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, 2011
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, 126,957,802 shares outstanding at the close of business on November 30, 2011.
 
 

 

 


 

TIFFANY & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED OCTOBER 31, 2011
         
    PAGE  
 
       
       
 
       
       
 
       
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    6  
 
       
    7-18  
 
       
    19-28  
 
       
    29  
 
       
    30  
 
       
       
 
       
    31  
 
       
    31-33  
 
       
    34  
 
       
    35  
 
       
(a) Exhibits
       
 
       
 Exhibit 10.155a
 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, 2011     January 31, 2011     October 31, 2010  
ASSETS
                       
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 279,111     $ 681,591     $ 482,242  
Short-term investments
    18,253       59,280       47,254  
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $11,546, $11,783 and $11,208
    170,181       185,969       179,428  
Inventories, net
    2,065,466       1,625,302       1,654,552  
Deferred income taxes
    93,790       41,826       24,618  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    117,706       90,577       86,937  
 
                 
Total current assets
    2,744,507       2,684,545       2,475,031  
 
                       
Property, plant and equipment, net
    752,151       665,588       668,179  
Deferred income taxes
    171,986       202,902       186,426  
Other assets, net
    229,640       182,634       185,151  
 
                 
 
  $ 3,898,284     $ 3,735,669     $ 3,514,787  
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Short-term borrowings
  $ 107,830     $ 38,891     $ 60,286  
Current portion of long-term debt
    61,247       60,855       101,675  
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    287,012       258,611       216,293  
Income taxes payable
    1,459       55,691       2,275  
Merchandise and other customer credits
    64,360       65,865       65,107  
 
                 
Total current liabilities
    521,908       479,913       445,636  
 
                       
Long-term debt
    539,703       588,494       593,028  
Pension/postretirement benefit obligations
    212,268       217,435       195,896  
Deferred gains on sale-leasebacks
    124,047       124,980       128,927  
Other long-term liabilities
    187,635       147,372       152,744  
 
                       
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 127,027, 126,969 and 126,128
    1,270       1,269       1,261  
Additional paid-in capital
    957,915       863,967       825,472  
Retained earnings
    1,352,852       1,324,804       1,182,746  
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax
    686       (12,565 )     (10,923 )
 
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    2,312,723       2,177,475       1,998,556  
 
                 
 
  $ 3,898,284     $ 3,735,669     $ 3,514,787  
 
                 
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,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
 
                               
Net sales
  $ 821,767     $ 681,729     $ 2,455,497     $ 1,984,075  
 
                               
Cost of sales
    345,918       283,158       1,021,258       832,774  
 
                       
 
                               
Gross profit
    475,849       398,571       1,434,239       1,151,301  
 
                               
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    329,672       300,993       1,011,556       834,700  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings from operations
    146,177       97,578       422,683       316,601  
 
                               
Interest and other expenses, net
    10,393       12,997       30,159       36,256  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings from operations before income taxes
    135,784       84,581       392,524       280,345  
 
                               
Provision for income taxes
    46,095       29,502       131,729       93,166  
 
                       
 
                               
Net earnings
  $ 89,689     $ 55,079     $ 260,795     $ 187,179  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per share:
                               
 
                               
Basic
  $ 0.71     $ 0.44     $ 2.04     $ 1.48  
 
                       
 
                               
Diluted
  $ 0.70     $ 0.43     $ 2.02     $ 1.46  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted-average number of common shares:
                               
 
                               
Basic
    127,210       126,176       127,614       126,591  
 
                               
Diluted
    128,812       127,905       129,329       128,277  
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, 2011
  $ 2,177,475     $ 1,324,804     $ (12,565 )     126,969     $ 1,269     $ 863,967  
Exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock units (“RSUs”)
    62,644                   2,098       21       62,623  
Tax effect of exercise of stock options and vesting of RSUs
    15,820                               15,820  
Share-based compensation expense
    23,117                               23,117  
Issuance of Common Stock under the Employee Profit Sharing and Retirement Savings Plan
    4,500                   64       1       4,499  
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock
    (138,813 )     (126,681 )           (2,104 )     (21 )     (12,111 )
Cash dividends on Common Stock
    (106,066 )     (106,066 )                        
Deferred hedging loss, net of tax
    (10,789 )           (10,789 )                  
Unrealized loss on marketable securities, net of tax
    (420 )           (420 )                  
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax
    21,914             21,914                    
Net unrealized gain on benefit plans, net of tax
    2,546             2,546                    
Net earnings
    260,795       260,795                          
 
