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SEC Company Response from SIGNET JEWELERS LTD (SIG) (CIK 0000832988) (SIG) — Oct 18, 2016

SIGNET JEWELERS LTD (SIG) (CIK 0000832988)
Date: Oct. 18, 2016 · CIK: 0000832988 · Accession: 0001628280-16-020105

AI Filing Summary & Sentiment

Referenced dates: October 4, 2016

Date
October 18, 2016
Author
Not clearly detected
Form
CORRESP
Company
SIGNET JEWELERS LTD (SIG) (CIK 0000832988)

Letter

Document

October 18, 2016

Correspondence Filing Via Edgar

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Division of Corporation Finance

100 F Street, NE

Washington, DC 20549

Attention: Robyn Manuel

William H. Thompson

RE: Signet Jewelers Limited

Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended January 30, 2016

Filed March 24, 2016

File No. 1-32349

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Signet Jewelers Limited, a Bermuda based corporation (the “Company” or “we,” or “our”), is submitting this letter in response to the comment letter from the staff (the “Staff”) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), dated October 4, 2016 (the “Comment Letter”), with respect to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 (the “Form 10-K”) filed with the Commission on March 24, 2016.

Below are the Company’s responses. For the convenience of the Staff, we have repeated each of the Staff’s comments before the corresponding response.

Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended January 30, 2016

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, page 51

Critical Accounting Policies, page 75

1.

Please include a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sensitivity of reported results to changes in your assumptions, judgments and estimates, including the likelihood of obtaining materially different results if different assumptions are applied. If reasonably likely changes in inputs to estimates would have a material effect on your financial condition or results of operations, the impact that could result given the range of reasonable outcomes should be disclosed and quantified. Please refer to SEC Release No. 34-48960. In your response, please show us what your disclosure would look like.

Response:

We acknowledge the Staff’s comment and, in future filings, we will provide a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sensitivity of reported results to changes in our assumptions, judgments and estimates, where reasonably likely changes are capable of estimation. The Company further advises the Staff that as we continuously evaluate our external reporting disclosures, we will look to revise the critical accounting policy disclosure in future filings to avoid duplicating the accounting policy disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The below reflects what the disclosure would have looked like if the changes were made to our most recently filed Form 10-K (with supplemental, responsive language in bold):

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies covering areas of greater complexity that are subject to the exercise of judgment due to the reliance on key estimates are listed below. A comprehensive listing of Signet’s critical accounting policies are set forth in Footnote 1 of the consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

Revenue recognition for extended service plans and lifetime warranty agreements ("ESP")

The Company recognizes revenue related to lifetime warranty sales in proportion to when the expected costs will be incurred. The deferral period for lifetime warranty sales in each division is determined from patterns of claims costs, including estimates of future claims costs expected to be incurred. Management reviews the trends in claims to assess whether changes are required to the revenue and cost recognition rates utilized. A significant change in estimates related to the time period or pattern in which warranty-related costs are expected to be incurred could materially impact revenues. The deferral period and recognition rates of deferred revenue related to lifetime warranty sales is determined based on multi-year patterns of claims costs; therefore, a shift in historical experience of claims cost and frequency over several periods would be required to alter the revenue recognition pattern materially. All direct costs associated with the sale of these plans are deferred and amortized in proportion to the revenue recognized.

The Sterling Jewelers division sells extended service plans, subject to certain conditions, to perform repair work over the life of the product. Revenue from the sale of these lifetime extended service plans is recognized consistent with the estimated pattern of claim costs expected to be incurred by the Company in connection with performing under the extended service plan obligations. Based on an evaluation of historical claims data, management currently estimates that substantially all claims will be incurred within 17 years of the sale of the warranty contract.

In the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, an operational change related to the Sterling Jewelers division’s extended service plans associated with ring sizing was made to further align Zale and Sterling ESP policies. As a result, revenue from the sale of these lifetime extended service plans in the Sterling Jewelers division is deferred and recognized over 17 years for all plans, with approximately 57% of revenue recognized within the first two years for plans sold on or after May 2, 2015 and 42% of revenue recognized within the first two years for plans sold prior to May 2, 2015 (January 31, 2015: 45%; February 1, 2014: 45%).

The Zale division also sells extended service plans. Zale Jewelry customers are offered lifetime warranties on certain products that cover sizing and breakage with an option to purchase theft protection for a two-year period. Revenue from the sale of lifetime extended service plans is deferred

and recognized over 10 years, with approximately 69% of revenue recognized within the first two years (January 31, 2015: 69%).

Deferred revenue related to extended service plans, voucher promotions and other items at the end of Fiscal 2016 was $889.4 million as compared to $811.9 million in Fiscal 2015.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Potentially impaired assets or asset groups are identified by reviewing the cash flows of individual stores. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, based on the Company's internal business plans. If the undiscounted cash flow is less than the asset’s carrying amount, the impairment charge recognized is determined by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. The Company utilizes historical experience, internal business plans and an appropriate discount rate to estimate the fair value. Property and equipment at stores planned for closure are depreciated over a revised estimate of their useful lives.

