UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
Form 8-K
 
 
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):27-05-2010
 
 
SIGNET JEWELERS LIMITED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
Commission File Number:  1-32349
 
 
Bermuda
  
(State or other jurisdiction of
  
(IRS Employer
incorporation)
  
Identification No.)
Clarendon House
2 Church Street
Hamilton
HM11
Bermuda
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
 
 
441 296 5872
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
 
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[  ]   Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[  ]   Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[  ]   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[  ]   Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 
 
Item No. 2.02 - 1st Quarter Results
 

 

signet REPORTS ENCOURAGING FIRST quarter results

 

HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 27, 2010 - Signet Jewelers Limited ("Signet") (NYSE and LSE: SIG), the world's largest specialty retail jeweler, today announced its results for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2010 ("first quarter fiscal 2011").


First Quarter Highlights
 

·     Same store sales: up 5.8%

·     Total sales: $810.0 million, up 6.2%

·     Income before income taxes: $76.8 million, up 85.5%

·     Basic and diluted earnings per share: $0.61 and $0.60, up 96.8% and 93.5%

·     Free cash flow now expected to be towards the top end of the anticipated
  $150 million to $200 million range for fiscal 2011
(1)

(1)  Fiscal 2010 is the year ended January 30, 2010 and fiscal 2011 is the year ending January 29, 2011.


Terry Burman, Chief Executive of Signet commented: "We are very pleased with our start to the year.  Jared and Ernest Jones performed particularly well.  Our ability to create differentiated and sought after product, supported by superior customer service and memorable marketing campaigns, is an important driver of sales.  We continue to focus on enhancing our sustainable competitive advantages, improving our execution and maintaining a strong balance sheet and financial flexibility.  We therefore believe we remain well positioned to gain profitable market share."
 

Enquiries:

Terry Burman, Chief Executive, Signet Jewelers

+1 441 296 5872

 

Walker Boyd, Finance Director, Signet Jewelers

+1 441 296 5872

 

 

 

Press:

Alecia Pulman, ICR, Inc

+1 203 682 8224

 

Jonathan Glass, Brunswick

+44 (0)20 7404 5959

 

Signet  is the world's largest specialty retail jeweler and operated 1,904 stores at May 1, 2010; these included 1,354 stores in the US, where it trades as "Kay Jewelers," "Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry" and under a number of regional names.  At that date Signet also operated 550 stores in the UK division, where it trades as "H.Samuel," "Ernest Jones" and "Leslie Davis."  Further information on Signet is available at www.signetjewelers.com.  See also www.kay.com, www.jared.com, www.hsamuel.co.uk and www.ernestjones.co.uk
.
 

Conference call

There will be a conference call today at 8.30 a.m. EDT (1.30 p.m. BST and 5.30 a.m. Pacific Time) and a simultaneous audio webcast and slide presentation available at www.signetjewelers.com.  The slides are available to be downloaded from the website ahead of the conference call.  To help ensure the conference call begins in a timely manner, could all participants please dial in 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.  The call details are:

 

US dial-in:

+1 212 444 0895

 

European dial-in:

+44 (0)20 7138 0845

 
     

US replay until June 1, 2010:

+1 347 366 9565

Access code: 5573546#

European replay until June 1, 2010:

+44 (0)20 7111 1244

Access code: 5573546#

 

 

Quarterly Performance

During the first quarter Signet made good progress towards achieving its financial objectives for fiscal 2011.  These are:

 

·     $150 million to $200 million positive free cash flow;

·     Capital expenditure of about $80 million;

   ·    Controllable costs(1) to be little changed from fiscal 2010 at constant exchange rates. 

(1) Controllable costs exclude net bad debt charge, expense movements resulting from sales variance to plan, the impact of amendments to the Truth In Lending Act and the US vacation entitlement policy change in fiscal 2010.

 

Sales and operating income

Same store sales were up 5.8%, an encouraging start to fiscal 2011.  Total sales rose by 6.2% to $810.0 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $762.6 million), reflecting an underlying increase of 5.2% at constant exchange rates; non-GAAP measure, see Note 13.  The breakdown of the performance was as follows:

 

 

US

UK

Signet

Sales, million

$667.1

$142.9

$810.0

% of total

82.4%

17.6%

100.0%

       

Change in sales

US

UK

Signet

 

%

%

%

Same store sales

7.2

(0.2)

5.8

Change in net store space

(0.4)

(1.5)

(0.6)

Change at constant exchange rates

6.8

(1.7)

5.2

Exchange translation(1)

  -  

5.5

1.0

Total sales growth as reported

6.8

3.8

6.2

(1) The average pound sterling to US dollar exchange rate was £1/$1.53 (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: £1/$1.45).  

 

Gross margin was $296.3 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $255.5 million), up by 16.0% and by 15.0% at constant exchange rates; non-GAAP measure, see Note 13.  Gross margin rate increased by 310 basis points, the factors influencing the change are set out in the table below.  Selling, general and administrative expenses benefited from a further small decrease in controllable costs.  Other operating income decreased by 6.7% to $27.7 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $29.7 million) as a result of the comparable prior year figure including a gain on foreign exchange of $0.9 million and some of the unfavorable impact of the amendments to the Truth In Lending Act.

 

Operating income increased by 63.2% to $85.5 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $52.4 million which included a $4.0 million non-recurring, favorable impact from a change in US vacation entitlement policy), up 63.8% at constant exchange rates; non-GAAP measure, see Note 13.  Operating margin was 10.6% (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: 6.9%), the factors influencing the change in operating margin are set out in the table below.

