Signet Reports Third Quarter Profit

Signet Reports Third Quarter Profit

HAMILTON, Bermuda, November 23, 2010 - Signet Jewelers Limited ("Signet") (NYSE and LSE: SIG), the world's largest specialty retail jeweler, today announced its results for 13 weeks ("third quarter") and 39 weeks ("year to date") ended October 30, 2010.

Third Quarter Highlights:

·; Same store sales: up 7.2%, US division up 9.7%

·; Income before income taxes: $12.0million, up $25.3 million

·; Basic and diluted earnings per share: $0.07, up $0.17

·; Prepayment of private placement notes announced, which will improve financial and operational flexibility

·; Free cash flow1 now anticipated to be at upper end of previously announced $225 million to $275 million target range for Fiscal 20112, before the prepayment of private placement notes and resultant $47 million 'Make Whole' payment

1 Net cash provided by operating activities less net cash flows used in investing activities.

2 Fiscal 2010 is the 52 weeks ended January 30, 2010 and Fiscal 2011 is the 52 weeks ending January 29, 2011.

Terry Burman, Chief Executive of Signet, commented: "We are delighted with our third quarter results, reflecting the ongoing success of our competitive advantages and strong balance sheet. In particular, the 9.7% US same store sales increase was a very good performance, which drove strong operating leverage and a return to third quarter profitability.

The economic environment remains challenging for the very important fourth quarter. However, we are confident that we are well prepared to compete in both the US and the UK markets."

Signet is the world's largest specialty retail jeweler and operated 1,886stores at October 30, 2010; these included 1,342stores 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 544 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. EST (1.30 p.m. GMT 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, all participants should dial in 5 to 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The call details are:

A replay of the conference call and a transcript of the call will be posted on Signet's website as soon as is practical after the call has ended.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The consumer environment in both the US and the UK remained challenging in the third quarter, however the business continued to utilize its competitive advantages and strong balance sheet to improve sales and enhance operating margins. As a result, Signet's third quarter results returned to a profit in Fiscal 2011, after reporting a loss for the third quarters of Fiscal 2009 and 2010.

Sales and operating income

Same store sales were up 7.2%, compared to a decline of 1.8% in the third quarter last year. In the year to date, same store sales increased 5.8%, compared to a decline of 3.4% in the comparable period last year. Total sales rose by 5.0% to $641.8 million in the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $611.4 million), reflecting an underlying increase of 6.0% at constant exchange rates; non-GAAP measure, see Note 14. In the year to date, total sales rose by 4.3% to $2,166.9 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $2,076.8 million). The increase at constant exchange rates was 4.9%; non-GAAP measure, see Note 14. The breakdown of the sales performance is set out in Table 1 below.

Gross margin was $193.6 million for the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $163.0 million) and $724.4 million for the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $634.2 million), up by 18.8% and by 14.2% respectively. Gross margin rate increased by 350 basis points in the third quarter and by 290 basis points in the year to date, see Table 2 below. The gross merchandise margin improved by 70 basis points in the third quarter and by 80 basis points in the year to date, driven by price increases, and lower diamond costs which more than offset the impact of higher gold costs and the weakness of pound sterling against the US dollar. The net bad debt to sales ratio again improved compared to the comparable quarter last year. Leverage of store occupancy costs in the US also benefited gross margin.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $201.5 million for the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $197.3 million) and $643.7 million for the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $633.9 million), up by 2.1% and 1.5% respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales decreased by 90 basis points in the quarter and by 80 basis points in the year to date compared to the comparable periods in Fiscal 2010. Tight expense control combined with leverage of selling expenses more than made up for a non-recurring $5.0 million benefit to expenses in the third quarter of Fiscal 2010 and $15 million in the 39 weeks to October 31, 2009, due to a change in vacation entitlement policy. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010, there was a non-recurring charge of $1.6 million due to this change.

Other operating income was $26.4 million in the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $28.4 million). For the year to date, other operating income was $81.3 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $87.0 million). The reduction in both the third quarter and the year to date primarily reflected the adverse impact of amendments to the Truth in Lending Act. The estimated net direct adverse impact on operating income from the amendments remains $15 million to $17 million in Fiscal 2011.

Third quarter operating income was $18.5 million (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: loss $5.9 million), and operating margin was 2.9% (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: (1.0)%). For the year to date, operating income increased by 85.6% to $162.0 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $87.3 million), up 84.9% at constant exchange rates; non-GAAP measure, see Note 14. Operating margin was 7.5% for the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: 4.2%).

