Signet Jewelers reported a stronger-than-expected performance for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, driven by a 2.5% increase in same-store sales and robust margins from its major brands—Kay, Zales and Jared.
Total sales rose to $1.54 billion, up 2% year-on-year. Adjusted operating income jumped 22% to $70.3 million. Signet CEO J.K. Symancyk credited the “Grow Brand Love” strategy and improved product offerings at key price points for the growth.
“Our three largest brands – Kay, Zales, and Jared – all saw sequential comp improvement on higher margins, margins, highlighting the impact of our outsized focus on our larger brands,” Symancyk noted. “While we’re in the early innings of Grow Brand Love, our strategy is already driving growth in both Bridal and Fashion.”
Signet also refined its promotional tactics and inventory management, expanding both merchandise margin and operating margin. The average unit retail rose by approximately 8%. Signet CFO Joan Hilson added that the company’s positive performance prompted an upward revision in its full-year adjusted EPS guidance to $7.70–$9.38.
The retailer repurchased over 2.3 million shares worth $132.4 million in the quarter and has $600 million of buyback authorisation remaining.
For Q2, Signet forecasts total sales between $1.47 billion and $1.51 billion, with same-store sales expected to range from -1.5% to +1%.
The company’s ongoing sustainability efforts were also highlighted, including surpassing $110 million in donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and implementing its first on-site renewable energy system.
Signet operates 2,633 stores, totalling 4.1 million square feet of selling space across North America and the UK, under brands such as Kay, Zales, Jared, Blue Nile, and James Allen.