 

Change in operating margin

US

UK

Signet

 

%

%

%

Q1 fiscal 2010 operating margin

9.0

(0.9)

6.9(1)

Gross merchandise margin movement

0.9

(1.0)

0.5

Net bad debt movement

1.2

-

1.0

Leverage, primarily of store occupancy costs

1.7

0.5

1.6

Gross margin

3.8

(0.5)

3.1

Selling, general & administrative expenses

1.4

0.2

1.0

Other operating income

(0.5)

0.2

(0.4)

Q1 fiscal 2011 operating margin

  13.7

(1.0)

10.6 (1)

(1) Includes unallocated costs, principally central costs.

 

Interest income and expense, income before income taxes and taxation

Interest income was $0.1 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $0.6 million).  Interest expense of $8.8 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $11.6 million) benefitted from the repayment of debt and lower fees.

 

Income before income taxes rose by 85.5% to $76.8 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $41.4 million).  The tax rate was 32.3% (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: 36.5%), which is the anticipated rate for fiscal 2011 and similar to the annual rate for fiscal 2010.

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share increased by 96.8% and 93.5% to $0.61 and $0.60 respectively (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: basic and diluted $0.31).

 

Cash Flow

Set out below is a summary of Signet's cash flows and movement in net cash/(net debt) for the first quarters of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010; non-GAAP measure, see Note 13:

                                                                                                                      

First Quarter

   
 

fiscal

fiscal

 

  2011

  2010

 

($ million)

 

Net income

52.0

26.3

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash

   

   provided by operations

32.7

  36.8

Net income adjusted for non-cash items(1)

84.7

63.1

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

 99.5

  134.9

Net cash provided by operating activities

184.2

198.0

Net cash flows used in investing activities

  (6.3)

   (8.4)

Free cash flow(1)

177.9

189.6

Facility fees

(1.0)

(8.4)

Net change in Common Shares

   0.8

 

177.7

181.2

     

Cash & cash equivalents less total debt at start of period

(7.9)

(470.7)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash & cash equivalents

1.0

0.4

Effect of exchange rate changes on debt

-

 (1.1)

Net cash/(net debt)(1)

170.8

(290.2)

(1) Non-GAAP measure, seeNote 13.

 

Positive free cash flow was $177.9 million in the 13 weeks to May 1, 2010 (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $189.6 million); non-GAAP measure, see Note 13.  Net income adjusted for non-cash items increased by $21.6 million to $84.7 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $63.1 million).  Changes in operating assets and liabilities generated cash flows of $99.5 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $134.9 million).  Inventories decreased by $38.9 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $43.2 million decrease) as a result of a better than expected sales performance, store closures and timing differences that are expected to reverse in subsequent quarters.  Accounts receivable decreased by $55.1 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $55.3 million decline), reflecting a higher opening level of receivables and an improvement in collection rate offset by higher sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2011.

 

Net cash flow used in investing activities was $6.3 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $8.4 million). Capital expenditure for fiscal 2011 continues to be planned to be about $80 million, a level broadly consistent with maintenance capital expenditure.  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, and investing activities, due to new US space were $2.2 million and $1.1 million respectively.

 

For fiscal 2011, positive free cash flow is now expected to be towards the top end of the anticipated $150 million to $200 million range, subject to general economic conditions.

 

In the 13 weeks to May 1, 2010, a sum of $0.8 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: nil) was received for the issuance of Common Shares pursuant to Signet's equity compensation programs.

 

Liquidity

Net cash at May 1, 2010 was $170.8 million (May 2, 2009: $290.2 million net debt); non-GAAP measure, see Note 13.  Debt at May 1, 2010 was $276.3 million (May 2, 2009: $359.4 million), with cash and cash equivalents of $447.1 million (May 2, 2009: $69.2 million).  During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, there was a prepayment at par of $50.9 million of the private placement notes.  In addition, a change was agreed with Signet's revolving credit facility banking group that the facility be reduced to $300 million from $370 million.  The facility was undrawn at May 1, 2010 (May 2, 2009: $40.0 million).

 

Operating Review

US division (~80% of annual sales)

The US division's sales were up by 6.8% to $667.1 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $624.9 million), see table below for analysis.  Same store sales were up 7.2%.  Operating income increased by 61.5% to $91.1million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $56.4 million, which included a $4.0 million non-recurring, favorable impact from the change in vacation entitlement policy).  The operating margin was 13.7% (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: 9.0%); see table above for an analysis of the movement in operating margin.


 
 

     

Change from previous year

 

Sales

      Average

         Total

           Same

Average

   

              unit

         sales

           store

        unit

   

          selling

 

            sales

    selling

First quarter fiscal 2011

 

            price

   

      price

Kay

$386.8m

$322

4.0%

4.2%

6.0%

Regional brands

$76.9m

$339

(6.4)%

2.7%

(1.4)%

Jared

$203.4m

         $741(1)

19.0%

15.8%

2.9%(1)

US

$667.1m

        $380(1)

6.8%

7.2%

5.1%(1)

(1) Excludes the charm bracelet category.


While the wider economic environment in the US remains challenging, the division continued to benefit from both its sustainable competitive advantages, as many competitors are financially constrained, and the accelerated level of capacity reduction within the sector in recent years.  Kay achieved a further increase in same store sales.  Jared's sales increase reflected a continued recovery in expenditure among households with above average incomes and the impact of merchandising initiatives.  Set out above is the sales performance by format.  In the US division, average selling price rose by 5.1%, excluding the charm bracelet category in Jared, as a result of changes in mix and selective price increases.

