 

 —

 

 

587

 

Catherine A. Halligan

 

 

 —

 

 

587

 

Charles Heilbronn

 

 

 —

 

 

587

 

Michael R. MacDonald

 

 

 —

 

 

587

 

George R. Mrkonic

 

 

 —

 

 

587

 

Lorna E. Nagler

 

 

28,333

 

 

587

 

 

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PROPOSAL TWO
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

 

What are you voting on?

You are being asked to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year 2019, ending February 1, 2020

 

The audit committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2019, ending February 1, 2020. Services provided to Ulta Beauty by Ernst & Young LLP in fiscal 2018 are described under “Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” below. Additional information regarding the audit committee is provided on page 18. Ernst & Young LLP has audited the financial statements of Ulta Beauty since 1997. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make such statements as they may desire.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL TWO

 

Stockholder ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm is not required by our Bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board of Directors is submitting the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate governance practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the audit committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the audit committee, in its discretion, may direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Ulta Beauty and our stockholders.

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP. Abstentions will be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast on proposals presented to the stockholders and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non‑votes will be counted towards a quorum, but will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether this proposal has been ratified.

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FEES TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The following table sets forth the aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for professional services rendered for fiscal 2018 and 2017:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

2018

  

  

2017

  

Audit Fees (1)

 

 

$

1,668,500

 

 

$

1,458,000

 

Audit-Related Fees

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 —

 

Tax Fees (2)

 

 

 

541,500

 

 

 

190,000

 

All Other Fees (3)

 

 

 

3,600

 

 

 

1,995

 

Total

 

 

$

2,213,600

 

 

$

1,649,995

 

1.

Represents fees and expenses billed for professional services rendered for audits of our annual financial statements, including reviews of the financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10‑Q. Audit fees increased in 2018 due to additional audit procedures associated with the new lease accounting standard, recent acquisitions and increased complexity of the business. 

2.

Represents fees and expenses for tax‑related services; primarily for tax consulting and tax planning. Tax fees increase in 2018 represent Ernst & Young consultative work associated primarily with our new captive insurance company, transfer pricing study, and recent acquisitions.

3.

Represents fees relating to online research software.

The audit committee has approved all professional fees paid to Ernst & Young LLP.

The audit committee has established procedures for the pre‑approval of all audit and permitted non‑audit‑related services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The procedures include, in part, that: (i) the audit committee, on an annual basis, shall pre‑approve the independent registered public accounting firm’s engagement letter/annual service plan; (ii) the audit committee must pre‑approve any permitted service not included in the annual service plan; (iii) the audit committee Chairperson has the ability to pre‑approve any permitted service up to a pre‑determined amount between regularly scheduled meetings, as applicable, and a report of such services and related fees are to be disclosed to the full audit committee at the next scheduled meeting; and (iv) the audit committee will review a summary of the services provided and the fees paid on an annual basis.

 

 

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AUDIT COMMITTEE

The audit committee provides assistance to the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility to our stockholders, potential stockholders, the investment community and other stakeholders relating to the Company’s accounting and financial reporting process and the audits of the Company’s financial statements. During fiscal 2018, the audit committee held twelve meetings.  Every committee member was in attendance at each meeting.

Specifically, the audit committee assists the Board of Directors in monitoring the integrity of our financial statements, our independent registered public accounting firm’s qualifications and independence, the performance of our internal audit function and independent registered public accounting firm, our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and our policies with respect to risk assessment and risk management, including cybersecurity risks. The audit committee annually evaluates its own performance and reports its findings and action plans to the Board. The audit committee has direct responsibility for the appointment, compensation, retention (including termination) and oversight of our independent registered public accounting firm. Our independent registered public accounting firm reports directly to the audit committee.

During fiscal 2018, the audit committee was composed of the following independent directors: Ms. Blount, Ms. Collins, Messrs. DiRomualdo (until September 30, 2018), MacDonald and Mrkonic and Ms. Wittman (who resigned on March 15, 2019). Mr. DiRomualdo served as the Chairperson of the Audit Committee until September 30, 2018, when he became our Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board. As of September 30, 2018, Mr. MacDonald became the Chairperson of the audit committee. Each of Messrs. MacDonald and Mrkonic and Ms. Collins have been designated by the Board of Directors as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in applicable SEC rules. The Board of Directors made a qualitative assessment of each member’s level of knowledge and experience based on a number of factors, including education and work, management and director experience. The Board of Directors has determined that each committee member qualifies as a “non‑employee director” under SEC rules and regulations, as well as the independence requirements of NASDAQ. All members of our audit committee are financially literate and are independent, as independence is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ listing standards and Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The audit committee acts under a written charter that was adopted by the Board of Directors and has been published under “Corporate Governance” in the Investor Relations section of the Ulta Beauty website located at http://ir.ultabeauty.com.

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS1

The audit committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the quality and integrity of the accounting, auditing and financial reporting process and practices of Ulta Beauty.

The audit committee oversees Ulta Beauty’s financial process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the systems of internal controls. Ulta Beauty has an Internal Audit Department that is actively involved in examining and evaluating Ulta Beauty’s financial, operational and information systems activities and reports functionally to the audit committee and administratively to management. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the audit committee reviewed and discussed with management the periodic reports, including the audited financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K. This included a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements.

The audit committee reviewed with the independent registered public accounting firm, which is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, its judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of Ulta Beauty’s accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the audit committee under generally accepted auditing standards, including the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Standard No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees (AS 1301). In addition, the audit committee has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the firm’s independence from management and Ulta Beauty, including the matters in the written disclosures and the Letter from the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the firm’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence.

The audit committee discussed with Ulta Beauty’s independent registered public accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their audit and developed a pre‑approval process for all independent registered public accounting firm services. The audit committee meets with the independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examination, their evaluation of Ulta Beauty’s internal and disclosure controls and the overall quality of Ulta Beauty’s financial reporting. As noted, the audit committee held 12 meetings during fiscal 2018.

In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the audit committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors approved, that the audited financial statements be included in Ulta Beauty’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for fiscal 2018, ended February 2, 2019, for filing with the SEC. The audit committee has appointed Ernst & Young LLP to be Ulta Beauty’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2019, ending February 1, 2020.

 

 

 

Audit Committee of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

Michael R. MacDonald (Chairperson)
Sally E. Blount

Michelle L. Collins
George R. Mrkonic


1This report is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any Ulta Beauty filing under the Securities Act of 1933 (as amended, the “Securities Act”) or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

During fiscal 2018, the compensation committee was composed of the following directors, all of whom satisfy the independence requirements of NASDAQ: Ms. Halligan, Messrs. Eck, Heilbronn and MacDonald and Ms. Nagler. Ms. Halligan serves as the current Chairperson of the compensation committee. During fiscal 2018, the compensation committee held ten meetings.

The Board of Directors has determined that each current committee member qualifies as a “non‑employee director” under the rules and regulations of the SEC. The compensation committee acts under a written charter that was adopted by the Board of Directors and has been published under “Corporate Governance” in the Investor Relations section of the Ulta Beauty website located at http://ir.ultabeauty.com. Under this charter, the compensation committee is responsible for:

·

setting our compensation philosophy;

·

reviewing and approving the compensation for the CEO and her direct reports (“C‑Level Officers”);

·

reviewing and recommending to the Board the compensation for non‑employee directors;

·

supervising compensation policies for all employees, including reviewing the compensation structure and procedures;

·

recommending to the Board the employment, appointment and removal of C‑Level Officers in accordance with the Bylaws;

·

establishing, amending and terminating compensation and benefits plans and administering such plans; and

·

annually evaluating its own performance and reporting findings and action plans to the Board.

The compensation committee may under its charter delegate any of its responsibilities to a subcommittee, but only to the extent consistent with our Bylaws, Certificate of Incorporation, and NASDAQ rules.

Compensation Consultant

During fiscal 2018 the compensation committee engaged Pay Governance as its outside consultant to assist the compensation committee with executive compensation program design, to advise and consult with the committee on general compensation issues and to keep the committee apprised of regulatory, legislative and accounting developments and competitive practices related to executive compensation. In those capacities, Pay Governance was engaged directly by the compensation committee. Pay Governance is an independent executive compensation consulting firm and does not determine or recommend the exact amount or form of executive compensation for any executive officers. Pay Governance reports directly to the compensation committee, and a representative of Pay Governance, when requested, attends meetings of the committee, is available to participate in executive sessions and communicates directly with the Chairperson of the compensation committee or its members outside of meetings. The compensation committee has reviewed the nature of and extent of the relationship between the compensation committee, the Company and Pay Governance with respect to any potential conflicts of interest or similar concerns. Based on that review, the compensation committee believes that there are no conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest that would unduly influence Pay Governance’s provision of advice that is independent of management to the compensation committee.

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Compensation Risk

The Company reviewed its compensation plans, practices and policies and determined that it does not have any such plans, practices and policies that create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company based on the following:

·

the Company’s variable compensation programs are linked to specific performance goals set and approved by the compensation committee for executive officers and for other employees by supervisors consistent with the Company’s compensation philosophy and business goals;

·

the performance periods for the pay programs are designed to match the period for which the employee has influence on the results and incorporate incentives of a longer term nature to tie the employee to the actual results;

·

payments under the incentives are capped;

·

payments are reviewed by the compensation committee, management, payroll and human resources, and subject to spot audits;

·

the mix between fixed and variable pay is balanced so as to neither discourage proper risk taking, nor encourage excessive risk taking; and

·

participants cannot approve their own performance goals, nor their own payouts.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During fiscal 2018, none of the members of our compensation committee had at any time been one of our officers or employees. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function, of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board of Directors or compensation committee.

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Corporate Governance

 

 

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS2

The compensation committee has reviewed and discussed the following Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) with management. Based on this review and discussion, the compensation committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors approved, that the CD&A be included in Ulta Beauty’s fiscal 2018 Annual Report on Form 10‑K and this Proxy Statement.

 

 

 

Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

Catherine A. Halligan (Chairperson)
Dennis K. Eck
Charles Heilbronn
Michael R. MacDonald
Lorna E. Nagler


2This report is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any Ulta Beauty filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language contained in such filing.

 

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C

 

ompensation Discussion and Analysis

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis describes the Company’s executive compensation program and explains how the compensation committee made compensation decisions for the following Named Executive Officers (the “NEOs”) related to fiscal 2018:

 

 

 

 

Named Executive Officer

  

  

Title

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

Chief Human Resources Officer

David C. Kimbell

 

 

Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer in fiscal 2018; President & Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer as of April 12, 2019 

Executive Summary

Ulta Beauty’s executive compensation programs are designed to be aligned with stockholder interests and are heavily weighted toward performance‑based awards. The compensation program design provides for compensation, other than base salary, to be variable and based on actual performance results.

