LONDON, Nov. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Signet Group plc (NYSE
and LSE: SIG), the world's largest speciality retail jeweller,
today announced its third quarter unaudited results for the 13
weeks and 39 weeks to 3 November 2007. Group In the 13 week period
to 3 November 2007, Group total sales rose by 7.9% at constant
exchange rates (see note 11); the reported increase was 10.0% to
$678.7 million (13 weeks to 28 October 2006: $616.8 million). Like
for like sales increased by 3.2%. Profit before tax was $2.5
million (13 weeks to 28 October 2006: $8.0 million) and operating
profit was $7.5 million (13 weeks to 28 October 2006: $13.4
million). In the 39 week period, Group total sales increased by
7.0% at constant exchange rates (see note 11); and by 9.4% on a
reported basis to $2,280.5 million (39 weeks to 28 October 2006:
$2,084.0 million). Like for like sales were up by 3.2%. Profit
before tax declined slightly to $111.5 million (39 weeks to 28
October 2006: $113.6 million) and operating profit was $124.4
million (39 weeks to 28 October 2006: $125.7 million). The average
exchange rate for the period was �1/$2.00 (39 weeks to 28 October
2006: �1/$1.83). Earnings per share were unchanged at 4.2c. United
States (circa 75% of Group annual sales) In the 13 week period to 3
November 2007, total sales increased by 10.1% to $488.2 million (13
weeks to 28 October 2006: $443.4 million). Like for like sales were
up by 2.5%, with August and September being stronger than October.
US operating profit was $11.5 million (13 weeks to 28 October 2006:
$19.1 million). As expected the gross margin was down a little more
than in the first half as a result of further commodity cost
increases and changes in the sales mix, partially offset by supply
chain initiatives. The trend in the fourth quarter is anticipated
to be similar. Costs were closely controlled and inventory levels
were as planned. In the 39 week period, total sales advanced by
8.3% to $1,705.1 million (39 weeks to 28 October 2006: $1,574.5
million). Like for like sales rose by 2.7%. US operating profit was
$137.8 million (39 weeks to 28 October 2006: $144.2 million). The
operating margin was 8.1% (39 weeks to 28 October 2006: 9.2%). The
bad debt charge was 3.3% of total sales (39 weeks to 28 October
2006: 2.9%), and remained comfortably in the range of the last 10
years. The quality of execution in all areas of the business
continued to be improved, with the focus on staff training and
customer service remaining a priority. In merchandising, the right
hand ring and Journey ranges continue to be developed, the
solitaire and Leo diamond selections have been expanded, new
designs from Le Vian have been introduced and in Jared, the
Peerless Diamond is increasingly popular. There will be a further
increase in Kay national television advertising during the holiday
season and Jared will have national television advertising support
on both network and cable channels for the first time. Advertising
for the division's regional brands will be on a similar basis to
last year. Net new space growth during 2007/08 is expected to be
about 10%, at the top end of the target range, with Jared
accounting for the majority of the increase. Over the past several
years there have been substantial increases in diamond, gold and
platinum costs impacting the entire US jewellery sector. These have
not been fully passed on to consumers. This cumulative effect of
higher commodity costs does mean that Signet anticipates realigning
prices in 2008 and we would expect this to start following
Valentine's Day. Any such realignment will likely cover the broad
merchandise range, including basic product which have seen little
movement in price for several years despite the major changes in
raw material costs. Signet's pricing strategy is to be competitive
over the long term; however these expected changes could result in
a departure from this position in the short term. United Kingdom
(circa 25% of Group annual sales) In the 13 week period, UK
division total sales were up by 2.6% at constant exchange rates
(see note 11) and by 9.9% on a reported basis to $190.5 million (13
weeks to 28 October 2006: $173.4 million). Like for like sales were
up by 4.8% in the 13 weeks to 3 November 2007. This resulted in the
elimination of the normal seasonal loss with the division reporting
an operating profit of $0.2 million (13 weeks to 28 October 2006:
$2.0 million loss). In the 39 week period, total sales increased by
3.3% at constant exchange rates (see note 11), and by 12.9% on a
reported basis to $575.4 million (39 weeks to 28 October 2006:
$509.5 million). Like for like sales were up by 4.7%. The normal
seasonal operating loss was largely eliminated at $0.4 million (39
weeks to 28 October 2006: $8.2 million loss). Gross margin was