Interest income and expense

Interest income was $0.3 million for the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $nil) and $0.6 million for the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $0.7 million). Very low interest rates meant that the increase in cash had little impact on interest income. Interest expense declined by $0.6 million to $6.8 million for the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $7.4 million). Interest expense for the year to date was $21.8 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $27.2 million). Interest expense largely related to Private Placement Notes incurring a blended fixed rate of interest of 8.11%. Both the third quarter and the year to date benefited from the repayment of $50.9 million of Private Placement Notes on March 9, 2010, and lower fees.

Income before income taxes

Income before income taxes was $12.0 million for the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: loss $13.3 million). Income before income taxes was $140.8 million for the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $60.8 million), an increase of 131.6%.

Provision for income taxes

The charge to income taxes for the year to date was $45.8 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $19.2 million), being an effective tax rate of 32.5%, which reflects the recognition of $4.5 million previously unrecognized tax benefit in the second quarter of Fiscal 2011. The charge to income taxes in the third quarter was $6.0 million (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $4.6 million credit), being an effective tax rate of 50.0%. The anticipated effective tax rate for Fiscal 2011 is currently estimated to be 32.5% (Fiscal 2010: 31.8%).

Net income

Net income was $6.0 million for the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: loss $8.7 million), and $95.0 million for the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $41.6 million), an increase of 128.4%.

Earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share were both $0.07 for the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: both $0.10 loss per share). Basic and diluted earnings per share were $1.11 and $1.10 for the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: both $0.49), an increase of 126.5% and 124.5% from the comparable prior year period.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

1 Net income adjusted to reconcile net income to cash provided by operations; non-GAAP measure, see Note 14.

2 Net cash provided by operating activities less net cash flows used in investing activities, non-GAAP measure; see Note 14.

3 Proceeds from issuance of Common Shares less purchase of treasury shares.

4 Net total of cash and cash equivalents, loans and overdrafts, and long-term debt; non-GAAP measure, see Note 14.

During the 39 weeks to October 30, 2010, net income and net income adjusted for non-cash items was $95.0 million and $189.5 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $41.6 million and $136.6 million); non-GAAP measure, see Note 14. The $53.4 million increase in net income reflected the improved operating performance of the business. Changes in operating assets and liabilities generated cash flows of $7.4 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $212.5 million). Inventories increased by $125.9 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: decreased by $86.5 million) as a result of seasonality. In Fiscal 2010, an inventory realignment program was undertaken by management. Accounts receivable decreased by $87.6 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $95.5 million), primarily reflecting seasonality partly offset by sales growth.

Year to date net cash flow used in investing activities was $39.5 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $30.3 million), nearer to a maintenance level of investment. The US division used $33.5 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $22.8 million) and the UK division used $6.0 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $7.5 million).

Year to date positive free cash flow was $157.4 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $318.8 million); non-GAAP measure, see Note 14, with the increase in net income adjusted for non-cash items offset by a lower inflow from changes in operating assets and liabilities. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2011, accounts receivable are expected to increase due to the seasonal nature of sales. Reflecting better than planned net income in the year to date and an expectation that in the balance of the year working capital will continue to be tightly managed, positive free cash flow for Fiscal 2011, before the prepayment of Private PlacementNotes and resultant $47 million 'Make Whole' payment, is now anticipated to be towards the top end of the previously indicated range of $225 million to $275 million.

During the 39 weeks to October 30, 2010, $2.0 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $0.9 million) was received for the issuance of Common Shares pursuant to Signet's equity compensation programs.

Debt at October 30, 2010 was $266.7 million (October 31, 2009: $300.3 million), with cash and cash equivalents of $414.9 million (October 31, 2009: $139.6 million). Net cash at October 30, 2010 was $148.2 million (October 31, 2009: net debt $160.7 million); non-GAAP measure, see Note 14. OnMarch 9, 2010, Signet made a repayment at par of $50.9 million of Private Placement Notes.

Signet maintains a $300 million revolving credit facility expiring in June, 2013. On March 9, 2010, the facility was reduced from $370 million to its current level. In October 2010, this facility was amended to eliminate the obligation to reduce the amount of the facility by 60% of any reduction in net debt from the prior year end, revise the fixed charge cover covenant as defined in the agreement to 1.55:1 for the remaining duration of the agreement, delete the annual limit on capital expenditure, increase the aggregate cost of assets that may be acquired in any fiscal year to $50.0 million and remove any restrictions on payment of dividends or share repurchases. The facility was undrawn at October 30, 2010 and at October 31, 2009.