Fiscal 2018 was a strong year for the Company…

$6.7

billion

We increased net sales by 14.1%
to
$6.7 billion.

 

 

$658.6

million

We increased net income by 18.6%
to
$658.6 million.

 

 

$859.1

million

We grew earnings before income taxes by 9.2% to $859.1 million.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100

We opened 100 net new stores (representing a 9.2% increase in square footage) for a total of 1,174 stores across all 50 states.

 

 

22.1%

We increased income per diluted share by 22.1% to $10.94.

 

 

31.8

million

We increased active loyalty members by 14.4% to 31.8 million.

In addition to the above accomplishments, we added significant new brands to our product offering and continued to invest in our supply chain and omnichannel capabilities.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

Our five‑year top line and bottom line performance, store growth and active loyalty memberships are shown below:

Picture 17

Please see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed on April 2, 2019 for a more detailed description of our fiscal 2018 financial results.

The alignment of performance and pay in fiscal 2018 reflects our compensation philosophy.

Executive pay is delivered through a performance‑based compensation program that provides the opportunity to earn meaningful compensation upon achievement of superior performance and limits earnings opportunity when results are not satisfactory. Annual incentive opportunity is directly tied to one quantifiable objective performance target: earnings before income taxes (“EBT”), adjusted for certain accounting charges and credits. The use of EBT is designed to enhance focus on profitable growth, which is a key indicator of our operating performance. No awards are paid under this program if a threshold level of earnings is not achieved. Based on our continued strong operating performance, we met our EBT target for 2018, resulting in a payout under our annual incentive plan of 101.70% of target.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

Our long‑term incentive plan (“LTIP”) is designed to focus on our plan to drive long‑term profitable growth.

The LTIP includes non‑qualified stock options with four‑year vesting, performance‑based restricted stock units (“PBSs”) that are earned after a two‑year performance period, based on achievement against multi‑year revenue and EBT goals, and require a third year of time vesting, and time‑based restricted stock units (“RSUs”) with three‑year cliff vesting.

 

 

96.0%

approval

At our 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, approximately 96% of stockholders indicated their approval of the compensation paid to our NEOs through the advisory vote to approve executive compensation (“say‑on‑pay”). The compensation committee believes that this vote affirms stockholder support of the Company’s approach to executive compensation. The compensation committee will continue to consider the outcome of the Company’s say‑on‑pay votes when making future compensation decisions for our NEOs. We regularly review and assess our compensation programs to ensure that they are aligned with our business strategies, and that the type and mix of short‑term and long‑term incentive vehicles used continue to align management with stockholders’ interests and reward for high performance.

Philosophy

 

 

 

 

OUR PHILOSOPHY

    

 

HOW WE EXECUTE OUR PHILOSOPHY

 

 

 

 

Our executive compensation philosophy is to provide compensation opportunities that attract, retain, and motivate talented key executives.

 

We evaluate the competitiveness and effectiveness of our compensation programs against other comparable businesses based on industry, size, and other relevant business factors.

 

 

 

 

We link annual incentive compensation to our performance on key measurable financial, operational and strategic goals that drive stockholder value.

 

 

 

 

We focus a significant portion of the executive’s compensation on equity‑based incentives to align interests closely with stockholders.

 

 

 

 

We manage “pay for performance” such that pay is clearly linked to business and individual performance.

Overview of 2018 Compensation

Our fiscal 2018 compensation program generally consisted of a base salary, variable cash incentive, stock options, PBSs and RSUs. This mix of compensation is intended to ensure that total compensation reflects our overall intent to motivate executive officers to meet appropriate performance measures and to align management with stockholders’ long‑term interests.

In March 2018, the compensation committee awarded our CEO an additional award (“2018 CEO Award”) to create an intense focus on share price appreciation and secure Ms. Dillon’s employment for an additional three-year period. The 2018 CEO Award was granted in time-vesting RSUs and performance-based RSUs, with the majority of the earning potential tied to the sustained achievement of specific share price goals. To achieve any incremental award value requires share price growth of approximately 47% over the vesting period, and to achieve the maximum value requires share price growth of approximately 71% over the vesting period.   

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

Components of Compensation

The majority of target compensation we offer our NEOs is delivered in variable, performance‑based elements.

The material components of our executive compensation program and their purposes and key characteristics are summarized in the following table:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reward Element

  

  

Purpose

  

  

Form

  

  

Fixed/
Performance Based

  

  

Short/
Long Term

Fixed

Base Salary

 

 

Compensation for duties and responsibilities

 

 

Cash

 

 

Fixed

 

 

Short Term

At Risk

Annual Incentive Plan

 

 

Rewards NEOs for achievement of company-wide EBT goal

 

 

Cash

 

 

Performance Based

 

 

Short Term

Long-Term Incentive Plan

 

 

Rewards creation of long-term stockholder value and achievement of key operating metrics over a longer term period

 

 

Stock Options (50% of award value)
Performance-Based Shares (30% of award value)
Restricted Stock Units (20% of award value)

 

 

Performance Based

 

 

Long Term

As part of our continued emphasis on creating stockholder value, we utilize EBT as the single performance measure for the corporate annual incentive for all officers. This focus on a single performance objective reflects the Company’s strong linkage between stockholder value creation and management incentives. Each fiscal year, the compensation committee approves the EBT target goal and the threshold and maximum performance against such goals at the beginning of the year. For fiscal 2018, the compensation committee approved adjustments to our actual EBT performance to take into account the impact of two acquisitions completed during the fiscal year and other non-material adjustments per plan guidelines. Based on these adjustments, we achieved performance that was just over our target EBT goal resulting in bonuses for the NEOs payable at 101.70% of their target annual incentives.

We continue to use stock options, PBSs and RSUs as a means of providing long‑term incentives for our NEOs. PBS awards are tied to the attainment of both two‑year EBT growth and two-year revenue growth goals and require a third year of vesting.

The 2018 CEO Award contains time-vesting RSUs and performance-based RSUs. The value and vesting of the performance-based RSUs is based only upon achievement of growth in our share price measured over a specified and sustained period of time.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

The charts below show the percentage of our CEO’s fiscal 2018 target compensation (both excluding and including the 2018 CEO Award) and the average percentages of our other NEOs’ fiscal 2018 target compensation.

 

 

 

Picture 19

 

Picture 16

 

Picture 15

The weighting of our long‑term incentives more heavily to stock options and PBSs emphasizes long‑term alignment with stockholder value, as the stock options will not have any value unless our share price rises and the PBSs will not vest unless the performance goals are met.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

Executive Compensation Policies and Practices

The compensation committee and management seek to ensure that our executive compensation and benefits programs align with our core compensation philosophy. We maintain the following policies and practices that drive our NEOs compensation program:

 

 

 

 

 

What We Do

    

What We Don’t Do

Pay‑for‑Performance: Majority of pay is performance‑based and not guaranteed

 

No Excise Tax Gross‑Ups: The Company does not provide any excise tax gross‑up payments in connection with a change in control

Multiple Performance Metrics and Time Horizons: Use multiple performance metrics focusing on top‑line and bottom‑line growth and multi‑year vesting and measurement periods for long‑term incentives

 

No Repricing or Buyouts of Stock Options: The Company’s equity plan prohibits repricing or buyouts of underwater stock options

Annual Compensation Risk Review: Annually assess risk in compensation programs

 

No Tax Gross‑ups for Perquisites: The Company does not provide tax gross‑ups to NEOs for the limited perquisites we provide

Double‑Trigger Change in Control Equity Vesting: Include “double‑trigger” change in control provisions for equity awards

 

No Hedging, Derivatives, Pledging or Margin Accounts: NEOs are prohibited from engaging in derivatives and hedging transactions and from holding Company stock in a margin account or pledging Company stock as collateral

Share Ownership Guidelines: NEOs must comply with share ownership requirements

 

No Dividends on Unearned PBSs and RSUs: No dividends or dividend equivalents are paid on PBSs or RSUs until such PBSs and RSUs become vested and earned

Clawback Policy: We maintain a robust clawback policy that provides for recovery of incentive compensation in the event of a financial restatement, other misconduct not involving financial restatements, and for breaches of non‑compete and other restrictive covenants

 

No Contracts: No contracts with multi‑year guaranteed salary increases or non‑performance bonus arrangements

Challenging Performance Objectives: Set challenging performance objectives for Annual Incentive and LTIP

 

 

 

Use of Independent Consultant: The compensation committee has retained an independent compensation consultant that performs no other consulting services for the Company and has no conflicts of interest

 

 

 

Limited Perquisites: Provide limited perquisites

 

 

 

Peer Groups: Use appropriate peer groups when establishing compensation

 

 

 

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

2018 Executive Compensation

 

 

 

 

What We Do:

 

 

Objectives and Considerations:

Compensation Committee Reviews Comparative Pay Levels

We review competitive pay levels among a peer group of retailers with revenues similar to Ulta Beauty, compensation survey data for similarly sized retail companies from the Willis Towers Watson 2017 CDB Retail/Wholesale Executive Compensation Survey Report, and compensation survey data for similarly sized general industry companies from the Willis Towers Watson 2017 CDB General Industry Executive Compensation Survey report.

Our CEO Provides Input for Other Executives

The CEO recommends to the committee other executive’s compensation based on the executive’s performance as well as internal pay equity among current executives and newly hired executives, as well as talent and succession planning considerations. The CEO does not participate in setting her own compensation.

Compensation Committee Makes Final Determination

The compensation committee approves executive compensation after deliberation, taking into account such factors as talent planning, succession, and Company performance. In addition, the committee considers such factors as total compensation philosophy, individual performance, and the positioning of Ulta Beauty’s executive total compensation levels relative to market.

 

 

 

 

 

We consider the nature and job scope of each NEO.

 

 

 

 

 

We consider internal pay positioning, taking into account each NEO’s pay components and levels relative to other executives with respect to role, length of time the NEO has served in the NEO’s current position, seniority, and levels of responsibility.

 

 

 

 

 

We consider the accounting and tax impact of each element of compensation.

 

 

 

 

 

We consider competitive pay levels and practices for similar positions among identified data sets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ULTA BEAUTY 2018 COMPENSATION PEER GROUP

 

 

 

 

 

Big Lots, Inc.

 

Dollar Tree, Inc.

 

Ross Stores, Inc.

 

Burlington Stores, Inc.

 

Foot Locker, Inc.

 

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc.

Cabela's Incorporated

 

L Brands, Inc.

 

Signet Jewelers Limited

Carter’s, Inc.

 

Michael Kors Holdings Limited

 

The Michaels Companies, Inc.

Dick’s Sporting Goods, Inc.

 

PVH Corp.