 

Gross merchandise margin was up 90 basis points, benefitting from price increases implemented during the quarter, lower average diamond inventory costs and favorable changes in the sales mix, offsetting a higher cost of gold.  As a result of higher than anticipated diamond and gold costs, it is now expected that the US division's gross merchandise margin for fiscal 2011 will be broadly similar to the level of fiscal 2010, however this remains subject to future movements in commodity costs.

 

Credit participation was little changed at 51.6% (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: 51.2%).  The net bad debt to total sales ratio was down by 120 basis points over the comparable period in fiscal 2010, with an underlying improvement in performance being evident.  While some of the amendments to the Truth In Lending Act were implemented on February 22, 2010, their full impact on fiscal 2011 remains uncertain and continues to have an expected net direct adverse impact on operating income in the $15 million to $20 million range.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal 2011, costs continued to be tightly managed and controllable expenses were slightly below last year, with a small benefit from the fiscal 2010 cost saving program continuing into the first quarter of fiscal 2011.  The additional impact of the cost saving program in the balance of fiscal 2011 is expected to be minimal.

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities in the US were $5.3 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $7.0 million).  Stores opened and closed in the quarter, together with planned changes for the balance of fiscal 2011 are set out below.

 

 

Kay

Kay

     

Annual net

 

mall

Off-mall

Regionals

Jared(1)

Total

space change

January 30, 2010

794

129

260

178

1,361

(1)%

Opened

-

-

-

1

1

 

Closed

   (4)

  (2)

 (2)

    -

   (8)

 

May 1, 2010

790

127

258

179

1,354

 

Openings, planned

5

2

-

1

8

 

Closures, forecast

   (7)

   (2)

 (34)

    -

    (43)

 

January 29, 2011

788

127

224

180

1,319

(2)%

(1) A Jared store is equivalent in size to just over four mall stores.

 

UK division (~20% of annual sales)

The UK division's sales were up by 3.8% to $142.9 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $137.7 million); see table below for analysis.  Same store sales were down 0.2%.  There was an operating loss of $1.4 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $1.3 million loss); see table above for an analysis of the movement in operating margin.

 

     

     Change from previous year    

 

Sales

Average

Total

Sales at

Same

Average

   

unit

sales

constant

store

unit

   

selling

 

exchange

sales

selling

First quarter fiscal 2011

 

price

 

rates(1)

 

price

H.Samuel

$74.5m

£54

2.2%

(3.1)%

(2.1)%

5.9%

Ernest Jones

$68.4m

£253(2)

7.0%

1.4%

1.8%

11.6%(2)

UK

$142.9m

£89(2)

3.8%

(1.7)%

(0.2)%

11.3%(2)

(1) Non-GAAP measure, see Note 13.

(2) Excludes the charm bracelet category.

 

The general economic environment during the quarter in the UK was more challenging than in the US, with uncertainty related to the general election having a detrimental impact on consumer confidence.  H.Samuel's same store sales were lower than the comparable quarter in fiscal 2010, while those of Ernest Jones were better.  The charm bracelet category again performed well. 

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, the average unit selling price in the UK division rose by 11.3%, excluding the charm bracelet category in Ernest Jones.  This reflected higher prices and merchandise mix changes.  Gross merchandise margin declined by 100 basis points, with an increase in the cost of gold, a higher value added tax rate and the impact of the weak pound sterling to US dollar exchange rate being partly offset by price changes.  It continues to be anticipated that the UK division's gross merchandise margin for fiscal 2011 will be somewhat lower than that of fiscal 2010, subject to future movements in commodity costs, exchange, and the value added tax rate, all potentially mitigated by possible price increases.  In sterling terms, controllable costs were slightly lower.

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities in the UK were $1.0 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $1.4 million).  Stores opened and closed in the quarter, together with planned changes for the balance of fiscal 2011 are set out below.

 

 

H.Samuel

Ernest Jones(1)

Total

January 30, 2010

347

205

552

Opened

-

-

-

Closed

   (1)

  (1)

  (2)

May 1, 2010

346

204

550

Openings, planned

-

-

-

Closures, forecast

  (8)

  (5)

 (13)

January 29, 2011

338

199

537

(1) Includes stores trading as Leslie Davis.

 

Unallocated costs

Unallocated costs, principally central costs, were $4.2 million (13 weeks to May 2, 2009: $2.7 million), reflecting the impact of the change in the average exchange translation rate and a gain on foreign exchange in the comparable prior year period.

 

Management Succession

 

On April 15, 2010, Ron Ristau joined Signet as Chief Financial Officer Designate, and he will succeed Walker Boyd who retires on June 25, 2010.  The formal search for a Chief Executive Officer began in late February 2010 and is progressing.

 

Investor Relations Program Details

 

BoA Merrill Lynch 2010 SMID Cap Conference, Boston

Signet will be taking part in the BoA Merrill Lynch small mid cap conference on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. Present will be Terry Burman, Chief Executive and Ron Ristau, CFO Designate. The presentation, which is scheduled for 3.20 p.m. EDT, will be available on www.signetjewelers.com.

 

Investor day and store tour, Akron, Ohio

An investor day and store tour for professional investors is to be held in Akron, Ohio on Tuesday, June 15, 2010.  Please go to www.signetjewelers.com for further details.

 

Annual general meeting

The annual general meeting is to be held at 11.00 a.m. EDT on June 17, 2010 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio, 44333, USA.
 

