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On Wednesday, Citi analysts raised the price target for Signet Jewelers (NYSE: NYSE:SIG) stock to $100 from $85, while maintaining a Buy rating. Trading at $75.13, with a "GOOD" financial health score according to InvestingPro, the company shows early success in its strategy to expand its lab-grown diamond (LGD) fashion offerings.
The LGD segment experienced a 60% growth in the first quarter, with LGD penetration in fashion increasing to 11% from 7% compared to the previous year. This growth contributed to an 8% increase in the average unit retail (AUR) price, following a 7% rise in the fourth quarter. With gross profit margins of 39.4% and a solid current ratio of 1.5, the company maintains strong operational efficiency.
As Signet Jewelers approaches its main sales event during the holiday season, the company is building upon its recent progress. Last year, the company missed its fourth-quarter guidance due to insufficient depth in LGD items, making recent advancements a significant achievement.
Citi analysts noted that management has not factored a benefit from last year’s fashion miss into their guidance, which suggests a conservative outlook for fiscal 2025. The analysts believe the first quarter results highlight the company’s progress, with shares trading at 4.2 times the forecasted fiscal 2025 EV/EBITDA, presenting an attractive risk/reward opportunity. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock appears undervalued, with 12 additional exclusive insights available to subscribers through the comprehensive Pro Research Report.
In other recent news, Signet Jewelers reported strong first-quarter results, with comparable sales rising by 2.5%, exceeding the consensus estimate of 1.1%. The company also adjusted its fiscal year 2025 guidance, projecting earnings per share (EPS) between $7.70 and $9.38, an increase from the previous range. Analysts from Citi have reiterated a Buy rating for Signet Jewelers, maintaining a price target of $85.00, while UBS has raised its price target to $84.00, reflecting confidence in the company’s improved fundamentals. Fitch Ratings upgraded Signet’s credit rating to ’BBB-’ from ’BB+’, citing decreased leverage and stable outlook. Signet also announced a restructuring plan, anticipating costs between $30 million and $45 million as part of its "Grow Brand Love" strategy, which includes closing underperforming stores. Additionally, the company has been active in share repurchase, buying back $132 million worth of stock year-to-date. The restructuring and store optimization are expected to be completed by the end of Fiscal 2026. These developments highlight Signet’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its financial position and adapt to market changes.
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