                                   
Balances, October 31, 2011
  $ 2,312,723     $ 1,352,852     $ 686       127,027     $ 1,270     $ 957,915  
 
                                   
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    October 31,     October 31,  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
Comprehensive earnings are as follows:
                               
Net earnings
  $ 89,689     $ 55,079     $ 260,795     $ 187,179  
Other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:
                               
Deferred hedging loss
    (6,141 )     (3,353 )     (10,789 )     (1,278 )
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    (14,107 )     22,710       21,914       20,539  
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities
    (763 )     947       (420 )     1,583  
Net unrealized gain on benefit plans
    848       476       2,546       1,498  
 
                       
Comprehensive earnings
  $ 69,526     $ 75,859     $ 274,046     $ 209,521  
 
                       
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,  
    2011     2010  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net earnings
  $ 260,795     $ 187,179  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    103,439       109,165  
Lease exit charge
    30,884        
Amortization of gain on sale-leasebacks
    (8,210 )     (7,552 )
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    (17,621 )     (4,310 )
Provision for inventories
    24,589       20,063  
Deferred income taxes
    (18,765 )     (31,783 )
Provision for pension/postretirement benefits
    25,165       20,303  
Share-based compensation expense
    22,888       19,027  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    20,288       (7,179 )
Inventories
    (433,750 )     (208,381 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (17,264 )     (15,381 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (5,459 )     (10,722 )
Income taxes payable
    (29,009 )     (52,038 )
Merchandise and other customer credits
    (1,895 )     (1,733 )
Other, net
    (13,229 )     (32,447 )
 
           
Net cash used in operating activities
    (57,154 )     (15,789 )
 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Purchases of marketable securities and short-term investments
    (34,034 )     (48,692 )
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities and short-term investments
    79,399       913  
Capital expenditures
    (182,044 )     (88,694 )
Notes receivable funded
    (56,605 )      
Other
    (1,674 )      
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (194,958 )     (136,473 )
 
           
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from credit facility borrowings, net
    61,916       31,787  
Repayment of long-term debt
    (58,915 )     (178,845 )
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
          118,430  
Net proceeds received from termination of interest rate swap agreement
    9,527        
Repurchase of Common Stock
    (138,813 )     (72,806 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    62,644       38,214  
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangements
    17,621       4,310  
Cash dividends on Common Stock
    (106,066 )     (88,715 )
Financing fees
          (174 )
Purchase of non-controlling interests
          (7,000 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (152,086 )     (154,799 )
 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    1,718       3,601  
 
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (402,480 )     (303,460 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    681,591       785,702  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of nine months
  $ 279,111     $ 482,242  
 
           
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, 2011 and 2010 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated balance sheet data for January 31, 2011 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, 2011 and 2010 are not necessarily indicative of the results of the entire fiscal year.
2.  
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
   
In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income”, which allows an entity the option to present components of net income and other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholders’ equity. The new guidance does not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and will not have an impact on the Company’s financial position or earnings.
   
In September 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-08, “Testing Goodwill for Impairment”, which allows an entity to use a qualitative approach to test goodwill for impairment. The new guidance permits an entity to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. If it is concluded that this is the case, it is necessary to perform the currently prescribed two-step goodwill impairment test. Otherwise, the two-step goodwill impairment test is not required. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and earlier adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance; however management does not believe it will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or earnings.
3.  
RECEIVABLES AND FINANCE CHARGES
   
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses associated with the accounts receivable recorded on the balance sheet. The allowance is determined based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the length of time that the receivables are past due, the Company’s knowledge of the customer, economic and market conditions and historical write-off experiences.
   