Second quarter results

The second quarter results for the 13 weeks ending July 31, 2010 are expected to be announced on Thursday, August 26, 2010.
 
 

This release contains statements which are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements, based upon management's beliefs and expectations as well as on assumptions made by and data currently available to management, appear in a number of places throughout this release and include statements regarding, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which Signet operates.  The use of the words "expects," "intends," "anticipates," "estimates," "predicts," "believes," "should," "potential," "may," "forecast," "objective," "plan," or "target," and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to general economic conditions, the merchandising, pricing and inventory policies followed by Signet, the reputation of Signet and its brands, the level of competition in the jewelry sector, the cost and availability of diamonds, gold and other precious metals, regulations relating to consumer credit, seasonality of Signet's business, and financial market risks.

 

For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially, see the "Risk Factors" section of Signet's fiscal 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2010.  Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements.  Signet undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated income statements

 

     

13 weeks ended

13 weeks

ended

 
     

May 1,

2010

May 2,

2009

 
     

$million

$million

Notes

           
           

Sales

   

810.0

762.6

2

Cost of sales

   

(513.7)

(507.1)

 
           
           

Gross margin

   

296.3

255.5

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   

(238.5)

(232.8)

 

Other operating income, net

   

27.7

29.7

 
           
           

Operating income, net

   

85.5

52.4

2

Interest income

   

0.1

0.6

 

Interest expense

   

(8.8)

(11.6)

 
           
           

Income before income taxes

   

76.8

41.4

 

Income taxes

   

(24.8)

(15.1)

 
           
           

Net income

   

52.0

26.3

 
           
           

Earnings per share - basic

   

$0.61

$0.31

5

                              - diluted

   

$0.60

$0.31

5

           
           

All of the above relate to continuing activities attributable to equity shareholders.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 



Unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets

 

 

May 1,

2010

(Unaudited)

May 2,

2009

(Unaudited)

January 30, 2010

(Audited)

 
 

$million

$million

$million

Notes

         
         

Assets

       
         

Current assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

447.1

69.2

316.2

 

Accounts receivable, net

801.7

770.1

858.0

 

Other receivables

25.2

65.0

27.9

 

Other current assets

51.1

58.0

58.4

 

Deferred tax assets

0.7

-

2.2

 

Inventories

1,122.0

1,327.1

1,173.1

6

         
         

Total current assets

2,447.8

2,289.4

2,435.8

 
         
         

Non-current assets:

       

Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $577.8 million, $575.8 million and $566.0 million, respectively

375.2

437.7

396.9

 

Other intangible assets, net

23.6

23.4

24.2

 

Other assets

12.0

9.7

12.6

 

Deferred tax assets

52.8

59.3

54.7

 
         
         

Total assets

2,911.4

2,819.5

2,924.2

2

         
         

Liabilities and Shareholders' equity

       
         

Current liabilities:

       

Loans and overdrafts

47.2

79.4

44.1

 

Accounts payable

104.2

108.8

66.2

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

233.9

256.9

272.1

 

Deferred revenue

115.9

113.5

120.1

7

Deferred tax liabilities

79.6

58.1

74.7

 

Income taxes payable

32.1

55.6

44.1

 
         
         

Total current liabilities

612.9

672.3

621.3

 
         
         

Non-current liabilities:

       

Long-term debt

229.1

280.0

280.0

 

Other liabilities

78.9

72.7

79.6

 

Deferred revenue

143.1

142.4

140.9

7

Retirement benefit obligation

1.8

12.6

4.8

 
         
         

Total liabilities

1,065.8

1,180.0

1,126.6

 
         
         

Commitments and contingencies (see note 10)

       
         
         
         

Shareholders' equity:

       

Common shares of $0.18 par value: authorized 500 million shares, 85.5 million shares issued and outstanding (May 2, 2009: 85.3 million shares issued and outstanding; January 30, 2010: 85.5 million shares issued and outstanding)

15.4

15.3

15.4

 

Additional paid-in capital

172.4

165.1

169.9

 

Other reserves

235.2

235.2

235.2

 

Treasury shares

-

(10.7)

(1.1)

 

Retained earnings

1,607.9

1,427.2

1,556.4

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(185.3)

(192.6)

(178.2)

 
         
         

Total shareholders' equity

1,845.6

1,639.5

1,797.6

 
         
         

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

2,911.4

2,819.5

2,924.2

 
         
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows

 

     

13 weeks ended

13 weeks ended

     

May 1, 2010

May 2, 2009

     

$million

$million

         
         

Cash flows from operating activities

       

Net income

   

52.0

26.3

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operations:

       

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

   

22.4

24.2

Amortization of other intangible assets

   

2.0

1.4

Pension expense

   

(1.9)

-

Share-based compensation expense

   

2.3

0.7

    Deferred taxation

   

6.3

(2.6)

    Facility fees included in net income

   

2.3

3.4

Other non-cash movements

   

(0.7)

9.3

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

   

-

0.4

         

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

       

Decrease in accounts receivable

   

55.1

55.3

Decrease in other receivables

   

3.7

16.9

Decrease/(increase) in other current assets

   

10.0

(18.4)

Decrease in inventories

   

38.9

43.2

Increase in accounts payable

   

38.5

65.9

Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities

   

(33.6)

(20.6)

Decrease in deferred revenue

   

(1.8)

(7.0)

Decrease in income taxes payable

   

(11.1)

(0.4)

Effect of exchange rate changes on currency swaps

   

(0.2)

-

         
         

Net cash provided by operating activities

   

