Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2010
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number: 1-9494
TIFFANY & CO.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   13-3228013
(State of incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
     
727 Fifth Ave. New York, NY   10022
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 755-8000
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report                     
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
             
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
        (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No þ
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date: Common Stock, $.01 par value, 126,400,403 shares outstanding at the close of business on November 30, 2010.
 
 

 

 


 

TIFFANY & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2010
         
    PAGE  
       
 
       
       
 
       
    3  
 
       
    4  
 
       
    5  
 
       
    6  
 
       
    7-18  
 
       
    19-28  
 
       
    29  
 
       
    30  
 
       
       
 
       
    31-33  
 
       
    34  
 
       
    35  
 
       
       
 
       
 Exhibit 10.153
 Exhibit 10.159a
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2
 EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

 

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PART I.  Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
TIFFANY & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
                         
    October 31, 2010     January 31, 2010     October 31, 2009  
ASSETS
                       
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 482,242     $ 785,702     $ 374,871  
Short-term investments
    47,254              
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $11,208, $12,892 and $10,204
    179,428       158,706       150,895  
Inventories, net
    1,654,552       1,427,855       1,541,888  
Deferred income taxes
    24,618       6,651       12,521  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    86,937       66,752       126,400  
 
                 
Total current assets
    2,475,031       2,445,666       2,206,575  
 
                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    668,179       685,101       694,063  
Deferred income taxes
    186,426       183,825       157,680  
Other assets, net
    185,151       173,768       160,911  
 
                 
 
  $ 3,514,787     $ 3,488,360     $ 3,219,229  
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Short-term borrowings
  $ 60,286     $ 27,642     $ 30,906  
Current portion of long-term debt
    101,675       206,815       163,890  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    216,293       231,913       222,313  
Income taxes payable
    2,275       67,513       15,412  
Merchandise and other customer credits
    65,107       66,390       66,287  
 
                 
Total current liabilities
    445,636       600,273       498,808  
 
                       
Long-term debt
    593,028       519,592       558,207  
Pension/postretirement benefit obligations
    195,896       219,276       187,872  
Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks
    128,927       128,649       130,861  
Other long-term liabilities
    152,744       137,331       132,837  
 
                       
Commitments and contingencies
                       
 
                       
Stockholders’ equity:
                       
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 2,000 shares, none issued and outstanding
                 
Common Stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 240,000 shares, issued and outstanding 126,128, 126,326 and 124,304
    1,261       1,263       1,243  
Additional paid-in capital
    825,472       764,132       690,675  
Retained earnings
    1,182,746       1,151,109       1,032,371  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
    (10,923 )     (33,265 )     (13,645 )
 
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    1,998,556       1,883,239       1,710,644  
 
                 
 
  $ 3,514,787     $ 3,488,360     $ 3,219,229  
 
                 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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TIFFANY & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands except per share amounts)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    October 31,     October 31,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Net sales
  $ 681,729     $ 598,212     $ 1,984,075     $ 1,728,320  
Cost of sales
    283,158       270,409       832,774       773,846  
 
                       
Gross profit
    398,571       327,803       1,151,301       954,474  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    300,993       260,986       834,700       738,589  
 
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
    97,578       66,817       316,601       215,885  
Interest and other expenses, net
    12,997       11,326       36,256       35,898  
 
                       
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
    84,581       55,491       280,345       179,987  
Provision for income taxes
    29,502       12,182       93,166       52,518  
 
                       
Net earnings from continuing operations
    55,079       43,309       187,179       127,469  
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
          30             (3,013 )
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 55,079     $ 43,339     $ 187,179     $ 124,456  
 
                       
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic
                               
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.44     $ 0.35     $ 1.48     $ 1.03  
Net loss from discontinued operations
                      (0.03 )
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 0.44     $ 0.35     $ 1.48     $ 1.00  
 
                       
Diluted
                               
Net earnings from continuing operations
  $ 0.43     $ 0.34     $ 1.46     $ 1.02  
Net loss from discontinued operations
                      (0.02 )
 
                       
Net earnings
  $ 0.43     $ 0.35     $ 1.46     $ 1.00  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average number of common shares:
                               
Basic
    126,176       124,202       126,591       124,095  
Diluted
    127,905       125,582       128,277       124,756  
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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TIFFANY & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
AND COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
                                                 
                    Accumulated                        
    Total             Other                     Additional  
    Stockholders’     Retained     Comprehensive     Common Stock     Paid-In  
    Equity     Earnings     (Loss) Gain     Shares     Amount     Capital  
 
                                               
Balances, January 31, 2010
  $ 1,883,239     $ 1,151,109     $ (33,265 )     126,326     $ 1,263     $ 764,132  
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”)
    38,214                   1,404       14       38,200  
Tax effect of exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs
    4,791                               4,791  
Share-based compensation expense
    19,312                               19,312  
Issuance of Common Stock under the Employee Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan
    5,000                   104       1       4,999  
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock
    (72,806 )     (66,827 )           (1,706 )     (17 )     (5,962 )
Cash dividends on Common Stock
    (88,715 )     (88,715 )                        
Deferred hedging loss, net of tax
    (1,278 )           (1,278 )                  
Unrealized gain on marketable securities, net of tax
    1,583             1,583                    
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
    20,539             20,539                    
Net unrealized gain on benefit plans, net of tax
    1,498             1,498                    
Net earnings
    187,179       187,179                          
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balances, October 31, 2010
  $ 1,998,556     $ 1,182,746     $ (10,923 )     126,128     $ 1,261     $ 825,472  
 
                                   
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    October 31,     October 31,  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Comprehensive earnings are as follows:
                               
Net earnings
  $ 55,079     $ 43,339     $ 187,179     $ 124,456  
Other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax:
                               
Deferred hedging (loss) gain
    (3,353 )     1,808       (1,278 )     5,632  
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    22,710       20,645       20,539       48,363  
Unrealized gain on marketable securities
    947       915       1,583       3,815  
Net unrealized gain (loss) on benefit plans
    476       (40 )     1,498       (22 )
 
                       
Comprehensive earnings
  $ 75,859     $ 66,667     $ 209,521     $ 182,244  
 
                       
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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TIFFANY & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(in thousands)
                 
    Nine Months Ended October 31,  
    2010     2009  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net earnings
  $ 187,179     $ 124,456  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
          3,013  
 
           
Net earnings from continuing operations
    187,179       127,469  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    109,165       103,239  
Amortization of gain on sale-leaseback
    (7,552 )     (7,264 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    (4,310 )     (141 )
Provision for inventories
    20,063       23,796  
Deferred income taxes
    (31,783 )     11,097  
Provision for pension/postretirement benefits
    20,303       18,010  
Share-based compensation expense
    19,027       18,069  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (7,179 )     21,622  
Inventories
    (208,381 )     58,943  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (15,381 )     11,914  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (10,722 )     (8,489 )
Income taxes payable
    (52,038 )     (52,799 )
Merchandise and other customer credits
    (1,733 )     (1,922 )
Other, net
    (32,447 )     (44,776 )
 
           
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (15,789 )     278,768  
 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Capital expenditures
    (88,694 )     (46,888 )
Purchases of marketable securities and short-term investments
    (48,692 )     (3,296 )
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities and short-term investments
    913       782  
Other
          3,485  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (136,473 )     (45,917 )
 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from (repayment of) credit facility borrowings, net
    31,787       (124,992 )
Repayment of short-term borrowings
          (93,000 )
Repayment of long-term debt
    (178,845 )     (40,000 )
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    118,430       300,000  
Repurchase of Common Stock
    (72,806 )      
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    38,214       6,347  
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    4,310       141  
Cash dividends on Common Stock
    (88,715 )     (63,384 )
Financing fees
    (174 )     (6,255 )
Purchase of non-controlling interests
    (7,000 )     (11,000 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (154,799 )     (32,143 )
 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    3,601       17,481  
 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
               
Operating activities
          (3,763 )
 
           
Net cash used in discontinued operations
          (3,763 )
 
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    (303,460 )     214,426  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    785,702       160,445  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of nine months
  $ 482,242     $ 374,871  
 
           
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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TIFFANY & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1.  
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Tiffany & Co. (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries in which a controlling interest is maintained. Controlling interest is determined by majority ownership interest and the absence of substantive third-party participating rights or, in the case of variable interest entities (“VIE”s), if the Company has the power to significantly direct the activities of a VIE, as well as the obligation to absorb significant losses of or the right to receive significant benefits from the VIE. Intercompany accounts, transactions and profits have been eliminated in consolidation. The interim statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments (which represent normal recurring adjustments) necessary to fairly state the Company’s financial position as of October 31, 2010 and 2009 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated balance sheet data for January 31, 2010 is derived from the audited financial statements, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in connection with these financial statements. As permitted by the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, these financial statements do not include all disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles.
The Company’s business is seasonal in nature, with the fourth quarter typically representing at least one-third of annual net sales and approximately one-half of annual net earnings. Therefore, the results of its operations for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results of the entire fiscal year.
2.  
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In the fourth quarter of 2008, management concluded that it would no longer invest in its IRIDESSE business due to its ongoing operating losses and insufficient near-term growth prospects, especially in the economic environment at the time the decision was made. All IRIDESSE stores were closed in 2009. These amounts have been reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented. Prior to the reclassification, IRIDESSE results had been included within the Other non-reportable segment.
Summarized statement of earnings data for IRIDESSE is as follows:
                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
(in thousands)   October 31, 2009     October 31, 2009  
Net sales
  $ 1,044     $ 13,231  
 
           
 
               
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
    13       (5,894 )
 
               
Benefit from income taxes
    17       2,881  
 
           
 
