Signet (SIG) beats Q4 revenue and earnings estimates

Signet Jewelers Limited (NYSE: SIG) topped revenue and earnings expectations for the fourth quarter of 2020, sending the stock soaring 19% in premarket hours on Thursday.

Total sales of $2.15 billion were relatively unchanged versus the prior-year period but ahead of forecasts of $2.12 billion. Same-store sales grew 2.3%.

The company reported net income attributable to shareholders of $178.8 million, or $3.14 per share, compared to a net loss of $116.2 million, or $2.25 per share, last year. Adjusted EPS totaled $3.67, beating estimates of $3.47.

During the quarter, ecommerce sales climbed 15.1% year-over-year to $299.9 million, accounting for 13.9% of total sales. Brick and mortar same-store sales inched up 0.5%.

In North America, same-store sales increased 2.9%, with a double-digit growth in ecommerce sales and a 1.1% rise in brick-and-mortar same-store sales. The company saw strength in the Bridal and fashion category while Watches and Other categories posted declines.

Signet saw weakness in its International division as sales dropped across categories and the operating environment in the UK remained tough. Same-store sales in the division fell 3.1%, pulled down by a decline of 5.8% in brick-and-mortar same-store sales. Ecommerce sales grew 15.8%.

In January, the company disclosed that its same-store sales increased 1.6% during the holiday period. Same-store sales in North America rose 2% while ecommerce sales jumped 13.5%.  

Signet said it is not providing FY2021 guidance at this time. The company has also decided to temporarily suspend the dividend on its common shares and to pay the May quarterly dividend on its preference shares in kind as opposed to cash.

On Monday, the company had announced that it would close all of its stores in North America temporarily. On its conference call, Signet stated that it has reduced its work hours and compensation across its teams. The top executives have taken reductions to their pay as well.

Signet also said it is looking to reduce its store footprint further as it focuses on moving towards a smaller store base with higher growth potential and improved omnichannel capabilities.