slightly down on last year due to mix changes and more targeted
promotional activity with a similar trend expected in the fourth
quarter. The customer experience was again enhanced by the
continued development of the selling skills and product knowledge
of staff. Merchandise ranges exclusive to H.Samuel and Ernest Jones
have been increased and the diamond ranges have been developed
further. The division's average selling price rose in the 39 week
period and diamond participation was up slightly. New television
advertisements for both H.Samuel and Ernest Jones have produced
encouraging test results. Initial customer response to the enhanced
Ernest Jones store design has been positive. The roll-out of a
branded store card, provided in conjunction with a bank, is
proceeding as planned. Tight control of costs and inventory has
been maintained. Group Central Costs, Financing Costs and Taxation
In the 13 week period, Group central costs were $4.2 million (13
weeks to 28 October 2006: $3.7 million). In the 39 weeks they were
$13.0 million (39 weeks to 28 October 2006: $10.3 million), largely
reflecting a foreign exchange loss arising on dividend payments and
higher professional fees. Net financing costs for the 13 weeks were
$5.0 million (13 weeks to 28 October 2006: $5.4 million) and for
the 39 weeks were $12.9 million (39 weeks to 28 October 2006: $12.1
million). The tax rate for the 39 weeks to 3 November 2007 was
36.5% (39 weeks to 28 October 2006: 35.6%). Net Debt Net debt at 3
November 2007 was $524.8 million (28 October 2006: $461.9 million).
The seasonal increase in net debt in the 39 weeks to 3 November
2007 of $291.6 million was in line with the corresponding period
last year (39 weeks to 28 October 2006: $287.4 million). Capital
expenditure during the year is expected to be about $150 million
(2006/07: $124.4 million) reflecting increased spending on Kay
off-mall stores, store refurbishments and information technology.
In October the Group entered into a 364 day $200m Series 2007 asset
backed variable funding note conduit securitisation facility. Under
this securitisation, interests in the US receivables portfolio are
sold to Bryant Park, a conduit administered by HSBC Securities
(USA) Inc. The facility is for general corporate purposes. Comment
Terry Burman, Group Chief Executive, commented: "In the year to
date profit before tax was slightly below last year's level
primarily reflecting a more challenging retail marketplace in the
US. As ever, the results for the year will depend on the very
important Christmas trading season, 75% of which is still ahead of
us. However, in the US sales have weakened further since the end of
the third quarter and so far in November like for like sales are
down around 7%. In the UK there has been a weakening as the month
has progressed. Given the backdrop of trading in November, and
increased economic uncertainty on both sides of the Atlantic, we
believe current analysts' expectations are unlikely to be met and
that a wider than normal range of profit before tax estimates would
be appropriate." Enquiries: Terry Burman, Group Chief Executive +44
(0) 20 7317 9700 Walker Boyd, Group Finance Director +44 (0) 20
7317 9700 Tom Buchanan, Brunswick +44 (0) 20 7404 5959 Wendel
Verbeek, Brunswick +44 (0) 20 7404 5959 Signet operated 1,953
speciality retail jewellery stores at 3 November 2007; these
included 1,383 stores in the US, where the Group trades as "Kay
Jewelers", "Jared The Galleria Of Jewelry" and under a number of
regional names. At that date Signet operated 570 stores in the UK,
where the Group trades as "H.Samuel", "Ernest Jones" and "Leslie
Davis". Further information on Signet is available at
http://www.signetgroupplc.com/. See also http://www.kay.com/,
http://www.jared.com/, http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/ and
http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/. Investor Relations Programme Details
There will be a conference call for all interested parties today at
2.00 p.m. GMT (9.00 a.m. EST and 6.00 a.m. Pacific Time) and a
simultaneous audio webcast available at
http://www.signetgroupplc.com/. To help ensure the conference call
begins in a timely manner, could all participants please dial in 5
minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The call details are:
European dial-in: +44 (0) 20 7138 0839 European 48hr replay: +44
(0) 20 7138 0838 Access code: 4574130# US dial-in: +1 718 354 1362
US 48hr replay: +1 718 354 1112 Access code: 4574130# The Christmas
Trading Statement is expected to be released on Thursday 10 January
2008. Store Tour, Las Vegas, Nevada, Thursday 29 November 2007
There is a tour of a Jared and a Kay store in Las Vegas, Nevada on
the morning of Thursday, November 29, 2007 for professional
investors. Details can be found at http://www.signetgroupplc.com/.
This release includes 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 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 operation, financial condition, liquidity,
prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which the Company
operates. Our use of the words "expects," "intends," "anticipates,"
"estimates," "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 the Group, the reputation of the Group, the
level of competition in the jewellery sector, the price and
availability of diamonds, gold and other precious metals,
seasonality of the Group's business and financial market risk. For
a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties which could
cause actual results to differ materially, see the "Risk and Other
Factors" section of the Company's 2006/07 Annual Report on Form
20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May
4, 2007 and other filings made by the Company with the Commission.
Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in such
forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes
make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied
therein may not be realised. The Company undertakes no obligation
to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect
subsequent events or circumstances. SIGNET GROUP plc Condensed
consolidated income statement (unaudited) for the 39 weeks ended 3
November 2007 13 weeks 13 weeks 39 weeks 39 weeks 53 weeks ended
ended ended ended ended 3 28 3 28 3 November October November
October February 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 Notes $m $m $m $m $m
Sales 2,11 678.7 616.8 2,280.5 2,084.0 3,559.2 Cost of sales
(657.7) (594.2) (2,123.2) (1,927.4) (3,092.4) Gross profit 21.0
22.6 157.3 156.6 466.8 Administrative expenses (39.4) (31.0)
(112.2) (99.2) (142.1) Other operating income 25.9 21.8 79.3 68.3
91.5 Operating profit 2,11 7.5 13.4 124.4 125.7 416.2 Finance
income 3 2.0 5.9 8.1 13.5 18.8 Finance expense 3 (7.0) (11.3)
(21.0) (25.6) (34.2) Profit before tax 11 2.5 8.0 111.5 113.6 400.8
Taxation 4 (0.9) (2.8) (40.7) (40.4) (134.8) Profit for the
financial period 1.6 5.2 70.8 73.2 266.0 Earnings per share - basic
6 0.1c 0.3c 4.2c 4.2c 15.4c - diluted 0.1c 0.3c 4.1c 4.2c 15.3c
Earnings per ADS - basic 6 0.9c 2.6c 41.5c 42.2c 154.0c - diluted
0.9c 2.6c 41.4c 42.1c 153.4c All of the above relate to continuing
activities. Condensed consolidated balance sheet (unaudited) at 3
November 2007 3 November 28 October 3 February 2007 2006 2007 Notes
$m $m $m Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets 50.6 44.8 46.3
Property, plant and equipment 515.5 481.5 484.8 Other receivables
34.3 28.9 29.2 Retirement benefit asset 8.0 - 3.7 Deferred tax
assets 29.0 31.4 29.0 637.4 586.6 593.0 Current assets Inventories
1,656.8 1,497.4 1,350.6 Trade and other receivables 787.4 673.4
869.1 Cash and cash equivalents 42.8 310.8 152.3 2,487.0 2,481.6
2,372.0 Total assets 3,124.4 3,068.2 2,965.0 Liabilities Current
liabilities Borrowings due in less than one year (187.6) (392.7)
(5.5) Trade and other payables (465.9) (425.4) (392.4) Deferred
income (101.6) (90.4) (122.7) Current tax (50.8) (19.6) (101.7)
(805.9) (928.1) (622.3) Non-current liabilities Borrowings due in
more than one year (380.0) (380.0) (380.0) Other payables (81.5)
(72.2) (74.7) Deferred income (129.1) (116.3) (132.0) Provisions
(10.3) (10.8) (10.0) Retirement benefit obligation - (28.1) -
(600.9) (607.4) (596.7) Total liabilities (1,406.8) (1,535.5)
(1,219.0) Net assets 1,717.6 1,532.7 1,746.0 Equity Capital and
reserves attributable to equity shareholders Called up share
capital 8 15.4 14.1 14.0 Share premium 9 138.4 129.4 134.7 Other
reserves 9 235.2 235.0 235.1 Retained earnings 9 1,328.6 1,154.2
1,362.2 Total equity 1,717.6 1,532.7 1,746.0 Condensed consolidated
cash flow statement (unaudited) for the 39 weeks ended 3 November
2007 13 13 39 39 53 weeks weeks weeks weeks weeks ended ended ended
ended ended 3 28 3 28 3 November October November October February
2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 $m $m $m $m $m Cash flows from operating
activities: Profit before tax 2.5 8.0 111.5 113.6 400.8 Adjustments
for: Finance income (2.0) (5.9) (8.1) (13.5) (18.8) Finance expense
7.0 11.3 21.0 25.6 34.2 Depreciation of property, plant and
equipment 25.7 23.7 75.5 67.7 92.1 Amortisation of intangible
assets 1.0 0.5 3.3 1.6 2.4 Share-based payment expense 2.1 2.5 6.1
6.2 6.7 Other non-cash movements (0.2) (0.1) (0.7) (0.7) (2.2) Loss
on disposal of property, plant and equipment - - - - 0.8 Operating
cash flows before movement in working capital 36.1 40.0 208.6 200.5
516.0 Increase in inventories (282.8) (254.3) (288.2) (264.8)
(118.1) Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables 20.0
33.0 79.7 85.1 (101.5) Increase in payables and deferred income
117.9 67.1 36.7 26.0 46.1 Cash generated from operations (108.8)
(114.2) 36.8 46.8 342.5 Interest paid (0.8) (5.7) (14.4) (15.7)
(31.4) Taxation paid (14.9) (29.4) (90.2) (108.0) (130.1) Net cash
from operating activities (124.5) (149.3) (67.8) (76.9) 181.0
Investing activities: Interest received 0.7 5.6 4.7 12.3 16.9
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (47.2) (37.3) (99.1)
(88.2) (116.9) Purchase of intangible assets (1.1) (2.4) (7.3)
(5.5) (7.5) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment - -
- - 4.5 Cash flows from investing activities (47.6) (34.1) (101.7)
(81.4) (103.0) Financing activities: Dividends paid - - (107.6)
(90.7) (108.7) Proceeds from issue of shares - 0.6 5.5 4.6 7.7
Purchase of own shares - (37.6) (29.0) (43.2) (63.4) Increase in
short-term borrowings 159.1 114.3 181.1 106.6 7.0 Repayment of
long-term borrowings - - - - (251.0) Receipt of new long-term
borrowings - - - 380.0 380.0 Cash flows from financing activities
159.1 77.3 50.0 357.3 (28.4) Reconciliation of movement in cash and
cash equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
51.8 421.1 152.3 92.9 92.9 (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents (13.0) (106.1) (119.5) 199.0 49.6 Exchange adjustments
4.0 (4.2) 10.0 18.9 9.8 Closing cash and cash equivalents 42.8
310.8 42.8 310.8 152.3 Reconciliation of cash flows to movement in
net debt:(1) Net debt at beginning of period (354.8) (229.0)
(233.2) (174.5) (174.5) (Decrease)/increase in cash and cash
equivalents 13.0) (106.1) (119.5) 199.0 49.6 Increase in borrowings
(159.1) (114.3) (181.1) (486.6) (136.0) Exchange adjustments 2.1
(12.5) 9.0 0.2 27.7 Closing net debt (524.8) (461.9) (524.8)
(461.9) (233.2) (1) Net debt represents cash and cash equivalents
less borrowings due in less than one year and borrowings due in
more than one year. Condensed consolidated statement of recognised
income and expense (unaudited) for the 39 weeks ended 3 November
2007 13 13 39 39 53 weeks weeks weeks weeks weeks ended ended ended
ended ended 3 28 3 28 3 November October November October February
2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 $m $m $m $m $m Exchange differences on
translation of foreign operations 10.3 1.8 29.1 28.8 57.3 Effective
portion of changes in value of cash flow hedges 4.6 (3.8) (0.5)
(0.7) 1.7 Actuarial gain on retirement benefit scheme - - - - 30.5
Tax on items recognised in equity (0.5) - 1.5 - (10.3) Net income
recognised directly in equity 14.4 (2.0) 30.1 28.1 79.2 Transfer to
initial carrying value of inventory from cash flow hedges (2.7) 1.1
(4.4) (1.1) 1.5 Profit for the financial period 1.6 5.2 70.8 73.2
266.0 Total recognised income and expense attributable to
shareholders 13.3 4.3 96.5 100.2 346.7 Notes to the condensed
consolidated financial statements (unaudited) for the 39 weeks
ended 3 November 2007 1. Basis of preparation These results are
presented in US dollars following the change in the functional
currency of the Company and the move to reporting in US dollars
with effect from 5 February 2007. These interim financial
statements have been prepared applying the accounting policies that
were applied in the preparation of the Company's published
consolidated financial statements for the 53 week period ended 3
February 2007. These interim financial statements are unaudited and
do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section
240 of the Companies Act 1985. The comparative figures for the 53
weeks ended 3 February 2007 are not the Company's statutory
accounts for that period. Those accounts have been reported on by
the Company's auditors and have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The report of the auditors was (i) unqualified, (ii) did
not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew
attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and
(iii) did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of
the Companies Act 1985. 2. Segment information 13 13 39 39 53 weeks
weeks weeks weeks weeks ended ended ended ended ended 3 28 3 28 3
November October November October February 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007
$m $m $m $m $m Sales by origin and destination UK, Channel Islands
& Republic of Ireland 190.5 173.4 575.4 509.5 907.1 US 488.2
443.4 1,705.1 1,574.5 2,652.1 Total sales 678.7 616.8 2,280.5
2,084.0 3,559.2 Operating (loss)/profit UK, Channel Islands &
Republic of Ireland - Trading 0.2 (2.0) (0.4) (8.2) 103.4 - Group
central costs (4.2) (3.7) (13.0) (10.3) (13.9) (4.0) (5.7) (13.4)
(18.5) 89.5 US 11.5 19.1 137.8 144.2 326.7 Operating profit 7.5
13.4 124.4 125.7 416.2 The Group's results derive from one business
segment -- the retailing of jewellery, watches and associated
services. 3. Net financing costs 13 13 39 39 53 weeks weeks weeks
weeks weeks ended ended ended ended ended 3 28 3 28 3 November
October November October February 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 $m $m $m
$m $m Interest receivable 0.7 5.5 4.7 12.2 16.6 Defined benefit
pension scheme: - expected return on scheme assets 5.0 3.6 13.6
10.6 14.8 - interest on pension liabilities (3.7) (3.2) (10.2)
(9.3) (12.6) Finance income 2.0 5.9 8.1 13.5 18.8 Finance expense
(7.0) (11.3) (21.0) (25.6) (34.2) Net financing costs (5.0) (5.4)
(12.9) (12.1) (15.4) Notes to the condensed consolidated financial
statements (unaudited) for the 39 weeks ended 3 November 2007 4.
Taxation The net taxation charges in the income statements for the
13 weeks and 39 weeks ended 3 November 2007 have been based on the
anticipated effective taxation rate for the 52 weeks ending 2
February 2008. 5. Translation differences The exchange rates used
in these interim statements for the translation of UK pound
sterling transactions and balances into US dollars are as follows:
3 November 28 October 3 February 2007 2006 2007 Income statement
(average rate) 2.00 1.83 1.88 Balance sheet (closing rate) 2.08
1.90 1.97 The effect of restating the balance sheet at 28 October
2006 to the exchange rates ruling at 3 November 2007 would be to
decrease net debt by $(3.8) million to $(458.1) million. Restating
the income statement would decrease the pre-tax profit for the 39
weeks ended 28 October 2006 by $(1.3) million to $112.3 million. 6.
Earnings per share 13 13 39 39 53 weeks weeks weeks weeks weeks
ended ended ended ended ended 3 28 3 28 3 November October November
October February 2007 2006 2007 2006 2007 $m $m $m $m $m Profit
attributable to shareholders 1.6 5.2 70.8 73.2 266.0 Weighted
average number of shares in issue (million) 1,703.6 1,729.4 1,703.8
1,736.3 1,727.6 Dilutive effect of share options (million) 3.3 4.3
5.3 3.2 6.8 Diluted weighted average number of shares (million)
1,707.0 1,733.7 1,709.1 1,739.5 1,734.4 Earnings per share - basic
0.1c 0.3c 4.2c 4.2c 15.4c - diluted 0.1c 0.3c 4.1c 4.2c 15.3c
Earnings per ADS - basic 0.9c 2.6c 41.5c 42.2c 154.0c - diluted
0.9c 2.6c 41.4c 42.1c 153.4c 7. Seasonality The Group'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. The Group expects to continue to
experience a seasonal fluctuation in sales and profit. Notes to the
condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited) for the 39
weeks ended 3 November 2007 8. Share capital 3 November 28 October
3 February 2007 2006 2007 $m $m $m Authorised: 5,929,874,019
ordinary shares of 0.5p each - 48.6 48.6 5,929,874,019 ordinary
shares of 0.9c each 53.4 - - 50,000 deferred shares of 1 pound
Sterling each 0.1 - - Number of shares $m Alloted, called up and
fully paid: Ordinary shares of 0.5p each: At 3 February 2007
1,713,553,809 14.0 Change in functional currency - 1.4 Capital
reduction on 5 February 2007 (1,713,553,809) (15.4) nil nil
Ordinary shares of 0.9c each: Issued on 5 February 2007
1,713,553,809 15.4 Share buyback (12,205,000) (0.1) Shares issued
on exercise of share options 4,062,007 - At 3 November 2007 total
allotted, called up and fully paid 1,705,410,816 15.3 Deferred
shares of 1 pound Sterling each on issue and at 3 November 2007
50,000 0.1 Total share capital 1,705,460,816 15.4 On 5 February
2007, the Company redenominated its share capital into US dollars
by way of a reduction in capital and subsequent issue and allotment
of new US dollar ordinary shares, which had been approved by
shareholders on 12 December 2006 and received Court approval on 31
January 2007. The nominal value of each US dollar denominated
ordinary share is 0.9 cent and shareholders received one new US
dollar denominated ordinary share for each sterling ordinary share
held. The new shares have the same rights and restrictions as the
previously issued ordinary shares and the existing share
certificates remain valid. Additionally, to comply with the
Companies Act 1985, 50,000 pounds Sterling of share capital is
required to be denominated in pounds sterling, to which end 50,000
deferred shares of �1 each were allotted and issued and credited to
the Company Secretary of the Company on 5 February 2007. These
shares have limited and deferred rights. Notes to the condensed
consolidated financial statements (unaudited) for the 39 weeks
ended 3 November 2007 9. Share premium and reserves 39 weeks ended
3 November 2007 Other reserves Share Capital Special premium
redemption reserves $m $m $m Balance at 3 February 2007 134.7 0.3
234.8 Redenomination of share capital (1.4) - - 133.3 0.3 234.8
Recognised income and expense: - profit for the financial period -
- - - cashflow hedges - - - - translation differences - - -
Dividends - - - Equity-settled transactions - - - Share options
exercised 5.1 - - Purchase of own shares - 0.1 - Balance at 3
November 2007 138.4 0.4 234.8 39 weeks ended 3 November 2007
Retained earnings Purchase Hedging Translation Retained Total of
own reserve reserve reserves shares $m $m $m $m $m Balance at 3
February 2007 (13.3) 5.1 10.1 1,360.3 1,732.0 Redenomination of
share capital - - - - (1.4) Recognised income and expense: (13.3)
5.1 10.1 1,360.3 1,730.6 - profit for the financial period - - -
70.8 70.8 - cashflow hedges - (3.4) - - (3.4) - translation
differences - - 29.1 - 29.1 Dividends - - - (107.6) (107.6)
Equity-settled transactions - - - 6.1 6.1 Share options exercised
1.9 - - (1.5) 5.5 Purchase of own shares - - - (29.0) (28.9)
Balance at 3 November 2007 (11.4) 1.7 39.2 1,299.1 1,702.2 39 weeks
ended 28 October 2006 Other reserves Share Capital Special premium
redemption reserves $m $m $m Balance at 28 January 2006 124.8 -
234.8 Recognised income and expense: - profit for the financial
period - - - - cashflow hedges - - - - translation differences - -
- Dividends - - - Equity-settled transactions - - - Share options
exercised 4.6 - - Purchase of own shares - 0.2 - Balance at 28
October 2006 129.4 0.2 234.8 39 weeks ended 28 October 2006
Retained earnings Purchase Hedging Translation Retained Total of
own reserve reserve reserves shares $m $m $m $m $m Balance at 28
January 2006 (15.4) 2.8 (47.2) 1,241.5 1,541.3 Recognised income
and expense: - profit for the financial period - - - 73.2 73.2 -
cashflow hedges - (1.8) - - (1.8) - translation differences - -
28.8 - 28.8 Dividends - - - (90.7) (90.7) Equity-settled
transactions - - - 6.2 6.2 Share options exercised 0.5 - - (0.5)
4.6 Purchase of own shares - - - (43.2) (43.0) Balance at 28
October 2006 (14.9) 1.0 (18.4) 1,186.5 1,518.6 53 weeks ended 3
February 2007 Other reserves Share Capital Special premium
redemption reserves $m $m $m Balance at 28 January 2006 124.8 -
234.8 Recognised income and expense: - profit for the financial
period - - - - cashflow hedges - - - - translation differences - -
- - actuarial gain - - - Dividends - - - Equity-settled
transactions - - - Share options exercised 8.6 - - Purchase of own
shares - 0.3 - Shares issued to ESOTs 1.3 - - Balance at 3 February
2007 134.7 0.3 234.8 53 weeks ended 3 February 2007 Retained
earnings Purchase Hedging Translation Retained Total of own reserve
reserve reserves shares $m $m $m $m $m Balance at 28 January 2006
(15.4) 2.8 (47.2) 1,241.5 1,541.3 Recognised income and expense: -
profit for the financial period - - - 266.0 266.0 - cashflow hedges
- 2.3 - - 2.3 - translation differences - - 57.3 - 57.3 - actuarial
gain - - - 21.1 21.1 Dividends - - - (108.7) (108.7) Equity-settled
transactions - - - 8.1 8.1 Share options exercised 2.1 - - (3.0)
7.7 Purchase of own shares - - - (63.4) (63.1) Shares issued to
ESOTs - - - (1.3) - Balance at 3 February 2007 (13.3) 5.1 10.1
1,360.3 1,732.0 Notes to the condensed consolidated financial
statements (unaudited) for the 39 weeks ended 3 November 2007 10.