In Fiscal 2016, the income statement includes a charge of $0.7 million for impairment of assets as compared to $0.8 million in Fiscal 2015. Property, plant and equipment, net, totaled $727.6 million as of January 30, 2016 and $665.9 million as of January 31, 2015. Depreciation and amortization expense for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 was $161.4 million and $140.1 million, respectively. Application of alternative assumptions, such as changes in estimates of future cash flows, could produce significantly different results. A 10% decrease in the estimated undiscounted cash flows for the stores with indicators of impairment would not have had a material impact on our results of operations in Fiscal 2016.

Goodwill and intangibles

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually and more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill). If the Company concludes that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required. However, if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is performed to identify a potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of impairment to be recognized, if any. The two-step impairment test involves estimating the fair value of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including the implied fair value of goodwill, through either estimated discounted future cash flows or market-based methodologies.

The annual testing date for goodwill allocated to the Sterling Jewelers reporting unit is the last day of the fourth quarter. The annual testing date for goodwill allocated to the reporting units associated with the Zale division acquisition and the Other reporting unit is May 31. There have been no goodwill impairment charges recorded during the fiscal periods presented in the consolidated financial statements as financial results for the reporting units has met or exceeded financial projections developed at the time of the acquisitions. If future economic conditions are different than those projected by management, future impairment charges may be required. Goodwill totaled $515.5 million as of January 30, 2016 and $519.2 million as of January 31, 2015.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized and reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset are less than the carrying amount, the Company recognizes an impairment charge equal to the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, usually determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset. Intangible assets with definite lives, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $25.6 million as of January 30, 2016 and $40.3 million as of January 31, 2015.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment each year in the second quarter and may be reviewed more frequently if certain events occur or circumstances change. The Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company estimates the fair value, usually determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset, compares that value with its carrying amount and records an impairment charge, if any. If future economic conditions are different than those projected by management, future impairment charges may be required. Intangible assets with indefinite lives totaled $402.2 million as of January 30, 2016 and $406.8 million as of January 31, 2015.

Income taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized by applying statutory tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences between the financial reporting and tax filing bases of existing assets and liabilities are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, based on management's evaluation of all available evidence, both positive and negative including reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and results of recent operations. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $31.9 million and $32.4 million, as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, respectively, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of the deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of net operating losses, foreign tax credits and foreign capital losses carried forward.

The annual effective tax rate is based on annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning strategies available in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company does not recognize tax benefits related to positions taken on certain tax matters unless the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. At any point in time, various tax years are subject to or are in the process of being audited by various taxing authorities. The Company records a reserve for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties. To the extent that management’s estimates of settlements change, or the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the income tax provision in the period in which such determinations are made. If the reserve for uncertain tax positions decreased 10%, the impact would be approximately $1 million as of January 31, 2016.

See Note 8 for additional information regarding deferred tax assets and unrecognized tax benefits.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at their nominal amounts and primarily include account balances outstanding from Sterling Jewelers division in-house customer finance programs. The finance receivables from the in-house customer finance programs are comprised of a large volume of transactions with no one customer representing a significant balance. The initial acceptance of customer finance arrangements is based on proprietary consumer credit model scores. Subsequent to the initial financed purchase, the Company monitors the credit quality of its customer finance receivable portfolio based on payment activity driving the aging of receivables as well as through the use of proprietary behavioral and collection models which assess each account’s probability of default based on performance on their account and regularly refreshed credit bureau attributes.

Accounts receivable under the customer finance programs are presented net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts. This allowance represents management’s estimate of the expected losses in the accounts receivable portfolio as of the balance sheet date, and is calculated using a model that analyzes factors such as delinquency rates and recovery rates. An allowance for amounts 90 days aged and under is established based on historical loss experience and payment performance information. A 100% allowance is made for any amount aged more than 90 days on a recency basis and any amount associated with an account the owner of which has filed for bankruptcy. The recency-aging methodology is based on receipt of qualifying payments which vary depending on the account status. A customer’s account ages each month five days after their due date listed on their statement, allowing for a grace period before collection efforts begin. A qualifying payment can be no less than 75% of the scheduled payment, increasing with the delinquency level. If an account holder is two payments behind, then they must make a full minimum payment to return to current status. If an account holder is three payments behind, then they must make three full payments before returning to a current status. If an account holder is more than three payments behind, then the entire past due amount is required to return to a current status. The allowance calculation is reviewed by management to assess whether, based on economic events, additional analysis is required to appropriately estimate losses inherent in the portfolio.