               
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operations
  $ 30     $ (3,013 )
 
           
3.  
INVENTORIES
                         
(in thousands)   October 31, 2010     January 31, 2010     October 31, 2009  
Finished goods
  $ 1,090,853     $ 904,523     $ 1,046,648  
Raw materials
    464,701       450,966       438,360  
Work-in-process
    98,998       72,366       56,880  
 
                 
Inventories, net
  $ 1,654,552     $ 1,427,855     $ 1,541,888  
 
                 

 

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4.  
INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended October 31, 2010 was 34.9% versus 22.0% in the prior year which had included a $5,558,000 benefit to the tax provision as a result of favorable reserve adjustments relating to the expiration of statutory periods. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended October 31, 2010 was 33.2% versus 29.2% in the prior year. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended October 31, 2010 included the following non-recurring items recorded in the first quarter of 2010: (i) a benefit of $5,006,000 due to a change in tax status of certain subsidiaries associated with the acquisition in 2009 of additional equity interests in diamond sourcing and polishing operations and (ii) a $1,910,000 charge as a result of recent healthcare reform legislation, which eliminated the tax benefit associated with the Medicare Part D subsidy. Additionally, the effective income tax rate for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 included an $11,220,000 benefit to the tax provision associated with the settlement of certain tax audits and the expiration of statutory periods.
During the nine months ended October 31, 2010, the change in the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties was not significant.
The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions. As a matter of course, various taxing authorities regularly audit the Company. The Company’s tax filings are currently being examined by tax authorities in jurisdictions where its subsidiaries have a material presence, including New York state (tax years 2004-2008), New York City (tax years 2006-2008), Japan (tax years 2003-2008) and by the Internal Revenue Service (tax years 2007-2008). Tax years from 2003-present are open to examination in U.S. Federal and various state, local and foreign jurisdictions. The Company believes that its tax positions comply with applicable tax laws and that it has adequately provided for these matters. However, the audits may result in proposed assessments where the ultimate resolution may result in the Company owing additional taxes. The Company does not anticipate any material changes to the total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months. Future developments may result in a change in this assessment.
5.  
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed as net earnings divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS includes the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of stock options and unvested restricted stock units.
The following table summarizes the reconciliation of the numerators and denominators for the basic and diluted EPS computations:
                                 
    Three Months Ended October 31,     Nine Months Ended October 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Net earnings for basic and diluted EPS
  $ 55,079     $ 43,339     $ 187,179     $ 124,456  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS
    126,176       124,202       126,591       124,095  
Incremental shares based upon the assumed exercise of stock options and unvested restricted stock units
    1,729       1,380       1,686       661  
 
                       
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS
    127,905       125,582       128,277       124,756  
 
                       
For the three months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, there were 431,000 and 3,528,000 stock options and restricted stock units excluded from the computations of earnings per diluted share due to their antidilutive effect. For the nine months ended October 31, 2010 and 2009, there were 450,000 and 6,380,000 stock options and restricted stock units excluded from the computations of earnings per diluted share due to their antidilutive effect.

 

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6.  
DEBT
On September 1, 2010, the Company, in a private transaction, issued, at par, ¥10,000,000,000 ($118,430,000 at issuance) of 1.72% Senior Notes due September 2016. The proceeds were used to repay a portion of debt that came due in September 2010. The agreement requires lump sum repayments upon maturity and includes specific financial covenants and ratios and limits certain payments, investments and indebtedness, in addition to other requirements customary to such borrowings.
7.  
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS
Background Information
The Company currently uses derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swap agreements, forward contracts and net-zero-cost collar arrangements (combination of call and put option contracts) to mitigate its exposures to changes in interest rates, foreign currency and precious metal prices. Derivative instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet at their fair values, as either assets or liabilities, with an offset to current or comprehensive earnings, depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of an effective hedge transaction and, if it is, the type of hedge transaction. If a derivative instrument meets certain hedge accounting criteria, the derivative instrument is designated as one of the following on the date the derivative is entered into:
   
Fair Value Hedge – A hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or an unrecognized firm commitment. For fair value hedge transactions, both the effective and ineffective portions of the changes in the fair value of the derivative and changes in the fair value of the item being hedged are recorded in current earnings.
 
   
Cash Flow Hedge – A hedge of the exposure to variability in the cash flows of a recognized asset, liability or a forecasted transaction. For cash flow hedge transactions, the effective portion of the changes in fair value of derivatives are reported as other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and are recognized in current earnings in the period or periods during which the hedged transaction affects current earnings. Amounts excluded from the effectiveness calculation and any ineffective portions of the change in fair value of the derivative are recognized in current earnings.
The Company formally documents the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items for a derivative to qualify as a hedge at inception and throughout the hedged period. The Company also documents its risk management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. Additionally, for hedges of forecasted transactions, the significant characteristics and expected terms of a forecasted transaction must be specifically identified, and it must be probable that each forecasted transaction will occur. If it were deemed probable that the forecasted transaction would not occur, the gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument would be recognized in current earnings. Derivative financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period.
The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Types of Derivative Instruments
Interest Rate Swap Agreements – In the second quarter of 2009, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to effectively convert its fixed rate 2002 Series D and 2008 Series A obligations to floating rate obligations. Since the fair value of the Company’s fixed rate long-term debt is sensitive to interest rate changes, the interest rate swap agreements serve as a hedge to changes in the fair value of these debt instruments. The Company is hedging its exposure to changes in interest rates over the remaining maturities of the debt agreements being hedged. The Company accounts for the interest rate swaps as fair value hedges. As of October 31, 2010, the notional amount of interest rate swap agreements outstanding was $160,000,000.
Foreign Exchange Forward and Put Option Contracts – The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts or put option contracts to offset the foreign currency exchange risks associated with foreign

 

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currency-denominated liabilities, intercompany transactions and forecasted purchases of merchandise between entities with differing functional currencies. For put option contracts, if the market exchange rate at the time of the put option contract’s expiration is stronger than the contracted exchange rate, the Company allows the put option contract to expire, limiting its loss to the cost of the put option contract. The Company assesses hedge effectiveness based on the total changes in the put option contracts’ cash flows. These foreign exchange forward contracts and put option contracts are designated and accounted for as either cash flow hedges or economic hedges that are not designated as hedging instruments.
As of October 31, 2010, the notional amount of foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges was $223,600,000 and the notional amount of foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as undesignated hedges was $24,084,000. The term of all outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts as of October 31, 2010 ranged from less than one month to 16 months.
As of October 31, 2010, the Company de-designated all of its outstanding put option contracts (notional amount of $94,100,000 outstanding at October 31, 2010) and entered into offsetting call option contracts. These put and call option contracts are accounted for as undesignated hedges. Any gains or losses on these de-designated put option contracts are substantially offset by losses or gains on the call option contracts.
Precious Metal Collars & Forward Contracts – The Company periodically hedges a portion of its forecasted purchases of precious metals for use in its internal manufacturing operations in order to minimize the effect of volatility in precious metal prices. The Company may use either a combination of call and put option contracts in net-zero-cost collar arrangements (“precious metal collars”) or forward contracts. For precious metal collars, if the price of the precious metal at the time of the expiration of the precious metal collar is within the call and put price, the precious metal collar would expire at no cost to the Company. The Company accounts for its precious metal collars and forward contracts as cash flow hedges. The Company assesses hedge effectiveness based on the total changes in the precious metal collars and forward contracts’ cash flows. The maximum term over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability of future cash flows for all forecasted transactions is 13 months. As of October 31, 2010, there were approximately 8,000 ounces of platinum and 37,500 ounces of silver precious metal derivative instruments outstanding.
Information on the location and amounts of derivative gains and losses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended October 31,  
    2010     2009  
    Pre-Tax Gain     Pre-Tax Loss     Pre-Tax Gain     Pre-Tax Loss  
    Recognized in     Recognized in     Recognized in     Recognized in  
    Earnings on     Earnings on     Earnings on     Earnings on  
(in thousands)   Derivatives     Hedged Item     Derivatives     Hedged Item  
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
                               
Interest rate swap agreements a
  $ 2,351     $ (2,037 )   $ 1,953     $ (1,967 )
 
                       
                                 
    Nine Months Ended October 31,  
    2010     2009  
    Pre-Tax Gain     Pre-Tax Loss     Pre-Tax Gain     Pre-Tax Loss  
    Recognized in     Recognized in     Recognized in     Recognized in  
    Earnings on     Earnings on     Earnings on     Earnings on  
(in thousands)   Derivatives     Hedged Item     Derivatives     Hedged Item  
Derivatives in Fair Value Hedging Relationships:
                               
Interest rate swap agreements a
  $ 7,257     $ (6,334 )   $ 1,330     $ (1,288 )
 
                       

 

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    Three Months Ended October 31,  
    2010     2009  
            Amount of (Loss)     Pre-Tax     Amount of Loss  
    Pre-Tax     Gain Reclassified     Gain (Loss)     Reclassified from  
    (Loss) Gain     from Accumulated     Recognized in     Accumulated OCI  
    Recognized in OCI     OCI into Earnings     OCI     Into Earnings  
(in thousands)   (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)  
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
                               
Foreign exchange forward contracts a, b
  $ (6,812 )   $ (311 )   $ 1,078     $  
Put option contracts b
    (847 )     (577 )     (1,420 )     (959 )
Precious metal collars b
    385       (117 )     550       (1,259 )
Precious metal forward contracts b
    1,744       504       527        
 
                       
 
  $ (5,530 )   $ (501 )   $ 735     $ (2,218 )
 
                       
 