 

Tractor Supply Company

 

 

 

 

Under Armour, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We selected a peer group of companies in similar size and with whom we may compete for talent and assess them annually to ensure the peer group remains relevant from industry, size and performance perspectives for use in benchmarking pay to inform our decisions.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

2018 CEO Award

In March 2018, the Board of Directors, in connection with its annual review of compensation, awarded Ms. Dillon the 2018 CEO Award of 24,478 time-vesting RSUs, which had a value of $5,000,000, based on the closing share price of $204.27 on the grant date. These RSUs cliff vest on September 30, 2021, provided Ms. Dillon is still employed by the Company on this date. As further incentive to drive stock price appreciation, the Board of Directors awarded Ms. Dillon the potential to earn additional performance-based RSUs valued between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000, contingent upon on the Company achieving an average closing share price for either the 20 trading days or 30 calendar days preceding September 30, 2021 of $300 to $350 and her continued employment. These goals require share price growth of approximately 47% over the vesting period to achieve the minimum value and approximately 71% over the vesting period to achieve the maximum value. Additionally, Ms. Dillon is required to hold the shares deliverable upon vesting of the 2018 CEO Award for a period of one year, net of taxes.    

The 2018 CEO Award is designed to recognize the value Ms. Dillon has in driving the continued success of the organization and further align her with the long-term interests of the stockholders in driving stock price appreciation. 

Compensation Components

 

 

 

 

 

COMPENSATION COMPONENTS

 

 

 

 

 

Base Salary

 

Annual Incentives

 

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Base Salary

Base salaries are reviewed annually and are set based on: competitiveness versus the external market, talent planning, internal merit increase budgets, individual and Company performance, and internal equity considerations.

The compensation committee and management discuss the economic and market conditions, which impact compensation decisions. After these thorough reviews, our CEO makes individual recommendations with input from the human resources department regarding competitive position to the market. Ms. Dillon was not involved in the discussion of her own compensation. The NEO base salary and percentage increases approved for fiscal 2018 were:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Base Salary

 

 

Percentage

 

Named Executive Officer

  

  

($)

  

  

Increase

 

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

1,150,510

 

 

 3

%  

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

658,050

 

 

 7

%  

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

535,018

 

 

 7

%  

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

546,042

 

 

 4

%  

David C. Kimbell

 

 

676,520

 

 

10

%  

These base salary levels are competitive with our market. The salary increase for Mr. Settersten, Mr. Kimbell and Ms. Caro were provided to bring base salary compensation more in line with the competitive market for their respective roles. For Ms. Dillon and Mr. Childs increases were reflective of the general salary increase applicable to other employees.

Annual Incentives

The NEO target annual incentives, shown as a percentage of base salaries, for fiscal 2018 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive

 

Named Executive Officer

  

  

Target

  

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

170

%  

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

75

%  

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

65

%  

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

65

%  

David C. Kimbell

 

 

75

%  

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These target annual incentives were unchanged from fiscal 2017. In fiscal 2018, the annual incentives awards awarded to our NEOs were based on achievement of an EBT target of $858.3 million. This was based on a rigorous goal setting process in which management and the compensation committee worked collaboratively to set stretch targets. The fiscal 2018 annual incentive payout was as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Incentive Payout

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

Percent to Target

 

 

Payout

 

Threshold

 

 

92

%  

 

50

%  

Target

 

 

100

%  

 

100

%  

Maximum

 

 

110

%  

 

200

%  

Based on our EBT performance, as adjusted, of $859.7 million, the annual incentive payout was 101.70% based on EBT performance of 100.17% to target. The compensation committee can use negative discretion to reduce calculated annual incentive payouts but did not apply any discretion in fiscal 2018.

The compensation committee also awarded the CEO a discretionary cash bonus of $260,000 for the Company’s superior performance in fiscal 2018.

Long‑Term Incentive Plan

During 2018, we provided long‑term incentive awards through grants of stock options, PBSs and RSUs to our NEOs and certain other employees. Under the LTIP, each eligible employee may receive an award with a value that is targeted to a percentage of base salary, with the ultimate value dependent upon Company performance. The compensation committee approved awards in fiscal 2018 at the targeted percentage of base salary as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

 

 

 

 

LTIP Target

 

Named Executive Officer

  

  

Percentages

 

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

392

%  

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

210

%  

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

100

%  

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

100

%  

David C. Kimbell

 

 

250

%  

The compensation committee increased the LTIP target percentage for Mr. Settersten and Mr. Kimbell to further align their compensation opportunities with stockholders for long‑term value creation and provide market competitive long‑term compensation opportunities.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

Consistent with our pay for performance orientation, the compensation committee granted the annual LTIP award with the following mix:

Picture 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Options

    

PBSs

    

RSUs

Stock options granted under the LTIP generally have the following characteristics:

 

PBSs granted under the LTIP have the following characteristics:

 

RSUs granted under the LTIP generally have the following characteristics:

✔  

exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant;

 

✔  

tied to achievement of a two‑year cumulative revenue and EBT targets;

 

✔  

entitle the holder to receive an equal number of shares of common stock at settlement; and

✔  

ratable vesting, on an annual basis over a four-year period; and

 

✔  

33% of PBS grant value tied to attainment of revenue target and 67% of PBS grant value tied to attainment of EBT target;

 

✔  

cliff vest 100% at the end of three years from grant date.

✔  

ten‑year term from the date of grant.

 

✔  

the number of shares earned can be less or greater than target, including zero, based on Company performance; and

 

 

 

 

 

 

✔  

following the end of the two‑year performance period, a third year of time vesting is required before the number of earned shares is delivered to the recipient.

 

 

 

PBS awards granted in 2017 were earned based on two‑year cumulative revenue and EBT targets as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenue – 33% of PBS Value

 

 

 

 

 

EBT – 67% of PBS Value

 

 

 

 

 

  

  

Percent to Target

 

  

Payout

 

  

Percent to Target

 

  

Payout

 

Threshold

 

 

95%

 

 

50

%  

 

85%

 

 

50

%  

Target

 

 

100%

 

 

100

%  

 

100%

 

 

100

%  

Maximum

 

 

105%

 

 

200

%  

 

110%

 

 

200

%  

The two‑year cumulative revenue and EBT targets were $12.61 billion and $1.79 billion, respectively. For 2017, the compensation committee approved an adjustment to our actual EBT performance to take into account the one‑time bonuses paid to hourly employees related to tax reform. For 2018, the compensation committee approved adjustments to our actual EBT performance to take into account the impact of two acquisitions completed during the fiscal year and other non-material

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adjustments per plan guidelines. Based on these adjustments, we achieved two‑year cumulative revenue and EBT of $12.55 billion and $1.66 billion, respectively, resulting in a payout of 95.6% of the revenue target and 75.0% of the EBT target of the 2017 PBS award. Although the performance period is complete, the awards will not vest for one more year.

In addition, a separate RSU award pool (High Performer Pool) may be funded each year if EBT performance for the year is deemed superior. If the High Performer Pool is funded, based on actual EBT performance for the year and approved by the compensation committee, the CEO may recommend RSU awards to specific individuals based on her assessment of their individual performance and contribution to the success of the Company. The CEO recommends these individual awards to the compensation committee for approval. For fiscal 2018, as in prior years of strong performance, a High Performer Pool was created and Ms. Caro received a $100,000 award of RSUs from that pool. RSUs granted from the High Performer Pool vest ratably, on an annual basis, over a four-year period.  

Share Ownership Guidelines

The compensation committee has established the following share ownership guidelines to strengthen the focus of our senior officers on our long‑term goals and further align their interests with stockholders:

 

 

 

 

Position

  

  

Required Amount

CEO

 

 

6X Base Salary

Other NEOs

 

 

3X Base Salary

Chief Non-NEOs

 

 

2X Base Salary

Shares of common stock held in brokerage accounts for the executives’ benefit in trust, through tax qualified retirement plans, PBSs (which have been earned based on performance, but which are still subject to time vesting), RSUs, and the gain in value (i.e. “in‑the‑money value”) of vested and unvested stock options held are included in determining whether the ownership requirement has been met and sustained. Each executive has five years following appointment to meet the applicable stock ownership requirements of his or her position. All executives are in compliance with our share ownership guidelines.

Clawback Provisions

We maintain a robust compensation recovery or “clawback” policy applicable to all Section 16 officers as well as other employees who receive equity grants or are otherwise selected for coverage.

Under the clawback policy the compensation committee may recover and/or cancel previously granted or earned incentive compensation (including recovery of gains realized thereon) in the event: (a) that Ulta Beauty is required to materially restate its financial or operating results (whether or not there is any fraud or misconduct and whether or not the executive whose compensation is subject to clawback is responsible, but excluding restatements caused by changes in accounting rules, reclassification or other retrospective changes not caused by fraud or misconduct), (b) of fraud or misconduct (regardless of whether the fraud or misconduct is related to a restatement of financial or operating results), (c) of a violation of Ulta Beauty’s Code of Business Conduct or (d) of a violation of any applicable non‑compete, non‑solicitation or confidentiality covenants.

Policy on Ulta Beauty Stock Investments

Our insider trading policy prohibits trading in puts, calls and other derivative securities on our stock and also prohibits the purchase of financial instruments (including prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds) or otherwise engaging in transactions that are designed to or have the effect of hedging or offsetting any decrease in the market value of our stock by officers, directors and employees. In addition, our insider trading policy prohibits our executive officers, directors and other designated insiders from holding Company stock in a margin account or pledging our stock as collateral for a loan, with certain limited exceptions.

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Long‑Term Incentive Granting Policy

We have a general policy of making equity grants (stock options and RSUs) for new executive officers and NEOs once our trading window opens on the third business day following the date our earnings announcement is made for each fiscal quarter. The window generally remains open for 30 days. The annual LTIP grant is generally made in the open window following our fourth quarter earnings announcement. This timing of stock option, PBS and RSU grants is thus generally consistent with when our executives and directors would be allowed to trade in our common stock under our insider trading policy. The compensation committee determined that setting the exercise price for stock options at this time was prudent in that it allowed for the market to process all reported public information prior to establishing the price. Such a practice thereby eliminates any potential manipulation regarding the timing of stock option grants. All stock option, PBS and RSU grants for executives and NEOs are approved in advance by the compensation committee.

Benefits and Perquisites

Executives can defer compensation under our non‑qualified deferred compensation plan with matching contributions equal to 100% of contributions made up to 3% of eligible deferred compensation, which is more fully described in the narrative to the 2018 Non‑Qualified Deferred Compensation table below. For all eligible employees, we offer a 401(k) plan with matching contributions equal to 100% of contributions made up to 3% of eligible salary. Starting January 1, 2019, the matching contributions increased to 100% of the contributions for the first to 3% of eligible salary and 50% of the contributions on the next 2% of eligible salary. In addition, we offer group health, life, accident and disability insurance to eligible employees. In 2017, the Company enhanced the long‑term disability (“LTD Plan”) benefits for all NEOs and officers by offering a supplemental LTD Plan that provides a benefit equal to 60% of salary and annual incentive. Our employees are also entitled to a discount on purchases at our stores.

