Financials

Pandora Lowers Yearly Outlook Following Rough Q3

FinancialsNov 05, 2019

Pandora Lowers Yearly Outlook Following Rough Q3

Like-for-like sales were down across its top seven markets, including a 9 percent dip in the United States.

20191105_Pandora_bracelet.jpg
Sales of Pandora’s charms were down 12 percent year-over-year in the third quarter.

Copenhagen, Denmark—Pandora had a rough third quarter and has lowered its financial outlook for the year as the cost of its brand relaunch and weak sales in China weigh heavy on its balance sheet.

Like-for-like sales dipped 10 percent year-over-year, including double-digit declines in key markets such as the U.K. and China. (Like-for-like represents true comparable sales out of stores that have been open for at least a year, excluding currency fluctuations.)

Quarterly revenue totaled 4.42 billion Danish kroner ($656.63 million), falling 11 percent compared with 4.98 billion kroner ($740.85 million) in the third quarter of last year.

“The deliberate actions of the commercial reset hurt our short-term financial performance, but it’s unquestionably the right thing to do,” CEO Alexander Lacik said in an earnings call Tuesday morning.

“We will exit 2019 in much better shape in key areas with less dependence on promotions, more balanced inventory levels, and a more efficient product assortment.”

Like-for-like online sales jumped 12 percent, accounting for 10 percent of total revenue, slightly higher than the 8 percent in the previous third quarter.

Total revenue in the United States fell 14 percent year-over-year while like-for-like sales sank 9 percent. The U.S. remains Pandora’s top market, accounting for 20 percent of global revenue.

Pandora attributed the weak performance in the U.S. to a reduction of promotional activity—it cut back on the number of sale days by 40 percent—but noted that adjusting for the reduction, like-for-like sales were “in line with the overall retail traffic development in the U.S.”

Organic growth— sales into stores (sell-in) plus sales from newly opened stores (also excluding currency fluctuations)— in the U.S. sank 18 percent, which the company said represents a “significant reduction” in inventory among its wholesale partners, which was larger than it expected this quarter.

Pandora described its performance in China as “disappointing,” seeing a 7 percent dip in total revenue and a 16 percent drop in like-for-like sales.

Double-digit growth in sales on Tmall, a popular e-commerce site, was offset by weak sales for Chinese Valentine’s Day this August. The holiday accounts for around 32 percent of its third-quarter revenue, Pandora said.

The company has responded with a “Win-in-China” initiative, an element of its Programme Now turnaround effort, which includes commercial initiatives, like brand positioning, and optimizing its media spend.

Like-for-like sales were down across the board in Pandora’s top seven markets, including a 10 percent dip in the U.K., its second-largest market by revenue share,

and a 12 percent dip in Italy.

By category, sales of charms fell 12 percent year-over-year while sales of bracelets and rings were both down 13 percent.

Revenue from its earrings and necklaces and pendants segments slipped 6 percent.

Looking ahead, Pandora lowered its financial guidance for the full year, forecasting negative organic revenue growth in the 7 to 9 percent range, compared with its previous guidance of a 3 to 7 percent decline.

The company attributed the change in part to higher-than-expected cuts in inventory levels with its wholesale partners.

In a press release, Lacik called the third quarter “an important milestone for Pandora,” noting consumers have responded positively to the company’s rebranding initiatives, adding that Pandora is expecting “solid” Christmas sales.

“We continue to believe that we will see an improvement in like-for-like in Q4, although the exact magnitude is clearly subject to uncertainty,” he said.

In addition to its quarterly results, Pandora announced Monday the nomination of Peter Ruzicka as its new member and chair of its board of directors.

His appointment is subject to election at its general meeting, which is scheduled for Dec. 4.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

2025 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductees
Events & AwardsJun 06, 2025
Here Are the 2025 Retailer Hall of Fame Inductees

This year’s honorees include a Midwest retailer and two multi-store independents, one in New York and the other in New England.

Harwell Godfrey Granny Square Eleanor Necklace
CollectionsJun 06, 2025
Piece of the Week: Harwell Godfrey’s ‘Granny Squares Eleanor’ Necklace

As an homage to iconic crochet blankets, the necklace features the nostalgic motif through a kaleidoscope of cabochon-cut stones.

 Laura Gallon Joaillerie “Dynasty” ring, Bijules “Compass” bolo tie, Löf “The Orbitalis” ring
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
The 12 Fresh Faces in Couture’s Design Atelier

Discover the dozen up-and-coming brands exhibiting in the Design Atelier for the first time.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Jack Abraham The Royal Ruby Collection
SourcingJun 05, 2025
A Rare Suite of Rubies Has Arrived in Las Vegas

The “Royal Ruby” Collection is a quintet of untreated rubies curated by collector Jack Abraham.

Weekly QuizJun 05, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

Vaishali Banerjee and Pallavi Sharma
MajorsJun 05, 2025
Platinum Guild International Updates Leadership Team

Two existing executives have been given new roles.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Meredith Tiderington
Events & AwardsJun 05, 2025
Zillion Announces 'Women in STEM' Scholarship Recipient

Meredith Tiderington, an electrical engineering student, was selected for the award.

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy