Principal accounting policies and basis of preparation

3 Months Ended

May 03, 2014

Principal accounting policies and basis of preparation

1. Principal accounting policies and basis of preparation

Basis of preparation

Signet Jewelers Limited (“Signet”, or the “Company”) is a holding company, incorporated in Bermuda, that operates through its subsidiaries. Signet is a leading retailer whose results are principally derived from one business segment – the retailing of jewelry, watches and associated services. The Company manages its business as two geographical reportable segments, being the United States of America (the “US”) and the United Kingdom (the “UK”). The US division operates retail stores under brands including Kay Jewelers, Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry and various regional brands. The UK division’s retail stores operate under brands including H.Samuel and Ernest Jones.

In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2014, subsequent to the November 4, 2013 acquisition of a diamond polishing factory in Gaborone, Botswana, management established a separate operating segment (“Other”), which consists of all non-reportable segments including subsidiaries involved in the purchasing and conversion of rough diamonds to polished stones.

These condensed consolidated financial statements included herein have been prepared, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) have been condensed or omitted from this report, as is permitted by such rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in Signet’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2014.

Use of estimates

The preparation of these condensed consolidated 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 condensed consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of revenues 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, fair value of derivatives, depreciation and asset impairment, the valuation of employee benefits, income taxes and contingencies.

Fiscal year

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31^st. Fiscal 2015 is the 52 week year ending January 31, 2015 and Fiscal 2014 is the 52 week year ending February 1, 2014. Within these condensed consolidated financial statements, the first quarter of the fiscal years 2015 and 2014 refers to the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2014 and May 4, 2013, respectively.

Seasonality

Signet’s sales are seasonal, with the first and second quarters each normally accounting for slightly more than 20% of annual sales, the third quarter a little under 20% and the fourth quarter for about 40% of sales, with December being by far the most important month of the year. Sales made in November and December are known as the “Holiday Season.” Due to sales leverage, Signet’s operating income is even more seasonal; about 45% to 50% of Signet’s operating income normally occurs in the fourth quarter, comprised of nearly all of the UK division’s operating income and about 40% to 50% of the US division’s operating income.

New accounting pronouncements adopted during the period

Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” The new guidance requires, unless certain conditions exist, an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented as a reduction to a deferred tax asset in the financial statements for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. Signet adopted this guidance effective for the first quarter ended May 3, 2014 and the implementation of this accounting pronouncement did not have an impact on Signet’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Reclassification

Signet has reclassified the presentation of certain prior year information to conform to the current year presentation.