Change in Control and Severance Plan

The Company has an Executive Change in Control and Severance Plan (the “CIC Plan”), which provides severance and other benefits should an executive be involuntarily terminated in connection with a change in control. We adopted the CIC Plan as a market-based plan that is intended to minimize distraction to our executives by providing financial security in the event of a loss of employment following a change in control. See “Severance and Change in Control Benefits” below for additional details.

Accounting and Tax Considerations

Historically, our incentive compensation programs have been designed and administered in a manner generally intended to preserve federal income tax deductions. However, the compensation committee considers the tax and accounting consequences of utilizing various forms of compensation and retains the discretion to pay compensation that is not tax deductible or could have adverse accounting consequences for Ulta Beauty.

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 162(m)”) generally disallows a tax deduction to a public corporation for compensation paid in excess of $1.0 million to its chief executive officer, chief financial officer and top three most highly paid employees (“covered employees”), including covered employees from prior years.  For tax year’s prior to 2018, Section 162(m) did not apply to the CFO’s compensation or to the compensation of prior covered employees.  Additionally, for tax year’s prior to 2018 Section 162(m) contained an exception for compensation that was performance based.  Certain transition rules apply to the changes made to Section 162(m) in 2018.  The compensation committee intends to take advantage of these transition rules, where it makes sense in light of the Company’s overall compensation objectives.  However, the compensation committee expects in the future to approve and pay compensation that may not be tax deductible. 

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Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the compensation of our NEOs for the fiscal 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Incentive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Option

 

 

Plan

 

 

All Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salary

 

 

Bonus

 

 

Awards

 

 

Awards

 

 

Compensation

 

 

Compensation

 

 

Total

 

Name and Principal Position

  

  

Year

  

  

($)

  

  

($)

  

  

($) (1)

  

  

($) (2)

  

  

($)

  

  

($) (3)

  

  

($)

  

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

2018

 

 

1,150,510

 

 

260,000

 

 

8,501,584

 

 

2,255,001

 

 

1,989,117

 

 

89,206

 

 

14,245,418

 

Chief Executive Officer and

 

 

2017

 

 

1,117,000

 

 

 —

 

 

2,189,459

 

 

2,189,357

 

 

1,912,382

 

 

83,100

 

 

7,491,298

 

Director (Principal Executive

 

 

2016

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

 —

 

 

1,925,270

 

 

1,925,012

 

 

2,918,550

 

 

73,189

 

 

7,842,021

 

Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

2018

 

 

658,050

 

 

 —

 

 

691,250

 

 

690,979

 

 

501,928

 

 

36,251

 

 

2,578,458

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

2017

 

 

615,006

 

 

 —

 

 

615,143

 

 

615,023

 

 

464,529

 

 

38,094

 

 

2,347,795

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

2016

 

 

580,030

 

 

 —

 

 

493,207

 

 

493,077

 

 

733,567

 

 

29,203

 

 

2,329,084

 

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

2018

 

 

535,018

 

 

 —

 

 

367,686

 

 

267,534

 

 

353,674

 

 

29,292

 

 

1,553,204

 

General Counsel,

 

 

2017

 

 

500,022

 

 

 —

 

 

250,280

 

 

250,048

 

 

327,322

 

 

25,801

 

 

1,353,473

 

Chief Compliance Officer and

 

 

2016

 

 

436,815

 

 

 —

 

 

185,816

 

 

185,659

 

 

424,955

 

 

20,445

 

 

1,253,690

 

Corporate Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

2018

 

 

546,042

 

 

 —

 

 

273,109

 

 

273,045

 

 

360,961

 

 

36,210

 

 

1,489,367

 

Chief Human Resources

 

 

2017

 

 

525,041

 

 

 —

 

 

262,668

 

 

262,529

 

 

343,700

 

 

34,501

 

 

1,428,439

 

Officer

 

 

2016

 

 

499,326

 

 

 —

 

 

212,470

 

 

212,249

 

 

631,500

 

 

31,021

 

 

1,586,566

 

David C. Kimbell

 

 

2018

 

 

676,520

 

 

 —

 

 

845,678

 

 

845,688

 

 

516,016

 

 

36,195

 

 

2,920,097

 

Chief Merchandising and

 

 

2017

 

 

615,022

 

 

 —

 

 

615,143

 

 

615,023

 

 

464,542

 

 

32,996

 

 

2,342,726

 

Marketing Officer; President & Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer as of April 12, 2019

 

 

2016

 

 

580,374

 

 

 —

 

 

493,590

 

 

493,339

 

 

734,002

 

 

29,202

 

 

2,330,507

 

1.

The grant date fair value of the LTIP RSUs and LTIP PBSs is based on the closing share price of our common stock on the date granted. Amounts shown include performance‑based awards at grant date fair value, based on target level achievement. If the maximum level of performance is achieved, the amounts shown above would increase by $1,353,084, $414,668, $160,556, $163,825 and $507,407 for Ms. Dillon, Mr. Settersten, Ms. Caro, Mr. Childs and Mr. Kimbell, respectively. The grant date fair value of the time-vesting RSUs of the 2018 CEO Award was $4,673,095, which was based on the closing share price of $204.27 on the grant date, an expected volatility of 32.42% over a 1.00 year period, a risk-free interest rate of 2.08%, and an illiquidity discount of 11.7% due to the one year required holding period for the shares. The grant date fair value of the market condition performance-based RSUs of the 2018 CEO Award was $1,573,349, which was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation using the closing share price of $204.27 on the date of grant, an expected volatility of 28.55% over a 3.51 year period, a risk-free interest rate of 2.42% and an illiquidity discount of 6.54% due to the one year required holding period for the shares.

2.

Amounts shown represent the grant date fair value of stock options granted in the year indicated as computed in accordance with ASC 718. For a discussion of the assumptions made in the valuation reflected in these columns, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2018 contained in the Form 10‑K filed on April 2, 2019.

3.

All other compensation includes 401(k) match and deferred compensation match, and other perquisites, including club memberships, health screenings, and life insurance and long‑term disability premiums as indicated on the table below for fiscal 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

401(k)

 

 

Compensation

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Match

 

 

Match

 

 

Perquisites

 

Name

  

  

($)

  

  

($)

  

  

($)

  

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

3,742

 

 

34,245

 

 

51,219

 

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

 —

 

 

19,394

 

 

16,857

 

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

3,742

 

 

15,768

 

 

9,782

 

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

3,742

 

 

16,212

 

 

16,256

 

David C. Kimbell

 

 

3,742

 

 

19,799

 

 

12,654

 

34  Picture 10


 

Table of Contents

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

Grants of Plan‑Based Awards

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to grants of plan‑based awards to the NEOs for fiscal 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number

 

 

Exercise or

 

 

Grant Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts

 

 

Number

 

 

of

 

 

Base

 

 

Fair Value of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board

 

 

Under Non‑Equity Incentive

 

 

Under Equity Incentive

 

 

of

 

 

Securities

 

 

Price of

 

 

Stock and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of

 

 

Plan Awards

 

 

Plan Awards (3)

 

 

Shares

 

 

Underlying

 

 

Stock

 

 

Stock

 

 

 

Grant

 

 

Grant

 

 

Directors
Approval

 

 

Threshold

 

 

Target

 

 

Maximum

 

 

Threshold

 

 

Target

 

 

Maximum

 

 

of
Stock

 

 

Stock Options

 

 

Option
Awards

 

 

Option
Awards

 

Name

 

Type

  

  

Date

  

  

Date

  

  

($) (1)

  

  

($)

  

  

($) (2)

  

  

(#) (4)

  

  

(#)

  

  

(#) (5)

  

  

(#)

  

  

(#)

  

  

($)

  

  

($) (6)

  

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

977,934

 

 

1,955,867

 

 

3,911,734

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,312

 

 

6,624

 

 

13,248

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,353,084

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

45,010

 

 

204.27

 

 

2,255,001

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,416

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

902,056

 

 

 

2018 CEO Award

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

24,478

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,673,095

 

 

 

2018 CEO Award (7)

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

$ 5,000,000

 

 

 —

 

 

$ 10,000,000

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,573,349

 

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

246,769

 

 

493,538

 

 

987,076

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,015

 

 

2,030

 

 

4,060

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

414,668

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

13,792

 

 

204.27

 

 

690,979

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,354

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

276,582

 

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

173,881

 

 

347,762

 

 

695,524

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

393

 

 

786

 

 

1,572

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

160,556

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

5,340

 

 

204.27

 

 

267,534

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,014

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

207,130

 

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

177,464

 

 

354,927

 

 

709,854

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

401

 

 

802

 

 

1,604

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

163,825

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

5,450

 

 

204.27

 

 

273,045

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

535

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

109,284

 

David C. Kimbell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

253,695

 

 

507,390

 

 

1,014,780

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,242

 

 

2,484

 

 

4,968

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

507,407

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

16,880

 

 

204.27

 

 

845,688

 

 

 

LTIP

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

3/29/2018

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,656

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

338,271

 

1.

Threshold assumes performance exceeds 92% of the EBT performance target, resulting in a payout of 50% of the EBT target bonus.

2.

Maximum assumes performance exceeds 110% of the EBT performance target, resulting in a payout of 200% of the EBT target bonus.

3.

Amounts represent the PBSs granted in which 33% of the grant value is tied to attainment of a revenue target and 67% of the grant value is tied to attainment of an EBT target.

4.

Threshold assumes performance exceeds 95% of the revenue performance target and 85% of the EBT performance target, resulting in a payout of 50% of the target performance‑based units.

5.

Maximum assumes performance exceeds 105% of the revenue performance target and 110% of the EBT performance target, resulting in a payout of 200% of the target performance‑based units.

6.

Represents the grant date fair value of stock and stock options granted as computed in accordance with ASC 718. For a discussion of the assumptions made in the valuation reflected in these columns, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2018 contained in the Form 10‑K filed on April 2, 2019. The grant date fair value of the time-vesting RSUs of the 2018 CEO Award was $4,673,095, which was based on the closing share price of $204.27 on the grant date, an expected volatility of 32.42% over a 1.00 year period, a risk-free interest rate of 2.08%, and an illiquidity discount of 11.7% due to the one year required holding period for the shares. The grant date fair value of the market condition performance-based RSUs of the 2018 CEO Award was $1,573,349, which was determined using a Monte Carlo simulation using the closing share price of $204.27 on the date of grant, an expected volatility of 28.55% over a 3.51 year period, a risk-free interest rate of 2.42% and an illiquidity discount of 6.54% due to the one year required holding period for the shares.