On October 27, 2010, Signet notified the holders of its Private Placement Notes (the "Notes") that it was exercising its right to prepay in full the $229.1 million of outstanding Notes on November 26, 2010 (the "Prepayment Date"). This will result in a reduction in interest expense of $101.7 million over the remaining term of the Notes. The prepayment requires the payment of all accrued interest up to the Prepayment Date plus a premium as determined by the "Make Whole" provision contained in the agreement governing the Notes. The Make Whole premium is determined on November 23, 2010, is dependent on medium term US Treasury yields, and is expected to be approximately $47 million, including an associated cost of hedging this payment against movements in US Treasury yields. The payment will be reflected in Signet's results for the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2011 and is anticipated to have a net $0.32 adverse impact on diluted earnings per share. The impact on earnings in Fiscal 2011 includes a $0.02 per share benefit from the elimination of interest expense on the Notes from November 26, 2010 as a result of the prepayment. In the fiscal year ending January 28, 2012 ("Fiscal 2012"), the prepayment is estimated to result in a benefit to diluted earnings per share of $0.13.

The Notes were the only material borrowings by Signet during the quarter. Signet has significant amounts of cash and cash equivalents invested in several 'AAA' rated liquidity funds and at a number of financial institutions. The amount invested in each liquidity fund or at each financial institution takes into account the credit rating and size of the liquidity fund or financial institution and are for various durations of up to one month and have an average duration of under seven days.

Correction of immaterial error

During the third quarter of Fiscal 2011, Signet changed the period of revenue and cost deferral for its extended service plans.  Signet has adjusted in this quarter for the affected prior periods. Additional information regarding the correction of the immaterial error is given in Note 1.

OPERATING REVIEW

US division (~80% of annual sales)

In the third quarter of Fiscal 2011, the US division's sales were $497.0 million (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $457.0 million) up by 8.8%, and same store sales rose by 9.7% compared to a decline of 2.3% in the third quarter last year. In the year to date, sales were up by 6.8% to $1,737.2 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $1,626.4 million) and same store sales rose by 7.5% compared to a decline of 3.5% in the prior year period. See Table 4 below for analysis.

1 Excludes the charm bracelet category, a product with an average unit selling price considerably lower, and a multiple purchase and frequency of purchase much greater, than products historically sold by the division.

In the third quarter and the year to date, the US division benefited from its competitive advantages, with many of its middle market competitors being operationally or financially constrained. The bridal category and differentiated products performed well. Jared also benefited from a recovery in spending among US households with above average incomes and the expansion of the Pandora range in November 2009.

In the third quarter, the US division's operating income increased by $23.7 million to $25.7 million (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $2.0 million, which included a $5.0 million non-recurring, favorable impact from a change in vacation entitlement policy). In the year to date, US operating income increased by 69.7% to $174.8 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $103.0 million, which included a $15.0 million non-recurring, favorable impact from a change in vacation entitlement policy). The net direct adverse impact of amendments to the Truth in Lending Act was $3.0 million in the third quarter and $9.8 million in the year to date. The operating margin in the third quarter was 5.2% (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: 0.4%) and 10.1% in the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: 6.3%).

In the third quarter and in the year to date, the US division's gross merchandise margin rate was up compared to the prior year period by 90 basis points and 110 basis points respectively. The gross merchandise margin rate benefited from selective price increases implemented in the first and third quarters of Fiscal 2010, lower average diamond inventory costs, and reduced price discounting; more than offsetting a higher cost of gold. It is now expected that the US division's gross merchandise margin rate in Fiscal 2011 will be at least at the same level as in Fiscal 2010.

Credit participation was 60.0% in the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: 59.7%) and 55.7% year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: 55.6%). The net bad debt to total sales ratio was 5.9% in the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: 8.4%). In the year to date, the ratio was 4.4% (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: 6.0%). The reduction reflected a more stable rate of employment and a continuation of the improved receivables performance that began in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2010. The average monthly collection rate was 12.1% in the third quarter and 12.8% in the year to date (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: 12.0% and 39 weeks to October 31, 2009: 12.6%). US net accounts receivable at October 30, 2010 was $763.9 million (October 31, 2009: $722.1 million), reflecting higher sales in the US division.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were tightly controlled in both the quarter and the year to date, but were impacted by variable expenses, including compensation, related to the level of sales growth achieved. In the fourth quarter, the level of advertising expenditure will be increased from previously anticipated levels.

Stores opened and closed in the 39 weeks to October 30, 2010, together with planned changes for the balance of Fiscal 2011 are set out in Table 5 below.

