On a GAAP basis, net loss attributable to common
shareholders was $18.2 million, or $0.35 per share, compared to $504.8 million,
or $8.48 per share, last year. Adjusted EPS totaled $0.08 versus the forecasts
for a loss of $0.23 per share.
Signet reported year-over-year sales declines in its North
America and International segments. The company saw sales fall across most of
its categories with the exception of Piercing Pagoda which recorded an 11%
growth in sales.
Same-store sales in North America fell 0.9%. Average
transaction value (ATV) rose 1.3% while the number of transactions fell 2.3%. International
same-store sales decreased 5.2%. ATV rose 0.2% while the number of transactions
dropped 5.4%.
For the second quarter of 2020, Signet expects total sales
of $1.35 billion to $1.37 billion. Same store sales are expected to be down
3.5% to 2.5%. GAAP earnings are expected to range from a loss of $0.10 per
share to earnings of $0.07 per share. Adjusted EPS is expected to be $0.23-0.30.
For fiscal-year 2020, total sales is estimated to be $6
billion to $6.06 billion. Same-store sales is expected to be down 2.5% to 1.5%.
GAAP EPS is expected to be $1.88-2.38 and
adjusted EPS is expected to be $2.88 to $3.17.
In fiscal-year 2020, Signet expects to achieve cost savings
of $70-80 million. The company expects to generate $200-225 million of cost
savings from its transformation plan during the period from 2019 to 2021. This
includes $85 million achieved in fiscal year 2019.
In FY20, the company expects to close approx. 150 stores, with 44 closures during Q1 2020 and limited new store openings for the full year. By the end of fiscal-year 2020, Signet expects to reduce its store base by 13% over the three-year period from fiscal years 2018 to 2020.
Signet declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.37 per share for the second quarter of 2020, payable on August 30, 2019 to shareholders of record on August 2, 2019, with an ex-dividend date of August 1, 2019.
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