7.

The market condition performance-based RSUs of the 2018 CEO Award are designed in cash but will settle in shares. The number of shares earned will be based upon the closing share price of our common stock on September 30, 2021.

Picture 11  35


 

Table of Contents

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards as of February 2, 2019

The following table presents information concerning stock options, PBSs and RSUs held by the NEOs as of February 2, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

 

Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incentive

 

 

Incentive

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Awards:

 

 

Plan Awards:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securities

 

 

Securities

 

 

Stock

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

Market

 

 

Number of

 

 

Market

 

 

 

 

Underlying

 

 

Underlying

 

 

Option

 

 

 

 

 

Shares of

 

 

Value of

 

 

Shares of

 

 

Value of

 

 

 

 

Unexercised

 

 

Unexercised

 

 

Exercise

 

 

 

 

 

Performance-

 

 

Performance-

 

 

Stock

 

 

Shares

 

 

 

 

Stock

 

 

Stock

 

 

Price

 

 

Stock

 

 

based Stock

 

 

based Stock

 

 

that

 

 

that

 

 

 

 

Options

 

 

Options

 

 

Per

 

 

Option

 

 

that have not

 

 

that have not

 

 

have not

 

 

have not

 

 

 

 

Exercisable

 

 

Unexercisable

 

 

Share

 

 

Expiration

 

 

Vested

 

 

Vested

 

 

Vested

 

 

Vested

 

Name

  

  

(#)

  

  

(#)

  

  

($)

  

  

Date

  

  

(#) (1)

  

  

($)

  

  

(#)

  

  

($)

  

Mary N. Dillon (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,624

 

 

1,929,969

 

 

51,887

 

 

15,117,796

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

5,000,000

(3)

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

24,478

(3)

 

7,131,910

 

 

 

 

15,000

 

 

 —

 

 

99.01

 

 

7/1/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,611

 

 

8,612

 

 

151.20

 

 

3/27/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50,000

 

 

150,000

 

 

164.06

 

 

9/15/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18,316

 

 

18,316

 

 

191.76

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,805

 

 

23,418

 

 

281.53

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

45,010

 

 

204.27

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott M. Settersten (4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,030

 

 

591,461

 

 

7,416

 

 

2,160,726

 

 

 

 

2,760

 

 

 —

 

 

24.53

 

 

6/14/2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5,000

 

 

 —

 

 

69.96

 

 

9/13/2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,348

 

 

 —

 

 

86.06

 

 

5/10/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,939

 

 

 —

 

 

97.89

 

 

3/28/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,709

 

 

903

 

 

151.20

 

 

3/27/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,691

 

 

4,692

 

 

191.76

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,192

 

 

6,579

 

 

281.53

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

13,792

 

 

204.27

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jodi J. Caro (5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

786

 

 

229,009

 

 

3,357

 

 

978,096

 

 

 

 

2,511

 

 

838

 

 

165.27

 

 

8/3/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,766

 

 

1,767

 

 

191.76

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

891

 

 

2,675

 

 

281.53

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

5,340

 

 

204.27

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey J. Childs (6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

802

 

 

233,671

 

 

3,140

 

 

914,870

 

 

 

 

3,657

 

 

 —

 

 

121.74

 

 

10/1/2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,031

 

 

 —

 

 

97.89

 

 

3/28/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,601

 

 

867

 

 

151.20

 

 

3/27/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,019

 

 

2,020

 

 

191.76

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

936

 

 

2,808

 

 

281.53

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

5,450

 

 

204.27

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David C. Kimbell (7)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,484

 

 

723,738

 

 

7,970

 

 

2,322,139

 

 

 

 

2,811

 

 

 —

 

 

98.64

 

 

3/18/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,969

 

 

 —

 

 

97.89

 

 

3/28/2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,723

 

 

908

 

 

151.20

 

 

3/27/2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,694

 

 

4,694

 

 

191.76

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,192

 

 

6,579

 

 

281.53

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

16,880

 

 

204.27

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Amounts represent the number and value of the performance‑based awards through the end of fiscal 2018 for which the performance period has not ended.

2.

The vesting schedule for Ms. Dillon’s outstanding stock options, PBSs and RSUs as of February 2, 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of

 

 

Expiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

  

  

Award

  

  

date

  

  

3/15/19

  

  

9/15/19

  

  

3/15/20

  

  

9/15/20

  

  

3/15/21

  

  

9/15/21

  

  

9/30/21

  

  

3/15/22

  

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/27/2025

 

 

8,612

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

9/15/2025

 

 

 —

 

 

50,000

 

 

 —

 

 

50,000

 

 

 —

 

 

50,000

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

9,158

 

 

 —

 

 

9,158

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

7,806

 

 

 —

 

 

7,806

 

 

 —

 

 

7,806

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

11,252

 

 

 —

 

 

11,253

 

 

 —

 

 

11,252

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

11,253

 

 

 

 

PBS

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

6,624

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

16,064

 

 

 —

 

 

6,929

 

 

 —

 

 

4,416

 

 

 —

 

 

24,478

 

 

 —

 

36  Picture 10


 

Table of Contents

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

3.

2018 CEO Award granted March 29, 2018. Pursuant to the agreement, the award has two components (1) a time-vesting restricted stock unit and (2) a performance-based restricted stock unit. The time-based condition will be satisfied on September 30, 2021 based on her continued employment with the Company. The performance-based vesting condition will be satisfied if the average closing price of the Company’s common stock for either the 20 trading days or 30 calendar days preceding September 30, 2021 equals or exceeds $300 to $350. To the extent our average closing share price is determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion to be (i) falsely depressed by a disruption with respect to our share price or an abnormal market disruption (including, without limitation, a natural disaster or a terrorist attack), or (ii) inflated due to the existence of material non-public information that upon disclosure is expected to have a significant adverse impact on our share price, then our Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may adjust the measurement period of 20 trading days or 30 calendar days preceding September 30, 2021 to (A) a time period preceding such disruption, (B) shorten or lengthen the measurement period or (C) disregard the period of such disruption. The $5,000,000 amount in this table represents the minimum or threshold value of the performance-based portion of the award. The maximum amount that can be earned on the performance-based portion of the award is $10,000,000. The number of shares earned on the performance-based portion of the award will be based upon the Company’s closing stock price on September 30, 2021.

4.

The vesting schedule for Mr. Settersten’s outstanding stock options, PBSs and RSUs as of February 2, 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of

 

 

Expiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

  

  

Award

  

  

date

  

  

3/15/19

  

  

3/15/20

  

  

3/15/21

  

  

3/15/22

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

0/00/00

  

  

0/00/00

  

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/27/2025

 

 

903

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

00,000

 

 

00,000

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

2,346

 

 

2,346

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

2,193

 

 

2,193

 

 

2,193

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

3,448

 

 

3,448

 

 

3,448

 

 

3,448

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBS

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,030

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

4,115

 

 

1,947

 

 

1,354

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

The vesting schedule for Ms. Caro’s outstanding stock options, PBSs and RSUs as of February 2, 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of

 

 

Expiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

  

  

Award

  

  

date

  

  

3/15/19

  

  

8/3/19

  

  

3/15/20

  

  

3/15/21

  

  

3/15/22

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

0/00/00

  

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

NQ

 

 

8/3/2025

 

 

 —

 

 

838

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

00,000

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

883

 

 

 —

 

 

884

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

892

 

 

 —

 

 

891

 

 

892

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

1,335

 

 

 —

 

 

1,335

 

 

1,335

 

 

1,335

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBS

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

786

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

1,672

 

 

 —

 

 

916

 

 

646

 

 

123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

The vesting schedule for Mr. Childs’ outstanding stock options, PBSs and RSUs as of February 2, 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of

 

 

Expiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

  

  

Award

  

  

date

  

  

3/15/19

  

  

3/15/20

  

  

3/15/21

  

  

3/15/22

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

0/00/00

  

  

0/00/00

  

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/27/2025

 

 

867

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

00,000

 

 

00,000

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

1,010

 

 

1,010

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

936

 

 

936

 

 

936

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

1,362

 

 

1,363

 

 

1,362

 

 

1,363

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBS

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

802

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

1,773

 

 

832

 

 

535

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

The vesting schedule for Mr. Kimbell’s outstanding stock options, PBSs and RSUs as of February 2, 2019 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type of

 

 

Expiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name

  

  

Award

  

  

date

  

  

3/15/19

  

  

3/15/20

  

  

3/15/21

  

  

3/15/22

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

0/00/00

  

David C. Kimbell

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/27/2025

 

 

908

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

00,000

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/25/2026

 

 

2,347

 

 

2,347

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/24/2027

 

 

2,193

 

 

2,193

 

 

2,193

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NQ

 

 

3/29/2028

 

 

4,220

 

 

4,220

 

 

4,220

 

 

4,220

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PBS

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,484

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RSU

 

 

 

 

 

4,367

 

 

1,947

 

 

1,656

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture 11  37


 

Table of Contents

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

Stock Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table presents information concerning exercises of stock options and vesting of RSUs during fiscal 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stock Option Awards

 

 

Stock Awards

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

Number of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

Shares

 

 

Value

 

 

 

 

Acquired on

 

 

Realized on

 

 

Acquired on

 

 

Realized on

 

 

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Exercise

 

 

Vesting

 

 

Vesting

 

Name

  

  

(#)

  

  

($) (1)

  

  

(#)

  

  

($) (2)

  

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

22,906

 

 

2,491,604

 

 

22,034

 

 

4,695,928

 

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,720

 

 

354,561

 

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

303

 

 

71,211

 

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

8,000

 

 

1,159,994

 

 

1,653

 

 

340,749

 

David C. Kimbell

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,979

 

 

407,951

 

1.

The value realized on exercise and sale or exercise and hold of stock options is based on the weighted average sales price of our common stock on the transaction date as reported on the Form 4. The value realized was determined without considering any taxes that may have been owed or withheld.

2.

The value realized on vesting of stock awards is based on the closing share price of our common stock on the vesting date as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The value realized was determined without considering any taxes that may have been owed or withheld.

2018 Non‑Qualified Deferred Compensation

The Ulta Beauty Non‑qualified Deferred Compensation Plan allows participants to defer up to 75% of their base salary and 100% of their annual cash bonus. We match 100% of the contributions up to 3% of salary deferred. We do not match or make any other contributions to the plan with regards to bonus or long‑term compensation. Participants may direct the investment of their contributions to the plan among several mutual funds, similar to those available under our 401(k) plan.