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

UK division (~20% of annual sales)

In the third quarter of Fiscal 2011, the UK division's sales were down by 6.2% to $144.8 million (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $154.4 million), reflecting an underlying decrease of 2.6% at constant exchange rates; non-GAAP measure, see Note 14. Same store sales were down 0.6%, similar to the decline of 0.2% in the prior year period. In the year to date, sales were down by 4.6% to $429.7 million (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $450.4 million), and down 2.1% at constant exchange rates; non-GAAP measure, see Note 14. Same store sales decreased by 0.5%, compared to a decline of 3.0% in the prior year period. See Table 6 below for analysis. There was an operating loss of $1.6 million in the third quarter (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: loss $3.6 million) and an operating profit of $1.7 million in the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: loss $3.9 million).

H.Samuel's and Ernest Jones' same store sales performance in the third quarter of Fiscal 2011 were both similar to the first half. The charm bracelet category continued to perform well, as did gold rings. In the third quarter, average unit selling price, excluding the charm bracelet category, increased by 10.6%, and by 11.4% in the year to date, primarily reflecting the impact of price increases implemented to largely counter pressure on gross merchandise margin.

In the third quarter, the UK division's gross merchandise margin was unchanged from the prior year period, and was down by 30 basis points year to date. The impact of a weak pound sterling to US dollar exchange rate, an increase in the cost of gold and a higher value added tax rate were largely offset by a number of price increases in the past year. For Fiscal 2011, the gross merchandise margin expectation remains somewhat below that of Fiscal 2010. Selling, general and administrative expenses were tightly controlled in both the quarter and the year to date.

1 The average unit selling price2 in the third quarter for H.Samuel was $89, for Ernest Jones was $409 and for the UK division was $142. The average unit selling price2 in the year to date for H.Samuel was $87, for Ernest Jones was $398 and for the UK division was $141.

2 Excludes the charm bracelet category, a product with an average unit selling price considerably lower, and a multiple purchase and frequency of purchase much greater, than product historically sold by the division.

3 Non-GAAP measure, see Note 14.

4 The exchange translation impact on the total sales of H.Samuel was (3.6)% and (2.5)%, and for Ernest Jones was (3.7)% and (2.6)%, respectively for the three and nine months ended October 30, 2010.

5 Includes stores trading as Leslie Davis.

Stores closed in the 39 weeks to October 30, 2010, together with planned changes for the balance of Fiscal 2011 are set out in Table 7 below.

1 Includes stores trading as Leslie Davis.

Unallocated costs

In the third quarter, unallocated costs, principally central costs not allocated to the US or UK division in Signet's management accounts, were $5.6 million (13 weeks to October 31, 2009: $4.3 million) and were $14.5 million in the year to date (39 weeks to October 31, 2009: $11.8 million). In Fiscal 2011, there are anticipated to be additional costs of about $2 million related to the relocation of certain central functions to the US from the UK. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2011, an additional expense, currently estimated at $7 million to $9 million, will be incurred primarily arising from the appointment of a new chief executive officer, whose contract includes compensation for amounts foregone from his prior employment.

Management Succession

On September 29, 2010, Michael ("Mike") Barnes was appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective January 30, 2011. He will join Signet on December 1, 2010 as Chief Executive Officer Designate and will be based in Akron, Ohio. He will succeed Terry Burman who will retire, as previously announced, on January 29, 2011. Mike Barnes has been with Fossil, Inc. (a global design, marketing and distribution company that specializes in consumer fashion accessories including; watches, jewelry, handbags, small leather goods, belts, sunglasses and clothing) for over twenty-five years, most recently serving as President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director.

INVESTOR RELATIONS PROGRAM DETAILS

Christmas Trading Statement

The Christmas Trading Statement is expected to be announced at 7.30 a.m. EST (12.30 p.m. GMT) on Tuesday, January 11, 2011. There will be a conference call at 8.30 a.m. EST (1.30 p.m. GMT and 5.30 a.m. Pacific Time) and a simultaneous audio webcast available at www.signetjewelers.com.

13th Annual ICR XChange Conference, Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Signet will be taking part in the ICR XChange Conference on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, California. Present will be Mike Barnes, Chief Executive Designate and Ron Ristau, CFO. Mike Barnes, Ron Ristau and Tim Jackson, Investor Relations Director will also be available for meetings at the conference on Thursday, January 13, 2011.

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, Signet's results of operation, 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, financial market risks, deterioration in consumers' financial condition, exchange rate fluctuations, changes in consumer attitudes regarding jewelry, management of social, ethical and environmental risks, inadequacy in and disruptions to internal controls and systems, changes in assumptions used in calculating pension assets, and risks relating to Signet being a Bermuda corporation.