Allowances for uncollectible amounts are recorded as a charge

Show Raw Text
CORRESP
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		Document

October 18, 2016

Correspondence Filing Via Edgar

United States Securities and Exchange Commission

Division of Corporation Finance

100 F Street, NE

Washington, DC  20549

Attention:    Robyn Manuel

William H. Thompson

RE:  Signet Jewelers Limited

Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year Ended January 30, 2016

Filed March 24, 2016

File No. 1-32349

Ladies & Gentlemen:

Signet Jewelers Limited, a Bermuda based corporation (the “Company” or “we,” or “our”), is submitting this letter in response to the comment letter from the staff (the “Staff”) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”), dated October 4, 2016 (the “Comment Letter”), with respect to the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 (the “Form 10-K”) filed with the Commission on March 24, 2016.

Below are the Company’s responses.  For the convenience of the Staff, we have repeated each of the Staff’s comments before the corresponding response.

Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended January 30, 2016

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, page 51

Critical Accounting Policies, page 75

1.

 Please include a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sensitivity of reported results to changes in your assumptions, judgments and estimates, including the likelihood of obtaining materially different results if different assumptions are applied.  If reasonably likely changes in inputs to estimates would have a material effect on your financial condition or results of operations, the impact that could result given the range of reasonable outcomes should be disclosed and quantified.  Please refer to SEC Release No. 34-48960.  In your response, please show us what your disclosure would look like.

Response:

We acknowledge the Staff’s comment and, in future filings, we will provide a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the sensitivity of reported results to changes in our assumptions, judgments and estimates, where reasonably likely changes are capable of estimation. The Company further advises the Staff that as we continuously evaluate our external reporting disclosures, we will look to revise the critical accounting policy disclosure in future filings to avoid duplicating the accounting policy disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  The below reflects what the disclosure would have looked like if the changes were made to our most recently filed Form 10-K (with supplemental, responsive language in bold):

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies covering areas of greater complexity that are subject to the exercise of judgment due to the reliance on key estimates are listed below. A comprehensive listing of Signet’s critical accounting policies are set forth in Footnote 1 of the consolidated financial statements in Item 8.

Revenue recognition for extended service plans and lifetime warranty agreements ("ESP")

The Company recognizes revenue related to lifetime warranty sales in proportion to when the expected costs will be incurred. The deferral period for lifetime warranty sales in each division is determined from patterns of claims costs, including estimates of future claims costs expected to be incurred. Management reviews the trends in claims to assess whether changes are required to the revenue and cost recognition rates utilized. A significant change in estimates related to the time period or pattern in which warranty-related costs are expected to be incurred could materially impact revenues. The deferral period and recognition rates of deferred revenue related to lifetime warranty sales is determined based on multi-year patterns of claims costs; therefore, a shift in historical experience of claims cost and frequency over several periods would be required to alter the revenue recognition pattern materially.  All direct costs associated with the sale of these plans are deferred and amortized in proportion to the revenue recognized.

The Sterling Jewelers division sells extended service plans, subject to certain conditions, to perform repair work over the life of the product. Revenue from the sale of these lifetime extended service plans is recognized consistent with the estimated pattern of claim costs expected to be incurred by the Company in connection with performing under the extended service plan obligations. Based on an evaluation of historical claims data, management currently estimates that substantially all claims will be incurred within 17 years of the sale of the warranty contract.

In the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, an operational change related to the Sterling Jewelers division’s extended service plans associated with ring sizing was made to further align Zale and Sterling ESP policies. As a result, revenue from the sale of these lifetime extended service plans in the Sterling Jewelers division is deferred and recognized over 17 years for all plans, with approximately 57% of revenue recognized within the first two years for plans sold on or after May 2, 2015 and 42% of revenue recognized within the first two years for plans sold prior to May 2, 2015 (January 31, 2015: 45%; February 1, 2014: 45%).

The Zale division also sells extended service plans. Zale Jewelry customers are offered lifetime warranties on certain products that cover sizing and breakage with an option to purchase theft protection for a two-year period. Revenue from the sale of lifetime extended service plans is deferred

and recognized over 10 years, with approximately 69% of revenue recognized within the first two years (January 31, 2015: 69%).

Deferred revenue related to extended service plans, voucher promotions and other items at the end of Fiscal 2016 was $889.4 million as compared to $811.9 million in Fiscal 2015.

Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Potentially impaired assets or asset groups are identified by reviewing the cash flows of individual stores. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, based on the Company's internal business plans. If the undiscounted cash flow is less than the asset’s carrying amount, the impairment charge recognized is determined by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. The Company utilizes historical experience, internal business plans and an appropriate discount rate to estimate the fair value.  Property and equipment at stores planned for closure are depreciated over a revised estimate of their useful lives.

