Ulta Beauty, Inc. Fair Value Disclosure
14. Fair value measurements
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximates their estimated fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments.
Fair value is measured using inputs from the three levels of the fair value hierarchy, which are described as follows:
| ● | Level 1 – observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. |
| ● | Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable either directly or indirectly through corroboration with observable market data. |
| ● | Level 3 – unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which would require the Company to develop its own assumptions. |
Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analyses of goodwill, other intangible assets, and long-lived tangible assets. These involve fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy.
The fair value of other intangible assets, net was valued under the relief from royalty method, which is equal to the present value of the after-tax royalty savings attributable to owning the intangible assets as opposed to paying a third party for its use. The fair value measurement was based on significant unobservable inputs (level 3) developed using company-specific information. The key assumptions in applying the relief from royalty method include the applicable projected revenues, discount rate, remaining useful life, and estimated royalty rate.
As of January 31, 2026 and February 1, 2025, there were liabilities related to the non-qualified deferred compensation plan included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets of $42,470 and $43,117, respectively. The liabilities are categorized as Level 2 as they are based on third-party reported values, which are based primarily on quoted market prices of underlying assets of the funds within the plan.
Historical Timeline
| Fiscal Year | Filed | |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Mar 26, 2026 | Showing above |
| 2025 | Mar 27, 2025 | |
| 2024 | Mar 26, 2024 | |
| 2023 | Mar 24, 2023 | |
| 2022 | Mar 25, 2022 | |
| 2021 | Mar 26, 2021 | |
| 2020 | Mar 27, 2020 | |
| 2019 | Apr 2, 2019 | |
| 2018 | Apr 3, 2018 | |
| 2017 | Mar 28, 2017 | |
| 2016 | Mar 30, 2016 | |
About Fair Value Disclosures
Fair value disclosures classify all assets and liabilities measured at fair value into a three-level hierarchy: Level 1 (quoted market prices), Level 2 (observable inputs like yield curves), and Level 3 (unobservable inputs requiring management estimates). The proportion of Level 3 assets directly reflects how much of the balance sheet depends on internal models rather than market evidence.
Key signals: a growing Level 3 balance relative to total fair-value assets increases valuation uncertainty and earnings volatility risk. Watch for transfers between levels — assets moving from Level 2 to Level 3 often signal deteriorating market liquidity. Unrealized gains and losses on Level 3 positions flow through earnings or other comprehensive income, so large swings deserve scrutiny. For financial institutions, examine the sensitivity disclosures that show how Level 3 valuations change under alternative assumptions. Compare the fair value of debt against its carrying amount to gauge hidden leverage.