    Nine Months Ended October 31,  
    2010     2009  
            Amount of (Loss)     Pre-Tax     Amount of Loss  
    Pre-Tax     Gain Reclassified     Gain (Loss)     Reclassified from  
    (Loss) Gain     from Accumulated     Recognized in     Accumulated OCI  
    Recognized in OCI     OCI into Earnings     OCI     Into Earnings  
(in thousands)   (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)  
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
                               
Foreign exchange forward contracts a, b
  $ (6,169 )   $ (577 )   $ 561     $ (1,485 )
Put option contracts b
    (2,263 )     (2,084 )     (1,525 )     (2,905 )
Precious metal collars b
    661       (1,295 )     2,909       (2,155 )
Precious metal forward contracts b
    3,114       964       527        
 
                       
 
  $ (4,657 )   $ (2,992 )   $ 2,472     $ (6,545 )
 
                       
                 
    Pre-Tax (Loss) Gain Recognized in Earnings  
    on Derivative  
    Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
(in thousands)   October 31, 2010     October 31, 2009  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
               
Foreign exchange forward contracts a
    (161 ) c   $ (225 )c
Call option contracts b
    155       (121 )
Put option contracts b
    (195 )     121  
 
           
 
  $ (201 )   $ (225 )
 
           

 

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    Pre-Tax (Loss) Gain Recognized in Earnings  
    on Derivative  
    Nine Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
(in thousands)   October 31, 2010     October 31, 2009  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
               
Foreign exchange forward contracts a
  $ (775 ) c   $ (799 ) c
Call option contracts b
    303       (118 )
Put option contracts b
    (343 )     118  
 
           
 
  $ (815 )   $ (799 )
 
           
     
a  
The gain or loss recognized in earnings is included within Interest and other expenses, net on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings.
 
b  
The gain or loss recognized in earnings is included within Cost of sales on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings.
 
c  
Gains or losses on the undesignated foreign exchange forward contracts substantially offset foreign exchange losses or gains on the liabilities and transactions being hedged.
There was no material ineffectiveness related to the Company’s hedging instruments for the periods ended October 31, 2010 and 2009. The Company expects approximately $3,310,000 of net pre-tax derivative losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income at October 31, 2010 will be reclassified into earnings within the next 12 months. This amount will vary due to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and precious metal prices.
For information regarding the location and amount of the derivative instruments in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, refer to “Note 8. Fair Value of Financial Instruments.”
Concentration of Credit Risk
A number of major international financial institutions are counterparties to the Company’s derivative financial instruments. The Company enters into derivative financial instrument agreements only with counterparties meeting certain credit standards (a credit rating of A/A2 or better at the time of the agreement), limiting the amount of agreements or contracts it enters into with any one party. The Company may be exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by individual counterparties or the entire group of counterparties.
8.  
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. U.S. GAAP prescribes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 inputs are considered to carry the most weight within the fair value hierarchy due to the low levels of judgment required in determining fair values.
Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions. Level 3 inputs are considered to carry the least weight within the fair value hierarchy due to substantial levels of judgment required in determining fair values.
The Company uses the market approach to measure fair value for its mutual funds, time deposits and derivative instruments. The Company’s interest rate swap agreements are primarily valued using the 3-month

 

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LIBOR rate. The Company’s put and call option contracts, as well as its foreign exchange forward contracts, are primarily valued using the appropriate foreign exchange spot rates. The Company’s precious metal collars and precious metal forward contracts are primarily valued using the relevant precious metal spot rate. For further information on the Company’s hedging instruments and program, see “Note 7. Hedging Instruments.”
Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value at October 31, 2010 are classified in the tables below in one of the three categories described above:
                                         
    Carrying     Estimated Fair Value     Total Fair  
(in thousands)   Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Value  
Financial Assets
                                       
Mutual funds a
  $ 42,939     $ 42,939     $     $     $ 42,939  
Time deposits b
    47,254       47,254                   47,254  
 
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Interest rate swap agreements a
    9,253             9,253             9,253  
Precious metal forward contracts c
    1,371             1,371             1,371  
Precious metal collars c
    242             242             242  
 
                                       
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Foreign exchange forward contracts c
    107             107             107  
Put option contracts c
    208             208             208  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 101,374     $ 90,193     $ 11,181     $     $ 101,374  
 
                             
                                         
    Carrying     Estimated Fair Value     Total Fair  
(in thousands)   Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Value  
Financial Liabilities
                                       
 
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Foreign exchange forward contracts d
  $ 5,825     $     $ 5,825     $     $ 5,825  
 
                                       
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Call option contracts d
    208             208             208  
Foreign exchange forward contracts d
    128             128             128  
 
                             
Total liabilities
  $ 6,161     $     $ 6,161     $     $ 6,161  
 
                             

 

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Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value at October 31, 2009 are classified in the tables below in one of the three categories described above:
                                         
    Carrying     Estimated Fair Value     Total Fair  
(in thousands)   Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Value  
Financial Assets
                                       
Mutual funds a
  $ 28,515     $ 28,515     $     $     $ 28,515  
 
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Interest rate swap agreements a
    1,330             1,330             1,330  
Put option contracts c
    270             270             270  
Precious metal collars c
    299             299             299  
Precious metal forward contracts c
    531             531             531  
Foreign exchange forward contracts c
    1,078             1,078             1,078  
 
                                       
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Foreign exchange forward contracts c
    61             61             61  
Put option contracts c
    717             717             717  
 
                             
Total assets
  $ 32,801     $ 28,515     $ 4,286     $     $ 32,801  
 
                             
                                         
    Carrying     Estimated Fair Value     Total Fair  
(in thousands)   Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Value  
Financial Liabilities
                                       
 
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Precious metal forward contracts d
  $ 3     $     $ 3     $     $ 3  
 
                                       
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Foreign exchange forward contracts d
    1,445             1,445             1,445  
Call option contracts d
    639             639             639  
 
                             
Total liabilities
  $ 2,087     $     $ 2,087     $     $ 2,087  
 
                             
     
a  
This amount is included within Other assets, net on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
b  
This amount is included within Short-term investments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
c  
This amount is included within Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
d  
This amount is included within Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these assets and liabilities. The fair value of debt with variable interest rates approximates carrying value. The fair value of debt with fixed interest rates was determined using the quoted market prices of debt instruments with similar terms and maturities. The total carrying value of short-term borrowings and long-term debt was $754,989,000 and $753,003,000 and the corresponding fair value was approximately $850,000,000 and $800,000,000 at October 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

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9.  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In April 2010, Tiffany and Company, the Company’s principal operating subsidiary (“Tiffany”) committed to a plan to consolidate and relocate its New York headquarters staff to a single location in New York City from three separate locations currently leased in midtown Manhattan. The move is expected to occur in spring 2011 and will generate occupancy savings over the term of the 15-year lease. Tiffany intends to sublease its existing properties through the end of their lease terms which run through 2015, but expects to recover only a portion of its rent obligations due to current market conditions. Accordingly, Tiffany anticipates recording expenses of approximately $30,000,000 primarily within selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings in the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012; this expense is related to the fair value of the remaining non-cancelable lease obligations reduced by the estimated sublease rental income. Additionally, Tiffany will incur expenses of approximately $18,000,000 in the fiscal year ending January 31, 2011 and $5,000,000 in the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012 primarily related to the acceleration of the useful lives of certain property and equipment and incremental rents during the transition period. Changes in market conditions may affect the total expenses ultimately recorded. The expenses recorded during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2010 were $6,421,000 and $11,226,000, respectively, and are primarily included in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”). This new lease, which expires in 2026, will increase total minimum annual rental payments as disclosed in the January 31, 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K by the following amounts:
                                         
(in thousands)   Total     2010     2011-2012     2013-2014     Thereafter  
Unrecorded contractual obligations:
                                       
Operating leases
  $ 224,525     $     $ 25,067     $ 27,346     $ 172,112  
 
                             
10.  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Gain
                         
    October 31,     January 31,     October 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2010     2009  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax:
                       
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ 37,051     $ 16,512     $ 22,125  
Deferred hedging loss
    (3,885 )     (2,607 )     (3,352 )
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
    (316 )     (1,899 )     (2,325 )
Net unrealized loss on benefit plans
    (43,773 )     (45,271 )     (30,093 )
 
                 
 
  $ (10,923 )   $ (33,265 )   $ (13,645 )
 
                 
11.  
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The Company maintains several pension and retirement plans, and also provides certain health-care and life insurance benefits.
Net periodic pension and other postretirement benefit expense included the following components:
                                 
    Three Months Ended October 31,  
                    Other  
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                               
Service cost
  $ 3,061     $ 2,774     $ 590     $ 409  
Interest cost
    5,909       5,748       816       689  
Expected return on plan assets
    (4,266 )     (3,491 )            
Amortization of prior service cost
    270       267       (164 )     (164 )
Amortization of net loss
    644       85       1       2  
 
                       
Net expense
  $ 5,618     $ 5,383     $ 1,243     $ 936  
 
                       

 

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    Nine Months Ended October 31,  
                    Other  
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                               
Service cost
  $ 9,604     $ 8,671     $ 1,284     $ 945  
Interest cost
    17,904       17,110       2,208       1,981  
Expected return on plan assets
    (13,176 )     (10,943 )            
Amortization of prior service cost
    808       803       (494 )     (494 )
Amortization of net loss (gain)
    2,164       (63 )     1        
 
                       
Net expense
  $ 17,304     $ 15,578     $ 2,999     $ 2,432  
 
                       
12.  
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Effective with the first quarter of 2010, management has changed the Company’s segment reporting in order to align with a change in its organizational and management reporting structure. Specifically, the Company is now reporting results in Japan separately from the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, and results for certain “emerging market” countries that were previously included in the Europe and Asia-Pacific segments are now included in the “Other” non-reportable segment. Prior year results have been revised to reflect this change. The Company’s reportable segments are as follows:
   
Americas includes sales in TIFFANY & CO. stores in the United States, Canada and Latin/South America, as well as sales of TIFFANY & CO. products in certain markets through business-to-business, Internet, catalog and wholesale operations;
 
   
Asia-Pacific includes sales in TIFFANY & CO. stores in Asia-Pacific markets (excluding Japan), as well as sales of TIFFANY & CO. products in certain markets through Internet and wholesale operations;
 
   
Japan includes sales in TIFFANY & CO. stores, as well as sales of TIFFANY & CO. products through business-to-business, Internet and wholesale operations;
 
   
Europe includes sales in TIFFANY & CO. stores, as well as sales of TIFFANY & CO. products in certain markets through Internet and wholesale operations; and
 
   
Other consists of all non-reportable segments. Other consists primarily of wholesale sales of TIFFANY & CO. merchandise to independent distributors for resale in certain emerging markets (such as the Middle East and Russia) and wholesale sales of diamonds obtained through bulk purchases that were subsequently deemed not suitable for the Company’s needs. In addition, Other includes earnings received from third-party licensing agreements.
The results of IRIDESSE are presented as a discontinued operation in the condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Prior to the reclassification, IRIDESSE results had been included within the Other non-reportable segment. Refer to “Note 2. Discontinued Operations.”

