1.Business and basis of presentation

On January 29, 2017, Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. implemented a holding company reorganization pursuant to which Ulta Beauty, Inc., which was incorporated as a Delaware corporation in December 2016, became the successor to Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc., the former publicly traded company and now a wholly owned subsidiary of Ulta Beauty, Inc. As used in these notes and throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q, all references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Ulta Beauty” or the “Company” refer to Ulta Beauty, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The Company was originally founded in 1990 to operate specialty retail stores selling cosmetics, fragrance, haircare and skincare products, and related accessories and services. The stores also feature full-service salons. As of October 28, 2017, the Company operated 1,058 stores in 48 states and the District of Columbia, as shown in the table below.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10‑Q and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Article 10, Regulation S-X. These consolidated financial statements were prepared on a consolidated basis to include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts, transactions and unrealized profit were eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary to fairly state the financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented.

The Company’s business is subject to seasonal fluctuation. Significant portions of the Company’s net sales and net income are realized during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to the holiday selling season. The results for the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 28, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2018, or for any other future interim period or for any future year.

These interim consolidated financial statements and the related notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended January 28, 2017. All amounts are stated in thousands, with the exception of per share amounts and number of stores.