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    Lorraine Maikis Hutchinson

    Managing Director and Senior Equity Analyst at Bank of America

    Lorraine Hutchinson is a Managing Director and Senior Equity Analyst at BofA Securities, specializing in coverage of the US department stores and specialty retail sectors. She covers major retail and apparel companies including Nike, Gap Inc., Tapestry (owner of Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman), and Capri Holdings, and is recognized for detailed sector analysis and active rating performance such as her coverage of Gap Inc. with published price targets. With a career at Merrill Lynch and Bank of America since 2000, she transitioned to retail sector coverage in 2006 and launched her department stores coverage in 2008 after initially covering engineering, environmental, homebuilding, and building products. Hutchinson holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Georgetown University, is a Certified Public Accountant and a CFA charterholder, and consistently ranks among top retail analysts.

    Lorraine Maikis Hutchinson's questions to SIGNET JEWELERS (SIG) leadership

    Lorraine Maikis Hutchinson's questions to SIGNET JEWELERS (SIG) leadership • Q4 2025

    Question

    Lorraine Maikis Hutchinson from Bank of America questioned the conservative full-year same-store sales guidance given the strong quarter-to-date performance, and asked about customer perception of lab-grown diamonds in engagement rings and the potential risk from falling prices.

    Answer

    COO & CFO Joan Hilson explained the prudent guidance reflects the dynamic consumer backdrop, despite positive Q1 trends in bridal recovery and AUR. CEO James Symancyk reframed the diamond strategy as defining specific roles for natural and lab-grown diamonds by brand to meet varied consumer needs. He emphasized a return to growth in natural diamond engagement and the importance of consumer education to build confidence.

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