 

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Certain information relating to the Company’s segments is set forth below:
                                 
    Three Months Ended October 31,     Nine Months Ended October 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Net sales:
                               
Americas
  $ 331,767     $ 303,515     $ 997,458     $ 887,371  
Asia-Pacific
    127,057       102,381       360,883       275,997  
Japan
    130,817       117,062       363,897       347,829  
Europe
    77,456       63,604       222,977       185,861  
 
                       
Total reportable segments
    667,097       586,562       1,945,215       1,697,058  
Other
    14,632       11,650       38,860       31,262  
 
                       
 
  $ 681,729     $ 598,212     $ 1,984,075     $ 1,728,320  
 
                       
Earnings (losses) from continuing operations*:
                               
Americas
  $ 51,678     $ 39,244     $ 175,570     $ 124,451  
Asia-Pacific
    25,434       23,472       81,974       60,167  
Japan
    39,081       30,296       101,305       90,581  
Europe
    15,539       8,651       47,008       27,583  
 
                       
Total reportable segments
    131,732       101,663       405,857       302,782  
Other
    2,134       (505 )     3,244       (4,905 )
 
                       
 
  $ 133,866     $ 101,158     $ 409,101     $ 297,877  
 
                       
     
*  
Represents earnings (losses) from continuing operations before unallocated corporate expenses, interest and other expenses, net and other (expense) income.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the segments’ earnings from continuing operations to the Company’s consolidated earnings from continuing operations before income taxes:
                                 
    Three Months Ended October 31,     Nine Months Ended October 31,  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
 
                               
Earnings from continuing operations for segments
  $ 133,866     $ 101,158     $ 409,101     $ 297,877  
 
                               
Unallocated corporate expenses
    (29,867 )     (30,341 )     (81,274 )     (82,434 )
 
                               
Interest and other expenses, net
    (12,997 )     (11,326 )     (36,256 )     (35,898 )
Other (expense) income
    (6,421 )     (4,000 )     (11,226 )     442  
 
                       
Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 84,581     $ 55,491     $ 280,345     $ 179,987  
 
                       
Unallocated corporate expenses includes certain costs related to administrative support functions which the Company does not allocate to its segments. Such unallocated costs include those for information technology, finance, legal and human resources.
Other (expense) income in the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2010 represents accelerated depreciation and incremental rent expense associated with Tiffany’s plan to consolidate and relocate its New York headquarters staff to a single location. See “Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies.”
Other (expense) income in the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2009 represents $4,000,000 paid to terminate a third party management agreement associated with the Company’s acquisition in October 2009 of all non-controlling interests in two majority-owned entities that indirectly engage through majority-owned subsidiaries in diamond sourcing and polishing operations in South Africa and Botswana, respectively.

 

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Other (expense) income in the nine months ended October 31, 2009 also includes $4,442,000 of income received in connection with the assignment of the Tahera Diamond Corporation commitments and liens to an unrelated third party, recorded within SG&A, which represents full settlement under the terms of the assignment agreement. The Company had taken an impairment charge of $47,981,000 in the year ended January 31, 2008 associated with the Commitment.
13.  
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On November 18, 2010, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on its Common Stock of $0.25 per share. This dividend will be paid on January 10, 2011 to stockholders of record on December 20, 2010.

 

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PART I. Financial Information
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW
Tiffany & Co. (the “Company”) is a holding company that operates through its subsidiary companies. The Company’s principal subsidiary, Tiffany and Company (“Tiffany”), is a jeweler and specialty retailer whose principal merchandise offering is fine jewelry. The Company also sells timepieces, sterling silverware, china, crystal, stationery, fragrances and accessories. Through Tiffany and Company and other subsidiaries, the Company is engaged in product design, manufacturing and retailing activities.
Effective with the first quarter of 2010, management has changed the Company’s segment reporting in order to align with a change in its organizational and management reporting structure. Specifically, the Company is now reporting results in Japan separately from the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, and results for certain “emerging market” countries that were previously included in the Europe and Asia-Pacific segments are now included in the “Other” non-reportable segment. Prior year results have been revised to reflect this change. The Company’s reportable segments are as follows:
   
Americas includes sales in TIFFANY & CO. stores in the United States, Canada and Latin/South America, as well as sales of TIFFANY & CO. products in certain markets through business-to-business, Internet, catalog and wholesale operations;
   
Asia-Pacific includes sales in TIFFANY & CO. stores in Asia-Pacific markets (excluding Japan), as well as sales of TIFFANY & CO. products in certain markets through Internet and wholesale operations;
   
Japan includes sales in TIFFANY & CO. stores, as well as sales of TIFFANY & CO. products through business-to-business, Internet and wholesale operations;
   
Europe includes sales in TIFFANY & CO. stores, as well as sales of TIFFANY & CO. products in certain markets through Internet and wholesale operations; and
   
Other consists of all non-reportable segments. Other consists primarily of wholesale sales of TIFFANY & CO. merchandise to independent distributors for resale in certain emerging markets (such as the Middle East and Russia) and wholesale sales of diamonds obtained through bulk purchases that were subsequently deemed not suitable for the Company’s needs. In addition, Other includes earnings received from third-party licensing agreements.
The results of IRIDESSE, a business that was closed in 2009, are presented as a discontinued operation in the condensed consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. Prior to the reclassification, IRIDESSE results had been included within the Other non-reportable segment. Refer to “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 2. Discontinued Operations.”
All references to years relate to fiscal years ended or ending on January 31 of the following calendar year.
HIGHLIGHTS
   
Worldwide net sales increased 14% in the three months (“third quarter”) and increased 15% in the nine months (“year-to-date”) ended October 31, 2010. Sales in all reportable segments increased in the third quarter and year-to-date 2010.
   
On a constant-exchange-rate basis (see “Non-GAAP Measures” below), worldwide net sales increased 12% in both the third quarter and year-to-date 2010. Comparable store sales increased 7% in both the third quarter and year-to-date 2010.
   
In the year-to-date, the Company opened six stores (two in the Americas and four in Asia-Pacific) and closed one store in Japan. Management expects to open eight stores in the fourth quarter of 2010.
   
The Company launched e-commerce sites in eight European countries in the second quarter of 2010.

 

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Operating margin increased 3.1 percentage points in the third quarter of 2010 due to a higher gross margin, which was partly offset by the de-leveraging of operating expenses (due to substantially higher marketing spending), and increased 3.5 percentage points in the year-to-date 2010 due to a higher gross margin and the leveraging of operating expenses.
   
Net earnings from continuing operations increased 27% to $55,079,000 in the third quarter of 2010 and increased 47% to $187,179,000 in the year-to-date 2010.
   
During the third quarter of 2010, the Company issued, at par, ¥10,000,000,000 ($118,430,000 at issuance) of 1.72% Senior Notes due September 2016. The proceeds were used to repay a portion of debt that came due in September 2010.
NON-GAAP MEASURES
The Company’s reported sales reflect either a translation-related benefit from strengthening foreign currencies or a detriment from a strengthening U.S. dollar.
The Company reports information in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”). Internally, management monitors its sales performance on a non-GAAP basis that eliminates the positive or negative effects that result from translating international sales into U.S. dollars (“constant-exchange-rate basis”). Management believes this constant-exchange-rate basis provides a more representative assessment of sales performance and provides better comparability between reporting periods.
The Company’s management does not, nor does it suggest that investors should, consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company presents such non-GAAP financial measures in reporting its financial results to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate the Company’s operating results. The following table reconciles sales percentage increases (decreases) from the GAAP to the non-GAAP basis versus the previous year:
                                                 
    Third Quarter 2010 vs. 2009     Year-to-date 2010 vs. 2009  
                    Constant-                     Constant-  
    GAAP     Translation     Exchange-     GAAP     Translation     Exchange-  
    Reported     Effect     Rate Basis     Reported     Effect     Rate Basis  
Net Sales:
                                               
Worldwide
    14 %     2 %     12 %     15 %     3 %     12 %
Americas
    9 %     %     9 %     12 %     %     12 %
Asia-Pacific
    24 %     4 %     20 %     31 %     7 %     24 %
Japan
    12 %     10 %     2 %     5 %     8 %     (3 )%
Europe
    22 %     (7 )%     29 %     20 %     (4 )%     24 %
 
                                               
Comparable Store Sales:
                                               