In Fiscal 2016, the income statement includes a charge of $0.7 million for impairment of assets as compared to $0.8 million in Fiscal 2015. Property, plant and equipment, net, totaled $727.6 million as of January 30, 2016 and $665.9 million as of January 31, 2015. Depreciation and amortization expense for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 was $161.4 million and $140.1 million, respectively. Application of alternative assumptions, such as changes in estimates of future cash flows, could produce significantly different results. A 10% decrease in the estimated undiscounted cash flows for the stores with indicators of impairment would not have had a material impact on our results of operations in Fiscal 2016.

Goodwill and intangibles

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment annually and more frequently if indicators of impairment arise. In evaluating goodwill for impairment, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill). If the Company concludes that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required. However, if the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the two-step goodwill impairment test is performed to identify a potential goodwill impairment and measure the amount of impairment to be recognized, if any. The two-step impairment test involves estimating the fair value of all assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including the implied fair value of goodwill, through either estimated discounted future cash flows or market-based methodologies.

The annual testing date for goodwill allocated to the Sterling Jewelers reporting unit is the last day of the fourth quarter. The annual testing date for goodwill allocated to the reporting units associated with the Zale division acquisition and the Other reporting unit is May 31. There have been no goodwill impairment charges recorded during the fiscal periods presented in the consolidated financial statements as financial results for the reporting units has met or exceeded financial projections developed at the time of the acquisitions. If future economic conditions are different than those projected by management, future impairment charges may be required.  Goodwill totaled $515.5 million as of January 30, 2016 and $519.2 million as of January 31, 2015.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized and reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset are less than the carrying amount, the Company recognizes an impairment charge equal to the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, usually determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset. Intangible assets with definite lives, net of accumulated amortization, totaled $25.6 million as of January 30, 2016 and $40.3 million as of January 31, 2015.

Intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment each year in the second quarter and may be reviewed more frequently if certain events occur or circumstances change. The Company first performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company estimates the fair value, usually determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset, compares that value with its carrying amount and records an impairment charge, if any. If future economic conditions are different than those projected by management, future impairment charges may be required. Intangible assets with indefinite lives totaled $402.2 million as of January 30, 2016 and $406.8 million as of January 31, 2015.

 Income taxes

Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the consolidated financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized by applying statutory tax rates in effect in the years in which the differences between the financial reporting and tax filing bases of existing assets and liabilities are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, based on management's evaluation of all available evidence, both positive and negative including reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and results of recent operations. We have recorded a valuation allowance of $31.9 million and $32.4 million, as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, respectively, due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of the deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of net operating losses, foreign tax credits and foreign capital losses carried forward.

The annual effective tax rate is based on annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning strategies available in the various jurisdictions in which the Company operates. The Company does not recognize tax benefits related to positions taken on certain tax matters unless the position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. At any point in time, various tax years are subject to or are in the process of being audited by various taxing authorities. The Company records a reserve for uncertain tax positions, including interest and penalties. To the extent that management’s estimates of settlements change, or the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the income tax provision in the period in which such determinations are made. If the reserve for uncertain tax positions decreased 10%, the impact would be approximately $1 million as of January 31, 2016.

See Note 8 for additional information regarding deferred tax assets and unrecognized tax benefits.

Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are stated at their nominal amounts and primarily include account balances outstanding from Sterling Jewelers division in-house customer finance programs. The finance receivables from the in-house customer finance programs are comprised of a large volume of transactions with no one customer representing a significant balance. The initial acceptance of customer finance arrangements is based on proprietary consumer credit model scores. Subsequent to the initial financed purchase, the Company monitors the credit quality of its customer finance receivable portfolio based on payment activity driving the aging of receivables as well as through the use of proprietary behavioral and collection models which assess each account’s probability of default based on performance on their account and regularly refreshed credit bureau attributes.

Accounts receivable under the customer finance programs are presented net of an allowance for uncollectible amounts. This allowance represents management’s estimate of the expected losses in the accounts receivable portfolio as of the balance sheet date, and is calculated using a model that analyzes factors such as delinquency rates and recovery rates. An allowance for amounts 90 days aged and under is established based on historical loss experience and payment performance information. A 100% allowance is made for any amount aged more than 90 days on a recency basis and any amount associated with an account the owner of which has filed for bankruptcy. The recency-aging methodology is based on receipt of qualifying payments which vary depending on the account status. A customer’s account ages each month five days after their due date listed on their statement, allowing for a grace period before collection efforts begin. A qualifying payment can be no less than 75% of the scheduled payment, increasing with the delinquency level. If an account holder is two payments behind, then they must make a full minimum payment to return to current status. If an account holder is three payments behind, then they must make three full payments before returning to a current status. If an account holder is more than three payments behind, then the entire past due amount is required to return to a current status. The allowance calculation is reviewed by management to assess whether, based on economic events, additional analysis is required to appropriately estimate losses inherent in the portfolio.

Allowances for uncollectible amounts are recorded as a charge