The table below sets forth certain information with respect to the non‑qualified deferred compensation plans in which our NEOs may participate as of February 2, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

 

 

Executive

 

 

Registrant

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

Aggregate

 

 

Balance at

 

 

 

 

Contributions in

 

 

Contributions in

 

 

Earnings (Losses) in

 

 

Withdrawals/

 

 

Last Fiscal

 

 

 

 

Last Fiscal Year

 

 

Last Fiscal Year

 

 

Last Fiscal Year

 

 

Distributions

 

 

Year End

 

Name

  

  

($) (1)(2)

  

  

($)

  

  

($)

  

  

($)

  

  

($)

  

Mary N. Dillon (3)

 

 

711,098

 

 

34,245

 

 

(36,489)

 

 

 —

 

 

3,465,077

 

Scott M. Settersten (4)

 

 

62,953

 

 

19,394

 

 

33,884

 

 

 —

 

 

520,795

 

Jodi J. Caro (5)

 

 

41,073

 

 

15,768

 

 

(1,002)

 

 

 —

 

 

174,608

 

Jeffrey J. Childs (6)

 

 

16,260

 

 

16,212

 

 

(2,841)

 

 

 —

 

 

187,375

 

David C. Kimbell (7)

 

 

197,301

 

 

19,799

 

 

(3,667)

 

 

 —

 

 

661,152

 

1.

Included in the amount listed under the “Salary,” “Bonus” and “Non‑Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” columns in the Summary Compensation Table above.

2.

Contributions include salary and bonus deferrals, including bonuses earned in fiscal 2018 but paid in fiscal 2019.

3.

$2,756,223 was previously reported as compensation to Ms. Dillon in the Summary Compensation Table for prior years.

4.

$404,564 was previously reported as compensation to Mr. Settersten in the Summary Compensation Table for prior years.

5.

$118,769 was previously reported as compensation to Ms. Caro in the Summary Compensation Table for prior years.

38  Picture 10


 

Table of Contents

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

6.

$157,744 was previously reported as compensation to Mr. Childs in the Summary Compensation Table for prior years.

7.

$447,719 was previously reported as compensation to Mr. Kimbell in the Summary Compensation Table for prior years.

Severance and Change in Control Benefits

Executive Change in Control and Severance Plan

In 2017 we adopted our CIC Plan, which provides severance protections to all of our executive officers, including all of our NEOs, in the event of an involuntary termination in connection with a change in control. Under the CIC Plan an executive who is involuntarily terminated is eligible to receive the following severance payments and benefits as well as accelerated vesting of equity awards, subject to him or her executing an effective release of claims in favor of the Company and continued compliance with his or her restrictive covenants:

·

a lump‑sum cash payment equal to (a) 3.0 for Ms. Dillon and 2.0 for all other NEOs, multiplied by (b) the sum of (i) the executive’s salary (where “salary” is an amount equal to the greater of the executive’s salary (A) on the date of termination or (B) on the consummation of the change in control) plus (ii) the executive’s bonus (where “bonus” is an amount equal to the greater of (A) his or her target bonus on the date of termination, (B) the executive’s target bonus on the consummation of the change in control or (C) the actual anticipated bonus he or she would receive based on performance as of the change in control);

·

payment of a pro‑rated portion of the executive’s annual cash bonus award for the year of termination (with the bonus calculated based on actual performance);

·

accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity awards held by the Participant that vest solely based on the passage of time; and

·

Company‑paid COBRA premium payments for up to 18 months following the termination date.

Also, upon a change in control, without regard to any employment loss, all outstanding performance‑based equity will vest at the greater of (a) target performance levels or (b) the amount that would have been earned for performance through the date of the change in control.

To the extent that any change in control payment or benefit would be subject to an excise tax imposed in connection with Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such payments and/or benefits may be subject to a “best net” reduction to the extent necessary so that the executive receives the greater of the (i) net amount of the change in control payments and benefits reduced such that such payments and benefits will not be subject to the excise tax and (ii) net amount of the change in control payments and benefits without such reduction.

Severance Benefits Not in Connection with a Change in Control

Pursuant to the terms of an agreement with Ms. Dillon, in the event that her employment is terminated without Cause (as defined below) or she resigns for “Good Reason” (as defined below), she will be entitled to the following as severance subject to her providing a general release of claims:

·

Severance equal to her monthly base salary and one-twelfth of her target bonus, payable in installments over a period of 24 months; and

·

Any bonus actually earned, pro‑rated based on the percentage of the fiscal year Ms. Dillon is employed by the Company and assuming that all her personal goals were fully satisfied.

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Table of Contents

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

For this purpose “Cause” shall mean Ms. Dillon’s:

·

Commission of an act of fraud or embezzlement;

·

The unauthorized, intentional or grossly negligent disclosure of confidential information which is injurious to the Company;

·

Willful breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company;

·

Indictment for a felony or any crime involving fraud, dishonesty or moral turpitude;

·

Intentional misconduct as an employee, including knowing and intentional violation of the Company’s written policies, or specific directions of the Board;

·

Failure substantially to perform her duties, following written notice (other than by reason of disability); and

·

Willful engagement in misconduct that may reasonably result in injury to the reputation or business prospects of the Company.

Any act or failure to act shall be considered “willful” only if done or omitted to be done without a good faith, reasonable belief that such act or failure to act was in our best interest. Ms. Dillon will have ten business days to cure any curable act after written notice from the Company of cause. Ms. Dillon’s employment may be terminated for Cause retroactively, if such reasons are later discovered after her termination. Ms. Dillon will have “Good Reason” to terminate her employment if she gives us notice within 30 days of one of the following events and we do not cure such event within 30 days:

·

Her authority, duties or responsibilities are materially diminished, other than in connection with the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer and/or President as long as she retains authority over such positions and advice and direction from the Board;

·

Relocation of our corporate headquarters more than 60 miles; and

·

We materially breach her agreement.

Ms. Dillon has also entered into an agreement not to disclose or use our confidential information at any time. She also agreed not to work for, or otherwise be involved with, any competitor for a period of 18 months following her termination for any reason.

Although Messrs. Settersten, Childs and Kimbell and Ms. Caro do not have contractual rights to severance, we would likely pay each at least six months of severance and continued health benefits in connection with a termination without cause in exchange for a general release of claims.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

The following chart sets forth the amounts that Ms. Dillon, Messrs. Settersten, Childs and Kimbell and Ms. Caro would receive in the event of a change of control or that their employment was terminated without Cause, for good reason, or due to death or disability, or in connection with a change in control, on the last day of fiscal 2018, February 2, 2019. These amounts do not include any value for amounts payable under retirement plans or insurance policies applicable to employees in general.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involuntary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Termination in

 

 

 

 

 

Involuntary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connection with

 

 

Total

 

 

Not for Cause

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in

 

 

Change in

 

 

Change in

 

 

Termination/

 

 

Death/

 

 

 

 

Control

 

 

Control

 

 

Control

 

 

Good Reason

 

 

Disability

 

Name

 

  

($) (1)

  

  

($) (2)

  

  

($) (3)

  

  

($) (4)

  

  

($) (5)

  

Mary N. Dillon

 

 

6,929,969

 

 

53,998,723

 

 

60,928,692

 

 

11,464,605

 

 

55,456,126

 

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

591,461

 

 

5,869,993

 

 

6,461,454

 

 

360,559

 

 

4,611,892

 

Jodi J. Caro

 

 

229,009

 

 

3,206,737

 

 

3,435,746

 

 

299,428

 

 

1,980,117

 

Jeffrey J. Childs

 

 

233,671

 

 

3,224,324

 

 

3,457,995

 

 

304,476

 

 

1,973,495

 

David C. Kimbell

 

 

723,738

 

 

6,352,492

 

 

7,076,230

 

 

370,019

 

 

5,175,415

 

1.

Includes the market value of all unvested PBSs, for which the performance period has not ended, at target value. For Ms. Dillon, amount also includes the performance-based portion of the 2018 CEO award valued at $5,000,000.

2.

Includes amounts related to severance, health care costs, pro‑rated bonus payouts (as applicable), the market value of all unvested stock options and RSUs.

3.

Includes amounts related to severance, health care costs, pro‑rated bonus payouts (as applicable), the market value of all unvested stock options, RSUs and PBSs, for which the performance period has not ended, at target value. For Ms. Dillon, amount also includes the performance-based portion of the 2018 CEO award valued at $5,000,000.

4.

Includes amounts related to severance, health care costs, and pro‑rated bonus payouts (as applicable). For Ms. Dillon, amount includes the value of the time-vesting RSUs of the 2018 CEO Award that vests if she resigns at the request of the Board of Directors. 

5.

Includes the market value of all unexercisable stock options, RSUs and PBSs, for which the performance period has not ended, at target value.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

 

PROPOSAL THREE
ADVISORY RESOLUTION ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

 

 

What are you voting on?

An advisory resolution to approve the Company’s executive compensation

 

The Board of Directors is committed to excellence in governance. As part of that commitment, Ulta Beauty is asking stockholders to vote on a resolution to approve the compensation of our NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement. This advisory resolution, commonly referred to as a “say‑on‑pay” resolution, is non‑binding on the Company and the Board of Directors. However, the Board and the compensation committee value the opinions of the stockholders and will carefully consider the outcome of the vote when making future compensation decisions. In accordance with the results of the non‑binding advisory vote at our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders concerning the frequency of an advisory vote on the compensation paid to our NEOs, this non‑binding advisory vote will be held on an annual basis until the Board elects to implement a different frequency or until the next required non‑binding advisory vote on frequency.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL THREE

 

As described more fully above, our executive compensation program is structured to provide compensation opportunities that:

 

 

reflect the competitive marketplace in which the Company operates;

link annual incentive compensation to Company performance goals that support stockholder value;

focus a significant portion of an executive’s compensation on equity‑based incentives to align interests closely with stockholders; and

attract, motivate and retain key executives who are critical to our long‑term success. A significant portion of the Company’s executive compensation is performance‑based, and we emphasize such incentives to ensure that total compensation reflects our overall success or failure and to motivate executive officers to meet appropriate performance measures.

We believe that the fiscal 2018 compensation of our NEOs was appropriate and aligned with the Company’s performance. We urge stockholders to read the Compensation Discussion & Analysis section of this Proxy Statement, as well as the Summary Compensation Table and the related tables and disclosures, for a more complete understanding of how our executive compensation policies and procedures operate.

The Company is asking stockholders to approve the following advisory resolution at the Annual Meeting:

RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Ulta Beauty, Inc. (the “Company”) approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s NEOs as disclosed in this Proxy Statement pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S‑K, including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis, compensation tables and narrative discussion thereto.

Because the vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board or the compensation committee. However, the compensation committee will consider the outcome of the vote in determining future compensation policies and decisions.

The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to approve the advisory resolution on executive compensation. Abstentions will be counted toward the tabulation of votes cast on proposals presented to the stockholders and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non‑votes will be counted towards a quorum, but will not be counted for any purpose in determining whether this proposal has been approved.