Worldwide
    9 %     2 %     7 %     9 %     2 %     7 %
Americas
    6 %     1 %     5 %     9 %     1 %     8 %
Asia-Pacific
    15 %     4 %     11 %     18 %     5 %     13 %
Japan
    8 %     10 %     (2 )%     1 %     7 %     (6 )%
Europe
    16 %     (8 )%     24 %     15 %     (5 )%     20 %

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
Net sales by segment were as follows:
                         
    Third Quarter  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     Increase  
Americas
  $ 331,767     $ 303,515       9 %
Asia-Pacific
    127,057       102,381       24 %
Japan
    130,817       117,062       12 %
Europe
    77,456       63,604       22 %
Other
    14,632       11,650       26 %
 
                 
 
  $ 681,729     $ 598,212       14 %
 
                 
                         
    Year-to-date  
(in thousands)   2010     2009     Increase  
Americas
  $ 997,458     $ 887,371       12 %
Asia-Pacific
    360,883       275,997       31 %
Japan
    363,897       347,829       5 %
Europe
    222,977       185,861       20 %
Other
    38,860       31,262       24 %
 
                 
 
  $ 1,984,075     $ 1,728,320       15 %
 
                 
Comparable Store Sales. Reference will be made to comparable store sales below. Comparable store sales include only sales transacted in company-operated stores and boutiques. A store’s sales are included in comparable store sales when the store has been open for more than 12 months. In markets other than Japan, sales for relocated stores are included in comparable store sales if the relocation occurs within the same geographical market. In Japan, sales for a new store or boutique are not included if the store or boutique was relocated from one department store to another or from a department store to a free-standing location. In all markets, the results of a store in which the square footage has been expanded or reduced remain in the comparable store base.
Americas. Total sales in the Americas increased $28,252,000, or 9%, in the third quarter primarily due to an increase in the average price per unit sold. Comparable store sales increased $15,086,000, or 6%, in the third quarter, consisting of an increase in comparable branch store sales of 8% and a decline in New York Flagship store sales of 3%, and non-comparable store sales grew $6,335,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, Americas sales increased 9% and comparable store sales increased 5% in the third quarter. Combined Internet and catalog sales in the Americas increased $1,918,000, or 7%, in the third quarter due to an increase in the average price per order.
Total sales in the Americas increased $110,087,000, or 12%, in the year-to-date largely due to an increase in the number of units sold, as well as an increase in the average price per unit sold. Comparable store sales increased $68,389,000, or 9%, in the year-to-date, consisting of increases in both comparable branch store sales of 9% and New York Flagship store sales of 8%. Non-comparable store sales grew $21,368,000 in the year-to-date. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, Americas sales increased 12%, and comparable store sales increased 8% in the year-to-date. Combined Internet and catalog sales in the Americas increased $7,820,000, or 8%, in the year-to-date due to an increase in the average price per order.
Asia-Pacific. Total sales in Asia-Pacific increased $24,676,000, or 24%, in the third quarter primarily due to an increase in the average price per unit sold. Comparable store sales increased $14,473,000, or 15%, and non-comparable store sales grew $8,329,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, Asia-Pacific sales increased 20% and comparable store sales increased 11% in the third quarter due to geographically broad-based sales growth, especially in the Greater China region.
Total sales in Asia-Pacific increased $84,886,000, or 31%, in the year-to-date largely due to an increase in the average price per unit sold, as well as an increase in the number of units sold. Comparable store sales increased $47,637,000, or 18%, and non-comparable store sales grew $33,104,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, Asia-Pacific sales

 

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increased 24% and comparable store sales increased 13% in the year-to-date due to geographically broad-based sales growth, especially in the Greater China region.
Japan. Total sales in Japan increased $13,755,000, or 12%, in the third quarter due to an increase in the average price per unit sold (partly reflecting the translation of yen-denominated sales into U.S. dollars), which was partly offset by a decline in the number of units sold. Comparable store sales increased $8,895,000, or 8%, in the third quarter and other non-Retail store sales increased $3,742,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, Japan sales increased 2% and comparable store sales decreased 2% in the third quarter.
Total sales in Japan increased $16,068,000, or 5%, in the year-to-date due to an increase in the average price per unit sold (primarily reflecting the translation of yen-denominated sales into U.S. dollars), which was partly offset by a decline in the number of units sold. Other non-Retail store sales increased $9,223,000 and non-comparable store sales grew $4,186,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, Japan sales decreased 3% and comparable store sales decreased 6% in the year-to-date.
Europe. Total sales in Europe increased $13,852,000, or 22%, in the third quarter largely due to an increase in the number of units sold, as well as an increase in the average price per unit sold. This included increased comparable store sales of $9,002,000, or 16%, and non-comparable store sales growth of $4,876,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 29% and comparable store sales increased 24% in the third quarter, reflecting geographically broad-based sales growth.
Total sales in Europe increased $37,116,000, or 20%, in the year-to-date primarily due to an increase in the number of units sold, as well as an increase in the average price per unit sold. This included increased comparable store sales of $25,060,000, or 15%, and non-comparable store sales growth of $13,794,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 24% and comparable store sales increased 20% in the year-to-date, reflecting growth in all countries.
Other. Other sales increased $2,982,000, or 26%, in the third quarter primarily due to higher wholesale sales of TIFFANY & CO. merchandise to independent distributors. Other sales increased $7,598,000 or 24% in the year-to-date primarily due to increased wholesale sales of TIFFANY & CO. merchandise to independent distributors and higher wholesale sales of diamonds.
Store Data. Management currently expects to open 14 Company-operated TIFFANY & CO. stores and boutiques in 2010, increasing the store base by approximately 6%, which includes the following locations which have already been opened or closed or planned in the fourth quarter:
         
    Openings (Closings)    
    as of   Remaining Openings
Location   October 31, 2010   2010
Americas:
       
Baltimore, Maryland
  Third Quarter    
Santa Monica, California
  Third Quarter    
Jacksonville, Florida
      Fourth Quarter
Houston — Woodlands, Texas
      Fourth Quarter
Los Angeles — Beverly Center, California
      Fourth Quarter
Asia-Pacific:
       
Shanghai — Hong Kong Plaza, China
  First Quarter    
Shanghai — IFC Mall, China
  Second Quarter    
Marina Bay, Singapore
  Second Quarter    
Taipei — Bellavita, Taiwan
  Third Quarter    
Kunming, China
      Fourth Quarter
Beijing — China World III, China
      Fourth Quarter
Seoul — Hyundai Shinchon, Korea
      Fourth Quarter
Japan:
       
Kawasaki, Japan
  (Third Quarter)    
Europe:
       
London — Canary Wharf, England
      Fourth Quarter
Barcelona, Spain
      Fourth Quarter

 

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Gross Margin
                                 
    Third Quarter     Year-to-date  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales
    58.5 %     54.8 %     58.0 %     55.2 %
 
                       
Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales) increased in the third quarter and year-to-date by 3.7 percentage points and 2.8 percentage points, which was driven primarily by the recapture of higher product costs through retail price increases, as well as manufacturing efficiencies. In addition, in the third quarter, gross margin benefited from sales leverage on fixed costs.
Management periodically reviews and adjusts its retail prices when appropriate, as it did by increasing prices in the first quarter of 2010, to address specific market conditions, product cost increases and longer-term changes in foreign currencies/U.S. dollar relationships. Among the market conditions that the Company addresses is consumer demand for the product category involved, which may be influenced by consumer confidence and competitive pricing conditions. The Company uses derivative instruments to mitigate foreign exchange and precious metal price exposures (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 7. Hedging Instruments.”)
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
                                 
    Third Quarter     Year-to-date  
    2010     2009     2010     2009  
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales
    44.2 %     43.6 %     42.1 %     42.7 %
 
                       
SG&A expenses increased $40,007,000, or 15%, in the third quarter of 2010, primarily due to increased marketing expenses of $14,429,000, increased depreciation and store occupancy expenses of $12,743,000 related to new and existing stores, as well as costs associated with Tiffany’s plan to consolidate and relocate its New York headquarters staff to a single location (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies”), and increased labor and benefit costs of $9,301,000. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2009, the Company paid $4,000,000 to terminate a third party management agreement associated with the Company’s acquisition in October 2009 of all non-controlling interests in two majority-owned entities that indirectly engage through majority-owned subsidiaries in diamond sourcing and polishing operations in South Africa and Botswana, respectively. In the year-to-date 2010, SG&A expenses increased $96,111,000, or 13%, primarily due to increased depreciation and store occupancy expenses of $29,295,000 due to new and existing stores, as well as costs associated with Tiffany’s New York headquarters discussed above, increased marketing expenses of $25,318,000 and increased labor and benefit costs of $25,105,000. In addition, SG&A expenses were lower in the year-to-date 2009 due to $4,442,000 of income received in connection with a loan that had been previously impaired. SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales increased by 0.6 percentage points in the third quarter due to higher marketing spending associated with a major marketing and public relations event held in Beijing, China and decreased by 0.6 percentage point in the year-to-date due to the leveraging effect of fixed costs. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates had an insignificant translation effect on overall SG&A expenses in the third quarter and year-to-date.
Earnings from Continuing Operations
                                 
    Third Quarter     % of Net     Third Quarter     % of Net  
(in thousands)   2010     Sales*     2009     Sales*  
Earnings (losses) from continuing operations:
                               
Americas
  $ 51,678       15.6 %   $ 39,244       12.9 %
Asia-Pacific
    25,434       20.0 %     23,472       22.9 %
Japan
    39,081       29.9 %     30,296       25.9 %
Europe
    15,539       20.1 %     8,651       13.6 %
Other
    2,134       14.6 %     (505 )     (4.3 )%
 
                       
 
    133,866               101,158          
Unallocated corporate expenses
    (29,867 )     4.4 %     (30,341 )     5.1 %
Other expense
    (6,421 )             (4,000 )        
 
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 97,578       14.3 %   $ 66,817       11.2 %
 
                       
     
*  
Percentages represent earnings (losses) from continuing operations as a percentage of each segment’s net sales.

