Why Signet Jewelers Stock Jumped Today

Shares of Signet Jewelers (NYSE: SIG) popped on Thursday after the world's largest seller of diamond jewelry announced stronger-than-expected financial results.

Diamonds don't go out of style

Signet's sales declined slightly to $2.35 billion in its fiscal 2026 fourth quarter, which ended on Jan. 31. The retailer's same-store sales, which measure revenue at physical locations and e-commerce sites that were open during the prior-year period, inched down 0.7%.

The parent company of jewelry chains like Zales and Jared saw strength in its bridal and fashion segments, even as higher gold prices and tariffs drove up its costs.

Perhaps most impressively, Signet continues to crank out cash.

"We finished the year with $525 million of free cash flow, with consistent inventory levels despite record commodity costs and a dynamic tariff environment," chief operating and financial officer Joan Hilson said.

Raising the dividend

Looking ahead, Signet expects to generate adjusted operating income of $470 million to $560 million and earnings per share of $8.80 to $10.74 in fiscal 2027, compared to $515 million and $9.60 in fiscal 2026.

Signet's board of directors, in turn, approved an almost 10% raise in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.35 per share.

Lower gold costs could provide an unexpected boost to Signet's profits. The price of the precious metal is down sharply from its recent highs, due in part to mounting inflation concerns.

Joe Tenebruso has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.