The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.
Signet’s Fourth Quarter Comps Climb 5%
The retailer released preliminary figures nearly a month ahead of its scheduled earnings call because it was “excited” about its Q4 results.

Akron, Ohio--Signet Jewelers Ltd. shared preliminary fourth quarter results showing strong sales and credit metrics, just weeks after a report speculated that the retailer might be taking on too much risk with the loans it extends to consumers.
The Akron, Ohio-based retailer, which operates Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and Zales stores, said Monday that its same-store sales increased 5 percent year-over-year in the fourth quarter and that its credit program contributed to profitability during the period.
Signet also reported that its credit metrics improved quarter-over-quarter, even exceeding the impact of normal seasonality trends that tend to improve allowance metrics from Q3 to Q4.
Year-over-year, the difference in interest income from its Sterling division in-house finance programs (primarily, Kay and Jared; generally, an outside company handles the financing offered to Zales’ customers) relative to net bad debt was $3.9 million, up from $2.3 million last year.
“Signet delivered outstanding fourth quarter results,” CEO Mark Light said in a company news release. “Our business was strong in the fourth quarter as evidenced by our accelerating same-store sales performance. At the same time our credit metrics improved from the third quarter in line with expectations, and we remain confident in the strength of our credit portfolio.”
The release of the results follows on the heels of a report by Bloomberg Business that questioned the retailer’s lending practices, stating that “behind its sparkly empire lie consumer loans that bankers might consider subprime debt.”
When asked Monday if the release of the preliminary fourth quarter figures was a direct reaction to the Bloomberg story, Signet spokesman David Bouffard said the company is “excited” about its fourth quarter results and wanted to share them now.
He also said that Signet wanted to share some credit metrics that it believes are “important to some shareholders.”
Light said in the release that the company is pleased with its current quarter performance so far and will release more details on Q1 during the company’s next earnings call, scheduled for March 24.
Signet’s positive fourth quarter comps outshone those of a number of other fine jewelry-selling retailers, including department store chain Macy’s and off-price retailer Kohl’s.
The retailer’s stock jumped nearly 14 percent following Monday’s announcement.
The Latest

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.


The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.

The president made the announcement via Truth Social Wednesday, adding that India also will face a penalty for its dealings with Russia.

Its opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.

Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”

“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.

Senior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.

The first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.

The online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.

She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.

Announced Sunday, the deal will set the tax on goods imported into the United States from the European Union at 15 percent.

A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.

The retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.

The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.

Anne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”

Jewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.

Mark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.

While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.

The “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.

The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.