 

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Earnings from continuing operations increased 46% in the third quarter. On a segment basis, the ratio of earnings (losses) from continuing operations (before the effect of unallocated corporate expenses and other expense) to each segment’s net sales in the third quarter of 2010 and 2009 was as follows:
   
Americas — the ratio increased 2.7 percentage points primarily resulting from an increase in gross margin;
   
Asia-Pacific — the ratio decreased 2.9 percentage points primarily due to an increase in marketing expenses associated with a major marketing and public relations event held in Beijing, China, which was partly offset by an increase in gross margin;
   
Japan — the ratio increased 4.0 percentage points primarily due to an increase in gross margin;
   
Europe — the ratio increased 6.5 percentage points primarily due to the leveraging of operating expenses, as well as an increase in gross margin; and
   
Other — the ratio increased 18.9 percentage points. The prior period operating loss included a valuation adjustment related to the write-down of wholesale diamond inventory deemed not suitable for the Company’s needs.
                                 
    Year-to-date     % of Net     Year-to-date     % of Net  
(in thousands)   2010     Sales*     2009     Sales*  
Earnings (losses) from continuing operations:
                               
Americas
  $ 175,570       17.6 %   $ 124,451       14.0 %
Asia-Pacific
    81,974       22.7 %     60,167       21.8 %
Japan
    101,305       27.8 %     90,581       26.0 %
Europe
    47,008       21.1 %     27,583       14.8 %
Other
    3,244       8.3 %     (4,905 )     (15.7 )%
 
                       
 
    409,101               297,877          
Unallocated corporate expenses
    (81,274 )     4.1 %     (82,434 )     4.8 %
Other (expense) income
    (11,226 )             442          
 
                       
Earnings from continuing operations
  $ 316,601       16.0 %   $ 215,885       12.5 %
 
                       
     
*  
Percentages represent earnings (losses) from continuing operations as a percentage of each segment’s net sales.
Earnings from continuing operations increased 47% in the year-to-date. On a segment basis, the ratio of earnings (losses) from continuing operations (before the effect of unallocated corporate expenses and other (expense) income, net) to each segment’s net sales in the year-to-date 2010 and 2009 was as follows:
   
Americas — the ratio increased 3.6 percentage points primarily due to an increase in gross margin, as well as the leveraging of operating expenses;
   
Asia-Pacific — the ratio increased 0.9 percentage point primarily due to an increase in gross margin, which was partly offset by an increase in marketing expenses associated with a major marketing and public relations event held in Beijing, China in the third quarter of 2010;
   
Japan — the ratio increased 1.8 percentage points primarily due to an increase in gross margin, which was partly offset by an increase in marketing expenses;
   
Europe — the ratio increased 6.3 percentage points primarily due to the leveraging of operating expenses, as well as an increase in gross margin; and
   
Other — the ratio increased 24.0 percentage points. The prior period operating loss included a valuation adjustment related to the write-down of wholesale diamond inventory deemed not suitable for the Company’s needs.

 

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Unallocated corporate expenses includes certain costs related to administrative support functions which the Company does not allocate to its segments. Such unallocated costs include those for information technology, finance, legal and human resources. Total unallocated corporate expenses decreased in the third quarter and year-to-date versus comparable periods in the prior year.
Other (expense) income in the third quarter and year-to-date 2010 represents accelerated depreciation and incremental rent expense associated with Tiffany’s plan to consolidate and relocate its New York headquarters staff to a single location. See “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies.”
Other (expense) income in the third quarter of 2009 represents $4,000,000 paid to terminate a third party management agreement. See “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 12. Segment Information.” Other (expense) income in year-to-date 2009 also includes $4,442,000 of income received in connection with the assignment of the Tahera Diamond Corporation commitments and liens to an unrelated third party, recorded within SG&A, which represents full settlement under the terms of the assignment agreement.
Interest and Other Expenses, net
Interest and other expenses, net increased $1,671,000 in the third quarter of 2010 and $358,000 in the year-to-date 2010.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2010 was 34.9% versus 22.0% in the prior year which had included a $5,558,000 benefit to the tax provision as a result of favorable reserve adjustments relating to the expiration of statutory periods. The effective income tax rate for the year-to-date 2010 was 33.2% versus 29.2% in the prior year. The effective income tax rate for the year-to-date 2010 included the following non-recurring items recorded in the first quarter of 2010: (i) a benefit of $5,006,000 due to a change in tax status of certain subsidiaries associated with the acquisition in 2009 of additional equity interests in diamond sourcing and polishing operations and (ii) a $1,910,000 charge as a result of recent healthcare reform legislation, which eliminated the tax benefit associated with the Medicare Part D subsidy. Additionally, the effective income tax rate in the year-to-date 2009 included an $11,220,000 benefit to the tax provision associated with the settlement of certain tax audits and the expiration of statutory periods.
Net Loss from Discontinued Operations
The loss from discontinued operations related to the Company’s IRIDESSE business was $5,894,000 pre-tax ($3,013,000 after tax) for the year-to-date 2009. See “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 2. Discontinued Operations.”
2010 Outlook
Management’s outlook for full year 2010 is based on the following assumptions, which may or may not prove valid, and should be read in conjunction with “Item 1A. Risk Factors” on page 31:
   
A worldwide net sales increase of approximately 12%. By region, sales (denominated in U.S. dollars) are expected to increase by approximately 10% in the Americas, to increase by a mid-twenties percentage in Asia-Pacific, to increase by a low single-digit percentage in Japan and to increase by a high-teens percentage in Europe. Other sales are expected to decline modestly from the prior year.
   
The opening of 14 new Company-operated stores (five in the Americas, seven in Asia-Pacific and two in Europe).
   
An increase in operating margin primarily due to a higher gross margin, as well as an improved ratio of SG&A expenses to net sales.
   
Interest and other expenses, net of approximately $50,000,000.
   
An effective income tax rate of approximately 34%.
   
Net earnings from continuing operations per diluted share of $2.72 – $2.77.
   
A low double-digit percentage increase in net inventories.

 

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Capital expenditures of approximately $150,000,000.
Note that the items listed above exclude i) approximately $18,000,000 of accelerated depreciation charges and incremental rent primarily related to Tiffany’s plans to relocate Tiffany’s New York headquarters staff (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies”) and ii) $3,096,000 net tax benefit (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 4. Income Taxes”). In total, these items will reduce earnings in 2010 by approximately $0.06 per diluted share.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company’s liquidity needs have been, and are expected to remain, primarily a function of its ongoing, seasonal and expansion-related working capital requirements and capital expenditures needs. Over the long term, the Company manages its cash and capital structure to maintain a strong financial position and provide flexibility to pursue future strategic initiatives. Management continuously assesses its working capital needs, capital expenditure requirements, debt service, dividend payouts, share repurchases and future investments. Management believes that cash on hand, internally-generated cash flows and the funds available under its revolving Credit Facility are sufficient to support the Company’s liquidity and capital requirements for the foreseeable future. Within the next 12 months, $101,675,000 of the Company’s long-term debt will reach maturity, which the Company intends to repay with cash on hand.
The following table summarizes cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:
                 
    Year-to-date  
(in thousands)   2010     2009  
Net cash (used in) provided by:
               
Operating activities
  $ (15,789 )   $ 278,768  
Investing activities
    (136,473 )     (45,917 )
Financing activities
    (154,799 )     (32,143 )
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    3,601       17,481  
Net cash used in discontinued operations
          (3,763 )
 
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (303,460 )   $ 214,426  
 
           
Operating Activities
The Company had a net cash outflow from operating activities of $15,789,000 in the year-to-date 2010 compared with an inflow of $278,768,000 in the same period in 2009. The variance between 2010 and 2009 is primarily due to an increase in inventories. Additionally, year-to-date 2010 includes the Company’s contribution of $40,000,000 to its pension plan in the first quarter of 2010 versus a contribution of $27,500,000 in the comparable period in 2009. The Company’s contributions to its pension plan are reflected in Other, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Working Capital. Working capital (current assets less current liabilities) and the corresponding current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) were $2,029,395,000 and 5.6 at October 31, 2010, compared with $1,845,393,000 and 4.1 at January 31, 2010 and $1,707,767,000 and 4.4 at October 31, 2009.
Accounts receivable, less allowances at October 31, 2010 were 13% and 19% higher than January 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009, reflecting sales growth. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates increased accounts receivable balances by 4% compared to both January 31, 2010 and October 31, 2009.
Inventories, net at October 31, 2010 were 16% higher than January 31, 2010 and were 7% higher than October 31, 2009. The year-over-year growth in 2010 reflected intended reductions in 2009 due to economic conditions and, further, inventories also finished the year lower than initially planned because of stronger-than-expected sales in the fourth quarter. The Company has been increasing inventory levels in 2010 to support sales growth, new store openings and new product launches. In addition, changes in foreign currency exchange rates increased inventories, net balances by 3% compared to January 31, 2010 and by 2% compared to October 31, 2009.