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Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

 

CEO PAY RATIO

The SEC requires companies to disclose the ratio of the total annual compensation of the CEO to the median of the total annual compensation of all of our employees, other than the CEO.

We explain below how we made reasonable efforts to identify our median employee and calculate both the median employee’s total annual compensation and the total annual compensation of our CEO. As permitted by the SEC, we have used reasonable estimates, assumptions, and methodologies to prepare this disclosure.

The SEC provided companies with flexibility to calculate their CEO pay ratio in a manner that best suits their facts and circumstances. Our CEO pay ratio is specific to Ulta Beauty, Inc. and should not be used as a basis for comparison with the CEO pay ratios disclosed by other companies.

We identified our median employee by (1) identifying all employees on November 4, 2017, (2) calculating each employee’s cash compensation (salary, wages, bonuses and commissions) earned through that date and (3) then ranking all 40,214 employees by compensation from high to low and selecting the employee who had the median cash compensation. Consistent with the SEC’s rules, we used the same median employee in 2017 for calculating the 2018 CEO pay ratio, since there were no significant changes in our employee population or employee compensation that would result in a significant impact on the CEO pay ratio. We calculated the median employee’s total annual compensation for 2018 according to the same methodology we used for calculating Ms. Dillon’s total annual compensation as reported in the Summary Compensation Table on page 34, but then added in the value of employer paid health care benefits (in the amount of $4,609 for our median employee and $12,295 for Ms. Dillon) to determine both our median employee’s total annual compensation and Ms. Dillon’s for purposes of the ratio. We decided to add in the value of the health care benefits because we consider those benefits to be a meaningful part of our employees’ compensation.

Using this methodology for fiscal 2018, our median employee’s total annual compensation was $25,666 and our CEO’s total annual compensation was $14,257,713. The resulting ratio of our CEO’s total annual compensation to the total annual compensation of our median employee was approximately 556:1.

 

The compensation reported for 2018 in the Summary Compensation Table for our CEO includes the value of the 2018 CEO Award. Excluding the value of this award, our CEO’s 2018 compensation was $8,011,269. We believe this is a more accurate way to compare 2018 CEO pay with the pay provided in 2018 to our median employee. This results in a CEO pay ratio of 312:1.

 

 

 

 

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S

 

tock

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table presents information concerning the beneficial ownership of the shares of our common stock as of April 8, 2019 by:

·

each person we know to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock;

·

each of our NEOs, directors and nominees; and

·

all of our executive officers, directors and nominees as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where applicable. Shares of our common stock subject to stock options that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of April 8, 2019 are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the stock options for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person, but are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

The following table lists applicable percentage ownership based on 58,749,238 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 8, 2019. Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each of the beneficial owners in the table below is c/o Ulta Beauty, Inc., 1000 Remington Blvd., Suite 120, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Shares

 

 

Percentage

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

  

  

Beneficially Owned

  

  

Beneficially Owned

  

5% stockholders:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Vanguard Group (1)
100 Vanguard Blvd.
Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355

 

 

5,837,299

 

 

9.9

%  

BlackRock Inc. (2)
55 East 52nd Street
New York, New York 10055

 

 

3,911,080

 

 

6.7

%  

AllianceBernstein L.P. (3)
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105

 

 

3,070,353

 

 

5.2

%  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEOs, directors and nominees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary N. Dillon (4)

 

 

81,562

 

 

*

 

Scott M. Settersten

 

 

2,749

 

 

*

 

Jodi J. Caro (5)

 

 

7,162

 

 

*

 

Jeffrey J. Childs (6)

 

 

15,768

 

 

*

 

David C. Kimbell (7)

 

 

16,980

 

 

*

 

Sally E. Blount

 

 

859

 

 

*

 

Michelle L. Collins

 

 

3,334

 

 

*

 

Robert F. DiRomualdo (8)

 

 

255,841

 

 

*

 

Dennis K. Eck

 

 

220,000

 

 

*

 

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Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Shares

 

 

Percentage

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

  

  

Beneficially Owned

  

  

Beneficially Owned

  

Catherine A. Halligan

 

 

2,766

 

 

*

 

Charles Heilbronn (9)

 

 

1,842,753

 

 

3.1

%  

Michael R. MacDonald

 

 

6,811

 

 

*

 

George R. Mrkonic (10)

 

 

3,906

 

 

*

 

Lorna E. Nagler (11)

 

 

29,756

 

 

*

 

All current directors and executive officers as a group (14 persons) (12)

 

 

2,490,247

 

 

4.2

%  

*

Less than 1%

1.

Based solely on the Schedule 13G/A filed by The Vanguard Group on February 11, 2019. This holder reports sole voting power with respect to 69,474 of these shares, shared voting power with respect to 15,958 of these shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 5,753,257 of these shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 84,042 of these shares.

2.

Based solely on the Schedule 13G/A filed by BlackRock, Inc. on February 6, 2019. This holder reports sole voting power with respect to 3,432,714 of these shares and sole dispositive power with respect to all of these shares.

3.

Based solely on the Schedule 13G filed by AllianceBernstein L.P. on February 13, 2019. This holder reports sole voting power with respect to 2,637,393 of these shares, sole dispositive power with respect to 3,065,392 of these shares and shared dispositive power with respect to 4,961 of these shares.

4.

Includes stock options to purchase 15,611 shares of common stock exercisable at $281.53 per share. Includes 25,244 shares of common stock held by trust.

5.

Includes stock options to purchase 2,649 shares of common stock exercisable at $191.76 per share, stock options to purchase 1,783 shares of common stock exercisable at $281.53 per share, and stock options to purchase 1,335 shares of common stock exercisable at $204.27 per share.

6.

Includes stock options to 3,031 shares of common stock exercisable at $97.89 per share, stock options to purchase 868 shares of common stock exercisable at $151.20 per share, stock options to purchase 3,029 shares of common stock exercisable at $191.76 per share, stock options to purchase 1,872 shares of common stock exercisable at $281.53 per share, and stock options to purchase 1,362 shares of common stock exercisable at $204.27 per share.

7.

Includes stock options to purchase 4,385 shares of common stock exercisable at $281.53 per share and stock options to purchase 4,220 shares of common stock exercisable at $204.27 per share.

8.

Mr. DiRomualdo holds 5,304 shares directly and is deemed to beneficially own all 250,537 shares of common stock held by Naples Ventures LLC, where he is a principal along with Janice DiRomualdo. Mr. DiRomualdo has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares he holds directly, and has shared voting and investment power with respect to the shares held by Naples Ventures LLC. Mr. DiRomualdo disclaims beneficial ownership of all shares held by Naples Ventures LLC except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. 249,585 shares held by Naples Ventures LLC are currently pledged as security.

9.

Mr. Heilbronn holds 59,923 shares directly and is deemed to beneficially own all 1,782,830 shares of common stock held by Mousseluxe SARL. Mr. Heilbronn has sole voting power and sole investment power with respect to the 59,923 shares he holds directly, and he has been granted a power of attorney and proxy to exercise voting and investment power with respect to all of the shares shown as beneficially owned by Mousseluxe SARL. Pursuant to this authority, Mr. Heilbronn makes all voting and investment decisions with respect to all such shares and may be deemed to beneficially own all such shares. Mr. Heilbronn disclaims beneficial ownership of all such shares except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein.

10.

Includes 1,319 shares of common stock held by trust.

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Stock

 

 

 

11.

Includes stock options to purchase 7,167 of common stock exercisable at $25.80 per share and stock options to purchase 16,666 shares of common stock exercisable at $57.42 per share.

12.

Total percentage equals the quotient of total holdings over the sum of shares outstanding and the stock options referenced in the footnotes above.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership with the SEC. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to us and written representations that no other forms were required during fiscal 2018, our directors, executive officers and greater than 10% beneficial owners complied with all applicable Section 16(a) filing requirements.

 

 

 

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C

 

ertain Relationships and Transactions

Related Party Transaction Approval Policy

Our Board of Directors has adopted written policies and procedures for the approval or ratification of any “related party transaction,” defined as any transaction, arrangement or relationship in which we are a participant, the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and one of our executive officers, directors, director nominees, 5% stockholders (or their immediate family members) or any entity with which any of the foregoing persons is an employee, general partner, principal or 5% stockholder, each of whom we refer to as a “related person,” has a direct or indirect interest as set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S‑K. The policy provides that management must present to the audit committee for review and approval each proposed related party transaction (other than related party transactions involving compensation matters, certain ordinary course transactions, transactions involving competitive bids or rates fixed by law, and transactions involving services as a bank depository, transfer agent or similar services). The audit committee must review the relevant facts and circumstances of the transaction, including if the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party and the extent of the related party’s interest in the transaction, take into account the conflicts of interest and corporate opportunity provisions of our Code of Business Conduct, and either approve or disapprove the related party transaction. If advance approval of a related party transaction requiring the audit committee’s approval is not feasible, the transaction may be preliminarily entered into by management upon prior approval of the transaction by the Chairperson of the audit committee subject to ratification of the transaction by the audit committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting. No director may participate in approval of a related party transaction for which he or she is a related party.

Related Party Transactions and Relationships

Charles Heilbronn, one of our directors, is Executive Vice President and Secretary, as well as a director, of Chanel, Inc. In fiscal 2018, Chanel, Inc. sold to Ulta Beauty approximately $23.0 million of fragrances and cosmetics on an arm’s length basis pursuant to Chanel’s standard wholesale terms and is expected to continue to sell fragrances and cosmetics to Ulta Beauty during fiscal 2019.

 

 

 

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Q

 

uestions and Answers

PROXY MATERIALS AND ANNUAL MEETING

General — Why am I receiving these materials?

On or about April 24, 2019, we sent a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the “Notice”) to you, and to all stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 8, 2019 because the Board of Directors of Ulta Beauty is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Our Board has made these proxy materials available to you on the internet, or upon your request, has delivered printed proxy materials to you in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Our 2018 Annual Report, which includes our Form 10‑K for fiscal year ended February 2, 2019, along with this Proxy Statement and all other relevant corporate governance materials, are also available at the Investor Relations section of our website at http://ir.ultabeauty.com.

Delivery of Materials — Why did I receive a notice in the mail regarding the internet availability of proxy materials instead of a full set of proxy materials?

In accordance with rules adopted by the SEC, we may furnish proxy materials, including this Proxy Statement and our 2018 Annual Report, to our stockholders by providing access to such documents on the internet instead of mailing printed copies. Most stockholders will not receive printed copies of the proxy materials unless they request them. Instead, the Notice, which was mailed to most of our stockholders, will instruct you as to how you may access and review all of the proxy materials on the internet. The Notice also instructs you as to how you may submit your proxy on the internet. If you would like to receive a paper or email copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting such materials in the Notice.