Dividend A dividend of 0.96 cent per share was paid on 9 November
2007 to shareholders on the register of members at the close of
business on 28 September 2007. The US dollar to pound sterling rate
used to convert the 0.96 cent dividend per share for payment to
shareholders who elected to receive a pound sterling dividend was
the rate as derived from Reuters at 4.00pm on the record date of 28
September 2007. Shareholders wishing to change the currency in
which they receive dividends should contact the Company's
registrar. 11. Impact of constant exchange rates The Group has
historically used constant exchange rates to compare period-
to-period changes in certain financial data. This is referred to as
'at constant exchange rates' throughout this release. The Group
considers this a useful measure for analysing and explaining
changes and trends in the Group's results. The impact of the
re-calculation of sales, operating profit, profit before tax and
net debt at constant exchange rates, including a reconciliation to
the Group's GAAP results, is analysed below. 39 weeks ended 3
November 2007 39 39 Growth Impact At Growth weeks weeks at of
constant at ended ended actual exchange exchange constant 3 28
exchange rate rates exchange November October rates movement (non-
rates 2007 2006 GAAP) (non- GAAP) $m $m % $m $m % Sales by origin
and destination UK, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland 575.4
509.5 12.9 47.3 556.8 3.3 US 1,705.1 1,574.5 8.3 - 1,574.5 8.3
Total sales 2,280.5 2,084.0 9.4 47.3 2,131.3 7.0 Operating
(loss)/profit UK, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland -
Trading (0.4) (8.2) n/a (0.8) (9.0) n/a - Group central costs
(13.0) (10.3) n/a (1.0) (11.3) n/a (13.4) (18.5) n/a (1.8) (20.3)
n/a US 137.8 144.2 (4.4) - 144.2 (4.4) Operating profit 124.4 125.7
(1.0) (1.8) 123.9 0.4 Profit before tax 111.5 113.6 (1.8) (1.3)
112.3 (0.7) At 3 November 2007 3 November 28 October Impact of At
2007 2006 exchange constant rate exchange movement rates (non-GAAP)
$m $m $m $m Net debt 524.8 461.9 (3.8) 458.1 13 weeks ended 3
November 2007 13 13 Growth Impact At Growth weeks weeks at of
constant at ended ended actual exchange exchange constant 3 28
exchange rate rates exchange November October rates movement (non-
rates 2007 2006 GAAP) (non- GAAP) $m $m % $m $m % Sales by origin
and destination UK, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland 190.5
173.4 9.9 12.2 185.6 2.6 US 488.2 443.4 10.1 - 443.4 10.1 Total
sales 678.7 616.8 10.0 12.2 629.0 7.9 DATASOURCE: Signet Group plc
CONTACT: Terry Burman, Group Chief Executive, Walker Boyd, Group
Finance Director, both of Signet Group plc, +44 20 7317 9700, Tom
Buchanan, Wendel Verbeek, both of both of Brunswick, +44 20 7404
5959 Web site: http://www.signetgroupplc.com/ http://www.kay.com/
http://www.jared.com/ http://www.hsamuel.co.uk/
http://www.ernestjones.co.uk/
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