184.2

198.0

         
         

Investing activities

       

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

   

(4.7)

(7.3)

Purchase of other intangible assets

   

(1.6)

(1.1)

         
         

Net cash flows used in investing activities

   

(6.3)

(8.4)

         
         

Financing activities

       

Proceeds from issue of common shares

   

0.8

-

Facility fees paid

   

(1.0)

(8.4)

Proceeds from/(repayment of) short-term borrowings

   

3.1

(109.2)

Repayment of long-term debt

   

(50.9)

(100.0)

         
         

Net cash flows used in financing activities

   

(48.0)

(217.6)

         
         

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   

316.2

96.8

Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   

129.9

(28.0)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

   

1.0

0.4

         
         

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   

447.1

69.2

         
         
         

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of shareholders' equity

 

 

Common shares at par value

Additional paid-in capital

Other reserves

Treasury shares

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total shareholders' equity

 

$million

$million

$million

$million

$million

$million

$million

               
               

Balance at January 30, 2010

15.4

169.9

235.2

(1.1)

1,556.4

(178.2)

1,797.6

Net income

-

-

-

-

52.0

-

52.0

Foreign currency translation adjustments

-

-

-

-

-

(11.2)

(11.2)

Changes in fair value of derivative instruments, net

-

-

-

-

-

3.5

3.5

Actuarial gain on pension plan, net

-

-

-

-

-

0.6

0.6

Share options exercised

-

0.2

-

1.1

(0.5)

-

0.8

Share-based compensation expense

-

2.3

-

-

-

-

2.3

               
               

Balance at May 1, 2010

15.4

172.4

235.2

-

1,607.9

(185.3)

1,845.6

               
               
               

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.  

 

 

Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income

 

     

13 weeks

ended

13 weeks

ended

     

May 1, 2010

May 2, 2009

     

$million

$million

         
         

Net income

   

52.0

26.3

Foreign currency translation

   

(11.2)

4.0

Changes in fair value of derivative instruments

   

5.2

(2.3)

Actuarial gain

   

1.2

1.1

Prior service cost

   

(0.3)

(0.2)

Deferred tax on items recognized in equity

   

(2.0)

0.3

         
         

Comprehensive income

   

44.9

29.2

         
         

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 



Notes to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

1. Principal accounting policies and basis of preparation

 

Basis of preparation

 

Signet Jewelers Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiary undertakings (collectively, "Signet") is a leading retailer of jewelry, watches and associated services.  Signet manages its business as two geographical segments, being the United States of America (the "US") and the United Kingdom (the "UK").  The US segment operates retail stores under brands including Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry and various regional brands while the UK segment's retail stores operate under brands including H.Samuel and Ernest Jones.  

These interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2010, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 30, 2010. 

These interim financial statements of the Group are unaudited.  They have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("US GAAP") for interim financial information.  Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in complete consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted from these interim financial statements.  However, these interim financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly state the results of the interim periods.  Subsequent events have been evaluated up to the date of issue of these interim financial statements.

Use of estimates in interim financial statements

 

The preparation of interim financial statements, in conformity with US GAAP and SEC regulations for interim reporting, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated interim financial statements and reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Estimates and assumptions are primarily made in relation to the valuation of receivables, the valuation of inventory, depreciation and asset impairment, the valuation of employee benefits, income taxes and contingencies. 

Seasonality

 

Signet's business is highly seasonal with a very significant proportion of its sales and operating profit generated during its fourth quarter, which includes the Christmas season. Management expects such a seasonal fluctuation in sales and profit to continue. Therefore, operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. 

New accounting pronouncements to be adopted in future periods

 

Revenue recognition - multi-deliverable arrangements

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, which amends ASC 605-25 "Revenue Recognition - Multi-Deliverable Arrangements".  ASU 2009-13 requires arrangement consideration to be allocated to all deliverables at inception using a relative selling price method and establishes a selling price hierarchy for determining the selling price of a deliverable.  The update also expands the disclosure requirements to include additional detail regarding the deliverables, method of calculation of selling price and the timing of revenue recognition.  ASU 2009-13 is effective prospectively for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010.  The adoption of this amendment is not expected to have a material impact on Signet.

 

 

2. Segmental information

 

The consolidated sales are derived from the retailing of jewelry, watches, other products and services. Signet is managed as two geographical operating segments, being the US and UK divisions. These segments represent channels of distribution that offer similar merchandise and service and have similar marketing and distribution strategies.  Both divisions are managed by executive committees, which report through a divisional Chief Executive to Signet's Chief Executive who in turn reports to the Board. Each divisional executive committee is responsible for operating decisions within parameters set by the Board. The performance of each segment is regularly evaluated based on sales and operating income. The operating segments do not include certain central costs which is consistent with the treatment in Signet's management accounts.  There are no material transactions between the operating segments.  

 

     

13 weeks ended

May 1,

2010

13 weeks ended

May 2,

2009

     

$million

$million

         
         

Sales:

       

US

   

667.1

624.9

UK

   

142.9

137.7

         
         

Total sales

   

810.0

762.6

         
         
         

Operating income, net:

       

US

   

91.1

56.4

UK

   

(1.4)

(1.3)

Unallocated(1)

   

(4.2)

(2.7)

         
         

Total operating income, net

   

85.5

52.4

         
         
       
 

May 1,

 2010

May 2,

 2009

January 30,

 2010

 

$million

$million

$million

       
       

Total assets:

     

US

2,220.1

2,411.6

2,280.7

UK

342.8

377.3

383.6

Unallocated

348.5

30.6

259.9

       
       

Total assets

2,911.4

2,819.5

2,924.2

       
       

(1)       Unallocated principally relates to central costs. 