Date, Time and Place — When and where is the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders?

The 2019 Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at 10:00 A.M. local time, at Ulta Beauty’s headquarters located at 1000 Remington Blvd., Suite 120, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440.

Purpose — What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders?

At our Annual Meeting, stockholders will act upon the matters outlined in this Proxy Statement and in the Notice of Annual Meeting accompanying this Proxy Statement.

Attending the Annual Meeting — How can I attend the Annual Meeting?

You will be admitted to the Annual Meeting if you were an Ulta Beauty stockholder or joint holder as of the close of business on April 8, 2019, or you hold a valid proxy for the Annual Meeting. To attend the Annual Meeting, go to the “Register for Meeting” link at www.proxyvote.com. You should be prepared to present photo identification for admittance. In addition, if you are a stockholder of record, your name will be verified against the list of stockholders of record prior to admittance to the Annual Meeting. If you are not a stockholder of record but hold shares through a broker, trustee or nominee, you should provide proof of beneficial ownership on the record date, such as your most recent account statement prior to April 8, 2019, a copy of the voting instruction card provided by your broker, trustee or nominee, or other similar evidence of ownership. If a stockholder is an entity and not a natural person, the authorized representative must comply with the procedures outlined above and must also present evidence of authority to represent such entity. If a stockholder is a natural person and not an entity, such stockholder and his/her immediate family members will be admitted to the Annual Meeting, provided they comply with the above procedures.

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Questions and Answers

 

 

Multiple Sets of Proxy Materials — What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this Proxy Statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you may receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account. If you are a stockholder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please vote each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive.

Record Holders and Beneficial Owners — What is the difference between holding shares as a Record Holder versus a Beneficial Owner?

Most Ulta Beauty stockholders hold their shares through a broker or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. There are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially:

Record Holders — If your shares are registered directly in your name with our Transfer Agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record or Record Holder and the Notice was sent directly to you by Ulta Beauty. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to Ulta Beauty or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

Beneficial Owner — If your shares are held in a brokerage account or by another nominee, you are considered the Beneficial Owner of shares held in street name, and the Notice was forwarded to you from your broker, trustee or nominee. As a Beneficial Owner, you have the right to direct your broker, trustee or nominee how to vote and are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. Since a Beneficial Owner is not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from the broker, trustee or nominee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote the shares at the meeting. Your broker, trustee or nominee has enclosed or provided voting instructions for you to use in directing how to vote your shares. If you do not provide specific voting instructions to your broker by May 26, 2019 (10 days before the Annual Meeting), your broker can vote your shares with respect to “discretionary” items, but not with respect to “non‑discretionary” items. The election of directors (Proposal 1) and the advisory vote on executive compensation (Proposal 3) are considered non‑discretionary items, while the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm (Proposal 2) is considered a discretionary item. On non‑discretionary items for which you do not give your broker instructions, the shares will be treated as broker non‑votes.

Voting — Who can vote and how do I vote?

Only holders of our common stock at the close of business on April 8, 2019 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on April 8, 2019, we had outstanding and entitled to vote 58,749,238 shares of common stock. Each holder of our common stock on such date will be entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

To ensure that your vote is recorded promptly, please vote as soon as possible, even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person. Whether you hold shares directly as the stockholder of record or beneficially in street name, you may direct how your shares are voted without attending the Annual Meeting. If you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by proxy. You can vote by proxy over the internet by following the instructions provided in the Notice, or if you requested to receive printed proxy materials, you can also vote by mail or telephone pursuant to instructions provided on the proxy card. If you hold shares beneficially in street name, you may also vote by proxy over the internet by following the instructions provided in the Notice, or if you requested to receive printed proxy materials, you can also vote by mail or telephone by following the voting instructions provided to you by your broker, bank, trustee or nominee.

If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may also submit your vote in person, and any previous votes that you submitted will be superseded by the vote that you cast at the Annual Meeting. Please note, however, that if your shares are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain from the Record Holder a legal proxy issued in your name.

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Questions and Answers

 

 

 

Revocation of Proxy — May I change my vote after I return my proxy?

Yes. Even after you have submitted your proxy/vote, you may revoke or change your vote at any time before the proxy is exercised by (i) the timely delivery of a valid, later‑dated proxy, timely written notice of revocation with our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices at 1000 Remington Blvd., Suite 120, Bolingbrook, IL 60440; or (ii) by attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy.

Quorum — What constitutes a quorum?

Presence at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the common stock outstanding on April 8, 2019 will constitute a quorum, permitting the Annual Meeting to proceed and business to be conducted. As of April 8, 2019, 58,749,238 shares of common stock were outstanding. Thus, the presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of common stock representing at least 29,374,620 shares will be required to establish a quorum. Proxies received but marked as abstentions and broker non‑votes will be included in the calculation of the number of shares considered to be present at the meeting.

Voting Results — Where can I find the voting results of the Annual Meeting?

We will publish final voting results in a Current Report on Form 8‑K that will be filed with the SEC within four business days of the Annual Meeting.

Solicitation — Who will pay the costs of soliciting these proxies?

We will bear the entire cost of solicitation of proxies, including preparation, assembly, printing and distribution of this Proxy Statement and any additional information furnished to stockholders. If you choose to access the proxy materials and/or vote over the internet, you are responsible for internet access charges you may incur. If you choose to vote by telephone, you are responsible for telephone charges you may incur. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding shares of common stock beneficially owned by others to forward to such Beneficial Owners. We may reimburse persons representing Beneficial Owners of common stock for their reasonable costs of forwarding solicitation materials to such Beneficial Owners. Original solicitation of proxies may be supplemented by electronic means, mail, facsimile, telephone or personal solicitation by our directors, officers or other employees. No additional compensation will be paid to our directors, officers or other regular employees for such services.

Additional Matters at the Annual Meeting — What happens if additional matters are presented at the Annual Meeting?

Other than the three proposals described in this Proxy Statement, we are not aware of any other properly submitted business to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, Mary N. Dillon, our Chief Executive Officer, and Jodi J. Caro, our General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the meeting. If, for any unforeseen reason, any of our nominees are not available as a candidate for director, the persons named as proxy holders will vote your proxy for such other candidate or candidates as may be nominated by the Board of Directors.

Stockholder Proposals — What is the deadline to propose actions for consideration at next year’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or to nominate individuals to serve as directors?

Pursuant to Rule 14a‑8 under the Exchange Act, the deadline for submitting a stockholder proposal for inclusion in our proxy materials for our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is December 26, 2019. Under our Bylaws, stockholders who wish to bring matters or propose director nominees at our 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must provide specified information to us no earlier than February 6, 2020 and no later than March 7, 2020. Stockholders are also advised to review our Bylaws, which contain additional requirements with respect to advance notice of stockholder proposals and director nominations.

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Proposals by stockholders must be mailed to our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive offices at 1000 Remington Blvd., Suite 120, Bolingbrook, IL 60440.

Nomination of Directors — How do I submit a proposed director nominee to the Board of Directors for consideration?

You may propose director nominees for consideration by the Board of Directors’ nominating and corporate governance committee. Any such recommendation should include the nominee’s name and qualifications for membership on the Board of Directors and should be directed to our Corporate Secretary at the address of our principal executive offices set forth above. Such recommendation should disclose all relationships that could give rise to a lack of independence and also contain a statement signed by the nominee acknowledging that he or she will owe a fiduciary obligation to Ulta Beauty and our stockholders. The section titled “Corporate Governance – Nomination Process – Qualifications” above provides additional information on the nomination process. In addition, please review our Bylaws in connection with nominating a director for election at our Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

This written notice must include the following information for each candidate the stockholder proposes to nominate:

 

 

name, age, business address and residence address;

principal occupation or employment;

class and number of shares of capital stock beneficially owned by such candidate; and

any other information relating to the candidate that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for the election of directors pursuant to applicable SEC rules. In addition, the stockholder giving such notice must include his or her (i) name and record address and (ii) the class and number of shares such stockholder beneficially owns.

 

 

 

 

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M

 

iscellaneous

Other Matters

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the proxy holders, Mary N. Dillon, our Chief Executive Officer, and Jodi J. Caro, our General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary, to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, we hope you will vote as soon as possible. You may vote over the internet, as well as by telephone, or, if you requested to receive printed proxy materials, by mailing a proxy or voting instruction card. Please review the instructions on each of your voting options described in this Proxy Statement, as well as in the Notice you received in the mail.

 

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

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Jodi J. Caro
General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Corporate Secretary

April 24, 2019

A COPY OF ULTA BEAUTY’S ANNUAL REPORT TO THE SEC ON FORM 10‑K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 2, 2019 IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE THROUGH THE INVESTOR RELATIONS SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE AT HTTP://IR.ULTABEAUTY.COM, AND UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO: INVESTOR RELATIONS, ULTA BEAUTY, INC., 1000 REMINGTON BLVD., SUITE 120, BOLINGBROOK, IL 60440.

 

 

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VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com Use the Internet to transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information. Vote by 11:59 P.M. ET on June 4, 2019. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form. ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE PROXY MATERIALS If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years. VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903 Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions. Vote by 11:59 P.M. ET on June 4, 2019. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions. VOTE BY MAIL Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717. SHAREHOLDER MEETING REGISTRATION To attend the meeting, go to the "Register for Meeting" link at www.proxyvote.com. ULTA BEAUTY, INC. 1000 REMINGTON BLVD. SUITE 120 BOLINGBROOK, IL 60440 TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: E76509-P24303 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. ULTA BEAUTY, INC. The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR ALL the following Class III Directors to hold office until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders: For Withhold For All AllAllExcept To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark "For All Except" and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. ! ! ! 1. Election of Directors Nominees: 01) 02) 03) 04) Sally E. Blount Mary N. Dillon Charles Heilbronn Michael R. MacDonald The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR proposals 2 and 3. For Against Abstain ! ! ! ! ! ! 2. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for our fiscal year 2019, ending February 1, 2020 3. To vote on an advisory resolution to approve the Company's executive compensation NOTE: Such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such. Joint owners should each sign personally. All holders must sign. If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date

 

 

 


 

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The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended February 2, 2019 are available at http://ir.ultabeauty.com. E76510-P24303 ULTA BEAUTY, INC. Annual Meeting of Stockholders June 5, 2019 10:00 AM This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors The undersigned hereby appoints Mary N. Dillon and Jodi J. Caro as proxies, with full power of substitution, to represent and vote as designated on the reverse side, all the shares of Common Stock of Ulta Beauty, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on April 8, 2019, at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Company's headquarters located at 1000 Remington Boulevard, Suite 120, Bolingbrook, IL 60440, on June 5, 2019, or any adjournment or postponement thereof. This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors' recommendations. Continued and to be signed on reverse side