 

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Investing Activities
The Company had a net cash outflow from investing activities of $136,473,000 in the year-to-date 2010 compared with an outflow of $45,917,000 in the year-to-date 2009. The increased outflow in the current year is primarily due to higher capital expenditures and purchases of marketable securities and short-term investments.
Financing Activities
The Company had a net cash outflow from financing activities of $154,799,000 in the year-to-date 2010 compared with an outflow of $32,143,000 in the year-to-date 2009. The variance between 2010 and 2009 was primarily due to share repurchase activity and a decrease in net proceeds received from borrowings.
Recent Borrowings. The Company had net repayments of or net proceeds from short-term and long-term borrowings as follows:
                 
    Year-to-date  
(in thousands)   2010     2009  
Proceeds from (repayment of) credit facility borrowings, net
  $ 31,787     $ (124,992 )
 
           
Short-term borrowings:
               
Repayments of short-term borrowings
          (93,000 )
 
           
Long-term borrowings:
               
Proceeds from issuance
    118,430       300,000  
Repayments
    (178,845 )     (40,000 )
 
           
Net (repayments of) proceeds from long-term borrowings
    (60,415 )     260,000  
 
           
Net (repayments of) proceeds from total borrowings
  $ (28,628 )   $ 42,008  
 
           
There was $60,286,000 outstanding and $385,714,000 available under the revolving credit facilities at October 31, 2010. The weighted average interest rate at October 31, 2010 was 2.9%.
On September 1, 2010, the Company, in a private transaction, issued, at par, ¥10,000,000,000 ($118,430,000 at issuance) of Senior Notes due September 2016. The proceeds were used to repay a portion of the ¥15,000,000,000 ($178,845,000) of debt that came due in September 2010. The agreement requires lump sum repayments upon maturity and includes specific financial covenants and ratios and limits certain payments, investments and indebtedness, in addition to other requirements customary to such borrowings.
The ratio of total debt (short-term borrowings, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt) to stockholders’ equity was 38% at October 31, 2010, 40% at January 31, 2010 and 44% at October 31, 2009.
At October 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
Share Repurchases. The Company’s share repurchase activity for the third quarter and year to date of 2010 was as follows:
                                 
    Third Quarter     Year-to-date  
(in thousands, except per share amounts)   2010     2009     2010     2009  
Cost of repurchases
  $ 25,668     $     $ 72,806     $  
Shares repurchased and retired
    588             1,706        
Average cost per share
  $ 43.68     $     $ 42.68     $  
The Company had suspended share repurchases during the third quarter of 2008 in order to conserve cash during the global economic and financial crisis. In January 2010, the Company resumed repurchasing its shares of Common Stock on the open market. The Company’s currently authorized stock repurchase program expires in January 2011. At least annually, the Company’s Board of Directors reviews its policies with respect to dividends and share repurchases with a view to actual and projected earnings, cash flows and capital requirements. At October 31, 2010, there remained $329,154,000 of authorization for future repurchases.
Purchase of Non-controlling Interests. In October 2009, the Company acquired all non-controlling interests in two majority-owned entities that indirectly engage through majority-owned subsidiaries in diamond sourcing and polishing operations in South Africa and Botswana, respectively, for total consideration of $18,000,000, of which $11,000,000 was paid in the third quarter of 2009 and the remaining $7,000,000 was paid during the second quarter of 2010.

 

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Contractual Obligations
In April 2010, Tiffany committed to a plan to consolidate and relocate its New York headquarters staff to a single location in New York City from three separate locations currently leased in midtown Manhattan. The move is expected to occur in spring 2011 and will generate occupancy savings over the term of the 15-year lease. Tiffany intends to sublease its existing properties through the end of their lease terms which run through 2015, but expects to recover only a portion of its rent obligations due to current market conditions. Accordingly, Tiffany anticipates recording expenses of approximately $30,000,000 primarily within SG&A expenses in the consolidated statement of earnings in the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012; this expense is related to the fair value of the remaining non-cancelable lease obligations reduced by the estimated sublease rental income. Additionally, Tiffany will incur expenses of approximately $18,000,000 in the fiscal year ending January 31, 2011 and $5,000,000 in the fiscal year ending January 31, 2012 primarily related to the acceleration of the useful lives of certain property and equipment and incremental rents during the transition period. Changes in market conditions may affect the total expenses ultimately recorded. The expenses recorded during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2010 were $6,421,000 and $11,226,000, respectively, and are primarily included in SG&A expenses. Tiffany expects overall savings of over $100,000,000 over the lease term as a result of an overall reduction in rent expense; these estimated savings are based on current rental costs and assumptions made regarding future potential rent increases at the existing locations. This new lease, which expires in 2026, will increase total minimum annual rental payments as disclosed in the January 31, 2010 Annual Report on Form 10-K by the following amounts:
                                         
(in thousands)   Total     2010     2011-2012     2013-2014     Thereafter  
Unrecorded contractual obligations:
                                       
Operating leases
  $ 224,525     $     $ 25,067     $ 27,346     $ 172,112  
 
                             
The Company’s contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments at October 31, 2010 and the effects such obligations and commitments are expected to have on the Company’s liquidity and cash flows in future periods have not changed significantly since January 31, 2010, except as noted above.
Seasonality
As a jeweler and specialty retailer, the Company’s business is seasonal in nature, with the fourth quarter typically representing at least one-third of annual net sales and approximately one-half of annual net earnings. Management expects such seasonality to continue.
Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 concerning the Company’s goals, plans and projections with respect to store openings, sales, retail prices, gross margin, expenses, effective tax rate, net earnings and net earnings per share, inventories, capital expenditures, cash flow and liquidity. In addition, management makes other forward-looking statements from time to time concerning objectives and expectations. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the fact that they use words such as “believes,” “intends,” “plans,” and “expects” and other words and terms of similar meaning and expression in connection with any discussion of future operating or financial performance. One can also identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current plan and involve inherent risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from the current plan. The Company has included important factors in the cautionary statements included in its 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and in this quarterly report, particularly under “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” that the Company believes could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.
Although the Company believes it has been prudent in its plans and assumptions, no assurance can be given that any goal or plan set forth in forward-looking statements can or will be achieved, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements which speak only as of the date this quarterly report was first filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information included in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in expectations or otherwise.

 

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PART I. Financial Information
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The Company is exposed to market risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, precious metal prices and interest rates, which could affect its consolidated financial position, earnings and cash flows. The Company manages its exposure to market risk through its regular operating and financing activities and, when deemed appropriate, through the use of derivative financial instruments. The Company uses derivative financial instruments as risk management tools and not for trading or speculative purposes, and does not maintain such instruments that may expose the Company to significant market risk.
Foreign Currency Risk
The Company uses foreign exchange forward contracts or put option contracts to offset the foreign currency exchange risks associated with foreign currency-denominated liabilities, intercompany transactions and forecasted purchases of merchandise between entities with differing functional currencies. The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts and put option contracts is sensitive to changes in foreign exchange rates. Gains or losses on foreign exchange forward contracts substantially offset losses or gains on the liabilities and transactions being hedged. For put option contracts, if the market exchange rate at the time of the put option contract’s expiration is stronger than the contracted exchange rate, the Company allows the put option contract to expire, limiting its loss to the cost of the put option contract. The term of all outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts as of October 31, 2010 ranged from less than one month to 16 months.
Precious Metal Price Risk
The Company periodically hedges a portion of its forecasted purchases of precious metals for use in its internal manufacturing operations in order to minimize the effect of volatility in precious metals prices. The Company may use either a combination of call and put option contracts in net-zero-cost collar arrangements (“precious metal collars”) or forward contracts. For precious metal collars, if the price of the precious metal at the time of the expiration of the precious metal collar is within the call and put price, the precious metal collar would expire at no cost to the Company. The maximum term over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability of future cash flows for all forecasted transactions is 13 months.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to effectively convert certain fixed rate debt obligations to floating rate obligations. Additionally, since the fair value of the Company’s fixed rate long-term debt is sensitive to interest rate changes, the interest rate swap agreements serve as hedges to changes in the fair value of these debt instruments. The Company is hedging its exposure to changes in interest rates over the remaining maturities of the debt agreements being hedged.

 

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PART I. Financial Information
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Based on their evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), the Registrant’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Registrant in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In the ordinary course of business, the Registrant reviews its system of internal control over financial reporting and makes changes to its systems and processes to improve controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that the Registrant maintains an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems and automating manual processes.
The Registrant’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer have determined that there have been no changes in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report identified in connection with the evaluation described above that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
The Registrant’s management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, necessarily applied their judgment in assessing the costs and benefits of such controls and procedures. By their nature, such controls and procedures cannot provide absolute certainty, but can provide reasonable assurance regarding management’s control objectives. Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer have concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are (i) designed to provide such reasonable assurance and (ii) are effective at that reasonable assurance level.