 

 

3. Exchange rates

 

The exchange rates used in these interim financial statements for the translation of UK pound sterling transactions and balances into US dollars are as follows:

 

May 1,

2010

May 2,

2009

January 30, 2010

       
       

Income statement (average rate)

1.53

1.45

1.59

Balance sheet (closing rate)

1.53

1.49

1.60

       
       

 

 

4. Taxation

 

Signet has business activity in all states within the US and files income tax returns for the US federal jurisdiction and all applicable states. Signet also files income tax returns in the UK and certain other foreign jurisdictions. Signet is subject to US federal and state examinations by tax authorities for tax years after October 29, 2005 and is subject to examination by the UK tax authority for tax years after January 31, 2005.

 

As of January 30, 2010, Signet had approximately $14.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits in respect of uncertain tax positions, all of which would favorably affect the effective income tax rate if resolved in Signet's favor. These unrecognized tax benefits relate to financing arrangements and intra-group charges which are subject to different and changing interpretations of tax law. There has been no material change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in respect of uncertain tax positions during the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2010.

 

Signet recognizes accrued interest and, where appropriate, penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense. As of January 30, 2010 Signet had accrued interest of $2.2 million and there has been no material change in the amount of accrued interest as of May 1, 2010.

 

Over the next twelve months management believes that it is reasonably possible that there could be a reduction of substantially all of the unrecognized tax benefits as of January 30, 2010, due to settlement of the uncertain tax positions with the tax authorities.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Earnings per share

 

     

13 weeks ended

13 weeks ended

     

May 1, 2010

May 2, 2009

         
         

Net income ($million)

   

52.0

26.3

         
         

Basic weighted average number of shares in issue (million)

   

85.5

85.2

Dilutive effect of share options (million)

   

0.7

0.2

         
         

Diluted weighted average number of shares in issue (million)

   

86.2

85.4

         
         

Earnings per share - basic

   

$0.61

$0.31

Earnings per share - diluted

   

$0.60

$0.31

         
         

 

The basic weighted average number of shares excludes shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Trust as such shares are not considered outstanding and do not qualify for dividends. The effect of this is to reduce the average number of shares in the 13 week period ended May 1, 2010 by 19,175 shares (13 week period ended May 2, 2009: 81,951 shares).  The calculation of fully diluted earnings per share for the 13 week period ended May 1, 2010 excludes options to purchase 985,817 shares (13 week period ended May 2, 2009: 3,162,191 share options) on the basis that their effect on earnings per share was anti-dilutive. 

 

6. Inventories

 

 

May 1,

2010

May 2,

2009

January 30, 2010

 

$million

$million

$million

       
       

Raw materials

4.7

10.8

9.5

Finished goods

1,117.3

1,316.3

1,163.6

       
       

Total inventory

1,122.0

1,327.1

1,173.1

       
       

 

 

7. Deferred revenue

 

   

May 1,

 2010

May 2,

2009

January 30,

2010

   

$million

$million

$million

         
         

  Warranty deferred revenue

 

247.4

243.8

243.6

  Other

 

11.6

12.1

17.4

         
         

  Total deferred revenue

 

259.0

255.9

261.0

         
         
         
         

  Disclosed as:

       

  Current liabilities

 

115.9

113.5

120.1

  Non-current liabilities

 

143.1

142.4

140.9

         
         

  Total deferred revenue

 

259.0

255.9

261.0

         
         
         
     

13 weeks ended

13 weeks ended

     

May 1,

2010

May 2,

2009

     

$million

$million

         
         

Warranty deferred revenue, beginning of period

   

243.6

243.1

  Warranties sold

   

44.8

40.2

  Revenues recognized

   

(41.0)

(39.5)

         
         

Warranty deferred revenue, end of period

   

247.4

243.8

         
         

 

8. Derivative instruments and hedging activities

Signet is exposed to foreign currency exchange risk arising from various currency exposures.  Signet enters into forward foreign currency exchange contracts and foreign currency option contracts, principally in US dollars, in order to limit the impact of movements in foreign exchange rates on its forecast foreign currency purchases.  The total notional amount of these foreign currency contracts outstanding as at May 1, 2010 was $31.5 million (May 2, 2009: $43.6 million; January 30, 2010: $37.2 million).  These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges and will be settled over the next 14 months (May 2, 2009: 15 months; January 30, 2010: 17 months). 

Signet enters into forward purchase contracts and option purchase contracts for commodities in order to reduce its exposure to significant movements in the price of the underlying precious metal raw material.  The total notional amount of commodity contracts outstanding as at May 1, 2010 was $74.8 million (May 2, 2009: $88.9 million; January 30, 2010: $100.0 million). These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges and will be settled over the next 9 months (May 2, 2009: 9 months; January 30, 2010: 12 months). 

For derivatives that are designated and qualify as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component of other comprehensive income ("OCI") and reclassified into earnings in the same period in which the hedged item affects net income or loss.  Gains and losses on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, together with any hedge ineffectiveness, are recognized immediately in other operating income, net.  Signet does not hold derivative contracts for trading purposes. 

Foreign currency contracts not designated as cash flow hedges are used to hedge currency flows through Signet's bank accounts to ensure Signet is not exposed to foreign currency exchange risk in its cash and borrowings.