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

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

Unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets

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

Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows

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

Unaudited condensed consolidated statement of shareholders' equity

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

Unaudited condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss)

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 subsidiaries (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 operates retail stores 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 Signet's Annual Report on 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 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 audited consolidated financial statements 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.

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, inventory and deferred revenue, 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. 

Correction of immaterial error

During the third quarter of Fiscal 2011, Signet changed its accounting for extended service plans. Previously, revenue from the sale of extended service plans was deferred, net of direct costs arising from the sale, and was recognized in proportion to the historical actual claims incurred. Signet has conducted a review of the claims cost patterns, including estimates of future claims costs expected to be incurred, and concluded that the deferral period required extension and that claims cost is a more appropriate basis for revenue recognition than the number of claims incurred. In addition, Signet now defers all revenues and recognizes direct costs in proportion to the revenue recognized. These changes are in accordance with ASC 605-20-25. The impact resulted in an overstatement of extended service plan revenue and an understatement of deferred revenue. These plans are only sold by the US division and therefore only affect the US segment reporting.

Signet has evaluated the effects individually and in the aggregate and determined that its prior period financial statements are not materially misstated. However, Signet has determined that the cumulative effect of adjusting this in the third quarter of Fiscal 2011 would be material to the Fiscal 2011 financial statements. Therefore, Signet has adjusted the affected prior periods and presented the results in this quarterly report.

As a result of applying this correction, the following consolidated balance sheet, consolidated income statement and consolidated statement of cash flows were impacted as follows:

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.

Disclosures about the credit quality of financing receivables

In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20 "Disclosures About the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses" (ASU 2010-20), which requires entities to provide disclosures designed to facilitate financial statement users' evaluation of (i) the nature of credit risk inherent in the entity's portfolio of financing receivables, (ii) how that risk is analyzed and assessed in arriving at the allowance for credit losses and (iii) the changes and reasons for those changes in the allowance for credit losses. Disclosures must be disaggregated by portfolio segment, the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for credit losses, and class of financing receivable, which is generally a disaggregation of portfolio segment. The required disclosures include, among other things, a roll forward of the allowance for credit losses as well as information about modified, impaired, non-accrual and past due loans and credit quality indicators. ASU 2010-20 will be effective for the Company's financial statements as of January 29, 2011, as it relates to disclosures required as of the end of a reporting period. Disclosures that relate to activity during a reporting period will be required for the Company's consolidated financial statements that include periods beginning on or after January 30, 2011. Management is currently evaluating the effect that ASU 2010-20 will have on the Company's future consolidated financial statements.

2. Segment 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.

(1) Unallocated principally relates to central costs that are not allocated to the US and UK divisions in Signet's management accounts.

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:

The year-to-date average exchange rate is used to prepare the income statement for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010 and is calculated from the weekly average exchange rates weighted by sales of the UK division. The income statement for the 13 weeks ended October 30, 2010 is calculated as the difference between the income statement for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010 and the previously reported income statement for the 26 weeks ended July 31, 2010. Therefore, the third quarter's income statement includes the impact of the change in the year-to-date exchange rates between these quarter ends.

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 28, 2006 and is subject to examination by the UK tax authority for tax years after January 31, 2008.

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.

During the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, agreement was reached in respect of the treatment of certain financing arrangements in the UK and a cash settlement was paid of approximately $1.7 million, excluding interest thereon. A benefit of approximately $2.7 million has been recognized in income tax expense for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010.

During the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010, the statute of limitations expired in the US in respect of the tax year ended October 28, 2006 with no adjustment to taxable income. A benefit of approximately $1.8 million has been recognized in income tax expense for the 39 weeks ended October 30, 2010.

Apart from the above, there has been no material change in the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in respect of uncertain tax positions during the 39 weeks ended October 30, 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 October 30, 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

The basic weighted average number of shares excludes shares held by the Employee Stock Ownership Trust or as Treasury Shares 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 and 39 week periods ended October 30, 2010 by 10,748 and 11,490 shares respectively (13 and 39 week periods ended October 31, 2009: 60,803 and 74,882 shares respectively). The calculation of fully diluted earnings per share for the 13 and 39 week periods ended October 30, 2010 excludes options to purchase 928,000 and 941,178 shares respectively (13 and 39 week periods ended October 31, 2009: 3,682,313 and 2,787,864 shares respectively) on the basis that their effect on earnings per share was anti-dilutive.

6. Inventories

7. Deferred revenue