 

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PART II. Other Information
Item 1A. Risk Factors
As is the case for any retailer, the Registrant’s success in achieving its objectives and expectations is dependent upon general economic conditions, competitive conditions and consumer attitudes. However, certain factors are specific to the Registrant and/or the markets in which it operates. The following “risk factors” are specific to the Registrant; these risk factors affect the likelihood that the Registrant will achieve the financial objectives and expectations communicated by management:
(i) Risk: that a continuation or worsening of challenging global economic conditions and related low levels of consumer confidence over a prolonged period of time could adversely affect the Registrant’s sales.
As a retailer of goods which are discretionary purchases, the Registrant’s sales results are particularly sensitive to changes in economic conditions and consumer confidence. Consumer confidence is affected by general business conditions; changes in the market value of securities and real estate; inflation; interest rates and the availability of consumer credit; tax rates; and expectations of future economic conditions and employment prospects.
Consumer spending for discretionary goods generally declines during times of falling consumer confidence, which negatively affects the Registrant’s earnings because of its cost base and inventory investment.
Many of the Registrant’s competitors may continue to react to falling consumer confidence by reducing their retail prices; such reductions and/or inventory liquidations can have a short-term adverse effect on the Registrant’s sales.
In addition, some observers believe that the short-term attractiveness of “luxury” goods may have waned in certain markets, such as Japan, thus reducing demand. This could adversely affect the Registrant’s sales, retail pricing and margins.
The Registrant has invested in and operates more than 20 stores in the Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China markets and anticipates significant further expansion. Some observers believe that the high levels of Chinese economic growth may be unsustainable. Should the Chinese economy experience an economic slowdown, the sales and profitability of its stores in this region could be affected.
Uncertainty surrounding the current global economic environment makes it more difficult for the Registrant to forecast operating results. The Registrant’s forecasts employ the use of estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from forecasts, and those differences could be material.
(ii) Risk: that sales will decline or remain flat in the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter, which includes the Holiday selling season.
The Registrant’s business is seasonal in nature, with the fourth quarter typically representing at least one-third of annual net sales and approximately one-half of annual net earnings. Poor sales results during the Registrant’s fourth quarter will have a material adverse effect on the Registrant’s sales and profits.
(iii) Risk: that regional instability and conflict will disrupt tourist travel and local consumer spending.
Unsettled regional and global conflicts or crises which result in military, terrorist or other conditions creating disruptions or disincentives to, or changes in the pattern, practice or frequency of tourist travel to the various regions and local consumer spending where the Registrant operates retail stores could adversely affect the Registrant’s sales and profits.
(iv) Risk: that changes in foreign currencies may affect, positively or negatively, the Company’s sales, profit margins and operating expenses.
The Registrant operates retail stores and boutiques in various countries outside of the U.S. and, as a result, is exposed to market risk from fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. In 2009, the Registrant’s sales in countries outside of the U.S. represented approximately half of its net sales, of which Japan represented 19% of net sales. A substantial weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar would require the Registrant to raise its

 

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retail prices or reduce its profit margins in various locations outside of the U.S. Consumers in those markets may not accept significant price increases on the Registrant’s goods; thus, there is a risk that a substantial weakening of foreign currencies will result in reduced sales or profit margins. Conversely, a substantial strengthening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar will result in increased sales and profit margins.
The results of the operations of the Registrant’s international subsidiaries are exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations as the financial results of the applicable subsidiaries are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars upon consolidation. If the U.S. dollar weakens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign currency denominated transactions will increase net sales and operating expenses. Similarly, if the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign currency denominated transactions will decrease net sales and operating expenses.
In addition, a weakening in foreign currency exchange rates may create disincentives to, or changes in the pattern, practice or frequency of tourist travel to the various regions where the Registrant operates retail stores which could adversely affect the Registrant’s net sales and profits.
(v) Risk: that the current volatile global economy may have a material adverse effect on the Registrant’s liquidity and capital resources.
The global economy and the credit and equity markets have undergone significant disruption in the past two years. A prolonged weakness in the economy, extending further than those included in management’s projections, could have an effect on the Registrant’s cost of borrowing, could diminish its ability to service or maintain existing financing and could make it more difficult for the Registrant to obtain additional financing or to refinance existing long-term obligations. In addition, increased disruption in the markets could lead to the failure of financial institutions. If any of the banks participating in the Registrant’s revolving credit facility were to declare bankruptcy, the Registrant would no longer have access to those committed funds.
Any significant deterioration in the stock market could negatively affect the valuation of pension plan assets and result in increased minimum funding requirements.
(vi) Risk: that the Registrant will be unable to continue to offer merchandise designed by Elsa Peretti.
The Registrant’s long-standing right to sell the jewelry designs of Elsa Peretti and use her trademarks is responsible for a substantial portion of the Registrant’s revenues. Merchandise designed by Ms. Peretti accounted for 10% of 2009 net sales. Tiffany has an exclusive license arrangement with Ms. Peretti; this arrangement is subject to royalty payments as well as other requirements. This license may be terminated by Tiffany or Ms. Peretti on six months notice, even in the case where no default has occurred. Also, no agreement has been made for the continued sale of the designs or use of the trademarks ELSA PERETTI following the death or disability of Ms. Peretti, who is now 70 years of age. Loss of this license would materially adversely affect the Registrant’s business through lost sales and profits.
(vii) Risk: that changes in prices of diamonds and precious metals or reduced supply availability might adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to produce and sell products at desired profit margins.
Most of the Registrant’s jewelry and non-jewelry offerings are made with diamonds, gemstones and/or precious metals. Acquiring diamonds for the engagement business has, at times, been difficult because of supply limitations; Tiffany may not be able to maintain a comprehensive selection of diamonds in each retail location due to the broad assortment of sizes, colors, clarity grades and cuts demanded by customers. A significant change in the prices or supply of these commodities could adversely affect the Registrant’s business, which is vulnerable to the risks inherent in the trade for such commodities. A substantial increase or decrease in the price or supply of raw materials and/or high-quality rough and polished diamonds within the quality grades, colors and sizes that customers demand could affect, negatively or positively, customer demand, sales and gross profit margins.
If trade relationships between the Registrant and one or more of its significant vendors were disrupted, the Registrant’s sales could be adversely affected in the short-term until alternative supply arrangements could be established.

 

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(viii) Risk: that the value of the TIFFANY & CO. trademark will decline due to the sale of counterfeit merchandise by infringers.
The TIFFANY & CO. trademark is an asset which is essential to the competitiveness and success of the Registrant’s business and the Registrant takes appropriate action to protect it. Tiffany actively pursues those who produce or sell counterfeit TIFFANY & CO. goods through civil action and cooperation with criminal law enforcement agencies. However, the Registrant’s enforcement actions have not stopped the imitation and counterfeit of the Registrant’s merchandise or the infringement of the trademark, and counterfeit TIFFANY & CO. goods remain available in many markets. In recent years, there has been an increase in the availability of counterfeit goods, predominantly silver jewelry, in various markets by street vendors and small retailers, as well as on the Internet. The continued sale of counterfeit merchandise could have an adverse effect on the TIFFANY & CO. brand by undermining Tiffany’s reputation for quality goods and making such goods appear less desirable to consumers of luxury goods. Damage to the brand would result in lost sales and profits.
(ix) Risk: that the Registrant will be unable to lease sufficient space for its retail stores in prime locations.
The Registrant, positioned as a luxury goods retailer, has established its retail presence in choice store locations. If the Registrant cannot secure and retain locations on suitable terms in prime and desired luxury shopping locations, its expansion plans, sales and profits will be jeopardized.
In Japan, many of the retail locations are located in department stores. TIFFANY & CO. boutiques located in department stores in Japan represented 79% of net sales in Japan and 15% of consolidated net sales in 2009. In recent years, the Japanese department store industry has, in general, suffered declining sales and there is a risk that such financial difficulties will force further consolidations or store closings. Should one or more Japanese department store operators elect or be required to close one or more stores now housing a TIFFANY & CO. boutique, the Registrant’s sales and profits would be reduced while alternative premises were being obtained. The Registrant’s commercial relationships with department stores in Japan, and their abilities to continue as leading department store operators, have been and will continue to be substantial factors affecting the Registrant’s business in Japan.
(x) Risk: that the Registrant’s business is dependent upon the distinctive appeal of the TIFFANY & CO. brand.
The TIFFANY & CO. brand’s association with quality, luxury and exclusivity is integral to the success of the Registrant’s business. The Registrant’s expansion plans for retail and direct selling operations and merchandise development, production and management support the brand’s appeal. Consequently, poor maintenance, promotion and positioning of the TIFFANY & CO. brand, as well as market over-saturation, may adversely affect the business by diminishing the distinctive appeal of the TIFFANY & CO. brand and tarnishing its image. This would result in lower sales and profits.

 

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PART II. Other Information
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The following table contains the Company’s stock repurchases of equity securities in the third quarter of 2010:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
                                 
                            (d) Maximum Number  
                    (c) Total Number of     (or Approximate Dollar  
                    Shares (or Units)     Value) of Shares, (or  
    (a) Total Number of     (b) Average     Purchased as Part of     Units) that May Yet Be  
    Shares (or Units)     Price Paid per     Publicly Announced     Purchased Under the  
Period   Purchased     Share (or Unit)     Plans or Programs     Plans or Programs  
August 1, 2010 to August 31, 2010
    249,300     $ 42.62       249,300     $ 344,196,000  
 
                               
September 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010
    231,676     $ 42.71       231,676     $ 334,302,000  
 
                               
October 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010
    106,600     $ 48.29       106,600     $ 329,154,000  
 
                               
TOTAL
    587,576     $ 43.68       587,576     $ 329,154,000  
In March 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program (“2005 Program”) that authorized the repurchase of up to $400,000,000 of the Company’s Common Stock through March 2007 by means of open market or private transactions. In August 2006, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the expiration date of the Company’s 2005 Program to December 2009, and authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $700,000,000 of the Company’s Common Stock. In January 2008, the Company’s Board of Directors extended the expiration date of the 2005 Program to January 2011 and authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $500,000,000 of the Company’s Common Stock.

 

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ITEM 6 Exhibits
(a) Exhibits:
         
  10.153    
Corporate Governance Principles, Amended and Restated as of September 16, 2010.
       
 
  10.159a    
Acknowledgment of Amendment to Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement referred to in previously filed Exhibit 10.159, dated as of September 30, 2010.
       
 
  31.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  31.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  32.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  32.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
       
 
  101    
The following financial information from Tiffany & Co.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2010, furnished with the SEC, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Earnings; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Earnings; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  TIFFANY & CO.
(Registrant)
 
 
Date: December 1, 2010  By:   /s/ James N. Fernandez    
    James N. Fernandez   
    Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)