The bank counterparties to the foreign exchange forward contracts expose the Company to credit-related losses in the event of their nonperformance. However, to mitigate that risk, the Company only contracts with counterparties that meet certain minimum requirements under its counterparty risk assessment process. As of May 1, 2010 credit risk did not materially change the fair value of the foreign currency or commodity contracts.

The following table summarizes the fair value and presentation of derivative instruments in the condensed consolidated balance sheets:

 

 

Derivative assets

 

Balance sheet

location

May 1,

 2010

Fair value

$million

May 2,

 2009

Fair value

$million

January 30, 2010

Fair value

$million

         
         

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

       

Foreign currency contracts

Other current assets

1.6

8.0

0.6

Commodity contracts

Other current assets

6.6

5.4

2.4

         
         
         
   

8.2

13.4

3.0

         
         

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

       

Foreign currency contracts

Other current assets

-

-

-

         
         
         
   

-

-

-

         
         

Total derivative assets

 

8.2

13.4

3.0

         
         
   
   
 

Derivative liabilities

 

Balance sheet

location

May 1,

 2010

Fair value

$million

May 2,

 2009

Fair value

$million

January 30, 2010

Fair value

$million

         
         

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

       

Foreign currency contracts

Other current liabilities

-

(0.1)

(0.4)

Commodity contracts

Other current liabilities

-

(1.5)

(1.6)

         
         
         
   

-

(1.6)

(2.0)

         
         

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

       

Foreign currency contracts

Other current liabilities

-

-

-

         
         
         
   

-

-

-

         
         

Total derivative liabilities

 

-

(1.6)

(2.0)

         
         

 

The following tables summarize the effect of derivative instruments on the unaudited condensed consolidated income statements:

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in OCI on derivatives

(Effective portion)

Location of gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income

(Effective portion)

Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income
(Effective portion)

 

13 weeks ended

May 1, 2010

$million

13 weeks ended

May 2, 2009

$million

 

13 weeks ended

May 1, 2010

$million

13 weeks ended

May 2, 2009

$million

           
           

Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:

         

Foreign currency contracts

1.8

0.6

Cost of sales

1.4

0.1

Commodity contracts

8.1

(4.2)

Cost of sales

3.3

(1.4)

           
           

Total

9.9

(3.6)

 

4.7

(1.3)

           
           

 

The ineffective portion of hedging instruments taken to other operating income, net was $nil in the current and comparative periods.

 

There was no gain or loss recognized on derivatives not designated as hedging instruments to be reported within other operating income in the income statement in the current and comparative periods.

 

The estimated fair value of Signet's financial instruments held or issued to finance Signet's operations is summarized below. Certain estimates and judgments were required to develop the fair value amounts. The fair value amounts shown below are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that Signet would realize upon disposition nor do they indicate Signet's intent or ability to dispose of the financial instrument. Assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value are required to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

 

Level 1 - quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities

Level 2 - observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data

Level 3 - unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data  

Signet determines fair value based upon quoted prices when available or through the use of alternative approaches, such as discounting the expected cash flows using market interest rates commensurate with the credit quality and duration of the investment.  The methods Signet uses to determine fair value on an instrument-specific basis are detailed below: 

 

May 1, 2010

May 2, 2009

January 30, 2010

 

$million

$million

$million

 

Carrying

Value

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Carrying

Value

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

Carrying

Value

Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)

             
             

Assets:

           

 Forward foreign currency contracts and swaps

1.6

1.6

8.0

8.0

0.6

0.6

 Forward commodity contracts

6.6

6.6

5.4

5.4

2.4

2.4

Liabilities:

           

 Borrowings

(276.3)

(307.6)

(359.4)

(354.1)

(324.1)

(371.3)

 Forward foreign currency contracts and swaps

-

-

(0.1)

(0.1)

(0.4)

(0.4)

 Forward commodity contracts

-

-

(1.5)

(1.5)

(1.6)

(1.6)

             

 

The fair value of derivative financial instruments has been determined based on market value equivalents at the balance sheet date, taking into account the current interest rate environment, current foreign currency forward rates or current commodity forward rates. These are held as assets and liabilities within other receivables and other payables, and all contracts have a maturity of less than eighteen months. Signet's long-term debt consists of $229.1 million of fixed rate investor certificate notes ("Private Placement Notes") under a Note Purchase Agreement. The fair value of this debt is determined by discounting to present value the known future coupon and final Note redemption amounts at market yields as of the balance sheet date. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short term maturity of these amounts.

 

 

9. Pensions

 

Signet operates a defined benefit pension scheme in the UK (the "Group Scheme").  The components of net periodic pension cost were as follows:

 

   

13 weeks ended

13 weeks ended

 

 

   

May 1,

2010

May 2,

2009

Fiscal

2010

   

$million

$million

$million

         
         

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

       

 Service cost

 

1.3

1.0

4.3

 Interest cost

 

2.5

2.4

10.7

 Expected return on Group Scheme assets

 

(3.0)

(2.6)

(11.2)

 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost

 

(0.3)

(0.2)

(1.0)

 Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss

 

1.2

1.1

4.7

         
         

Net periodic benefit cost

 

1.7

1.7

7.5

         
         

 

Signet expects to contribute a minimum of $15.2 million to the Group Scheme in fiscal 2011.

 

 

10. Commitments and contingencies

Legal proceedings

In March 2008, private plaintiffs filed a class action lawsuit for an unspecified amount against Sterling Jewelers Inc. ("Sterling"), a subsidiary of Signet, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York federal court alleging that US store-level employment practices are discriminatory as to compensation and promotional activities. On September 23, 2008, the US Equal Employment Opportunities Commission ("EEOC") filed a lawsuit against Sterling in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. The EEOC's lawsuit alleges that Sterling engaged in a pattern or practice of gender discrimination with respect to pay and promotions of female retail store employees from January 1, 2003 to the present. The EEOC asserts claims for unspecified monetary relief and non-monetary relief against the Company on behalf of a class of female employees subjected to these alleged practices. Sterling denies the allegations from both parties and intends to defend them vigorously.

 

 

11. Share-based compensation expense

 

Signet recorded net share-based compensation expense of $2.3 million and $0.7 million for the 13 weeks ended May 1, 2010 and May 2, 2009. This is after charging $0.1 million (13 weeks ended May 2, 2009: $nil) that relates to the change in fair value during the period of certain awards that have an inflation condition and are accounted for as liability awards.

 

12. Long-term debt

 

In accordance with its borrowing agreements, Signet made a prepayment to its private placement note holders on March 9, 2010 of $50.9 million. Following this prepayment there were $229.1 million of private placement notes outstanding. A change was agreed with Signet's Revolving Credit Facility banking group that the facility would be reduced to $300 million from $370 million on March 19, 2010.

 

 

13. Non-GAAP measures

A number of non-GAAP measures are used by management to analyze and manage the performance of the business, and the required disclosures for these non-GAAP measures are given below. Management does not, nor does it suggest investors should consider such non-GAAP measures in isolation from, or in substitute for, information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

Exchange translation impact

In particular, Signet has historically used constant exchange rates to compare period-to-period changes in certain financial data. Management considers this a useful measure for analyzing and explaining changes and trends in Signet's results. The impact of the re-calculation of sales; cost of sales; gross margin; selling, general and administrative expenses; operating income; income before taxes; net income and earnings per share at constant exchange rates, including a reconciliation to Signet's GAAP results, is analyzed below.

 

 

13 weeks

ended

May 1,

2010

13 weeks

ended

May 2,

2009

Change as reported

Impact of exchange rate movement

At constant exchange rates

(non-GAAP)

Change at constant exchange

 rates

(non-GAAP)

 

$million

$million

%

$million

$million

%

             

US

667.1

624.9

6.8%

-

624.9

6.8%

UK

142.9

137.7

3.8%

7.6

145.3

-1.7%

             
             

Sales

810.0

762.6

6.2%

7.6

770.2

5.2%

Cost of sales

(513.7)

(507.1)

1.3%

(5.5)

(512.6)

0.2%

             
             

Gross margin

296.3

255.5

16.0%

2.1

257.6

15.0%

Selling, general and administrative expenses

(238.5)

(232.8)

2.4%

(2.3)

(235.1)

1.4%

Other operating income, net

27.7

29.7

-6.7%

-

29.7

-6.7%

             

 

             

 

Operating income, net

85.5

52.4

63.2%

(0.2)

52.2

63.8%

Interest income

0.1

0.6

-83.3%

-

0.6

-83.3%

Interest expense

(8.8)

(11.6)

-24.1%

-

(11.6)

-24.1%

             
             

Income before income taxes

76.8

41.4

85.5%

(0.2)

41.2

86.4%

Income taxes

(24.8)

(15.1)

64.2%

0.1

(15.0)

65.3%

             
             

Net income

52.0

26.3

97.7%

(0.1)

26.2

98.5%

             
             

Earnings per share - basic

$0.61

$0.31

96.8%

-

$0.31

96.8%

Earnings per share - diluted

$0.60

$0.31

93.5%

-

$0.31

93.5%

             

 

Operating income/(loss), net

           

US

91.1

56.4

61.5%

-

56.4

61.5%

UK

(1.4)

(1.3)

7.7%

(0.1)

(1.4)

-

Unallocated

(4.2)

(2.7)

55.6%

(0.1)

(2.8)

50.0%

             
             

Operating income, net

85.5

52.4

63.2%

(0.2)

52.2

63.8%

 

Net income adjusted for non-cash items

Net income adjusted for non-cash items shows the amount of net cash flow generated from Signet's operating activities before changes in operating assets and liabilities. It is a useful measure to summarize the cash generated from activities reported in the income statement.

 

Net cash or net debt

Net cash or net debt is the total of loans and overdrafts, long term debt and cash and cash equivalents, and it is helpful in providing a measure of indebtedness of the business.

 

 

May 1,

2010

May 2,

2009

January 30, 2010

 

$million

$million

$million

       
       

Long-term debt

(229.1)

(280.0)

(280.0)

Loans and overdrafts

(47.2)

(79.4)

(44.1)

 

(276.3)

(359.4)

(324.1)

Cash and cash equivalents

447.1

69.2

316.2

       
       

Net cash/(net debt)

170.8

(290.2)

(7.9)

       
       

 

Free cash flow

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure defined as the net cash provided by operating activities less net cash flows used in investing activities. Management considers that it is helpful in understanding how the business is generating cash from its operating and investing activities that can be used to meet the financing needs of the business.  Free cash flow does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditure.

   

13 weeks ended May 1, 2010

13 weeks ended May 2, 2009

   

$million

$million

       
       

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

184.2

198.0

Net cash flows used in investing activities

 

(6.3)

(8.4)

       
       

Free cash flow

 

177.9

189.6

       
       

 

 



SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
           
SIGNET JEWELERS LIMITED
 
 
Date: May 27, 2010
     
By:
 
/s/    Mark Jenkins

               
Mark Jenkins
               
Group Company Secretary