For the receivables associated with Tiffany & Co. credit cards (“Credit Card Receivables”), the Company uses various indicators to determine whether to extend credit to customers and the amount of credit. Such indicators include reviewing prior experience with the customer, including sales and collection history, and

 

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using applicants’ credit reports and scores provided by credit rating agencies. Credit Card Receivables require minimum balance payments. The Company classifies a Credit Card account as overdue if a minimum balance payment has not been received within the allotted timeframe (generally 30 days), after which internal collection efforts commence. For all accounts receivable recorded on the balance sheet, once all internal collection efforts have been exhausted and management has reviewed the account, the account balance is written off and may be sent for external collection or legal action. At October 31, 2011, the carrying amount of the Credit Card Receivables (recorded in accounts receivable, net in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet) was $53,985,000, of which 97% was considered current. The allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses associated with the Credit Card Receivables (approximately $2,000,000 at October 31, 2011) was determined based on the factors discussed above, and did not change significantly from January 31, 2011. Finance charges on Credit Card accounts are not significant.
   
The Company may, from time to time, extend loans to diamond mining and exploration companies in order to obtain rights to purchase the mine’s output. Management evaluates these and any other loans that may arise for potential impairment by reviewing the parties’ financial statements and projections and other economic factors on a periodic basis. The carrying amount of loans receivable outstanding including accrued interest (primarily included within other assets, net on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet) was $57,785,000 as of October 31, 2011. The Company has not recorded any impairment charges on such loans as of October 31, 2011.
4.  
INVENTORIES
                         
(in thousands)   October 31, 2011     January 31, 2011     October 31, 2010  
Finished goods
  $ 1,173,673     $ 988,085     $ 1,090,853  
Raw materials
    737,686       534,879       464,701  
Work-in-process
    154,107       102,338       98,998  
 
                 
Inventories, net
  $ 2,065,466     $ 1,625,302     $ 1,654,552  
 
                 
5.  
INCOME TAXES
   
The effective income tax rate for the three months ended October 31, 2011 was 33.9% versus 34.9% in the prior year. The effective income tax rate for the nine months ended October 31, 2011 was 33.6% versus 33.2% in the prior year. In the nine months ended October 31, 2011, the Company reversed a valuation allowance in the second quarter against certain deferred tax assets where management has determined it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. In the nine months ended October 31, 2010, the Company recorded a net income tax benefit of $3,096,000 primarily due to a change in the tax status of certain subsidiaries associated with the acquisition in 2009 of additional equity interests in diamond sourcing and polishing operations.
   
During the nine months ended October 31, 2011, 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 2004-2007, New York City tax years 2006-2008, New Jersey tax years 2006-2009 and by the Internal Revenue Service tax years 2006-2009. Tax years from 2004-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. Management anticipates that it is reasonably possible that the total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $20,000,000 in the next 12 months, a portion of which may affect the effective tax rate; however, management does not currently anticipate a significant effect on net earnings. Future developments may result in a change in this assessment.

 

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6.  
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)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
Net earnings for basic and diluted EPS
  $ 89,689     $ 55,079     $ 260,795     $ 187,179  
 
                       
Weighted-average shares for basic EPS
    127,210       126,176       127,614       126,591  
Incremental shares based upon the assumed exercise of stock options and unvested restricted stock units
    1,602       1,729       1,715       1,686  
 
                       
Weighted-average shares for diluted EPS
    128,812       127,905       129,329       128,277  
 
                       
   
For the three months ended October 31, 2011 and 2010, there were 410,000 and 431,000 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, 2011 and 2010, there were 358,000 and 450,000 stock options and restricted stock units excluded from the computations of earnings per diluted share due to their antidilutive effect.
7.  
HEDGING INSTRUMENTS
Background Information
   
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swap agreements, forward contracts, put option 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

 

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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 hedge 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 — The Company entered into interest rate swap agreements to 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 hedges 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. In the three months ended October 31, 2011, the Company terminated the interest rate swap used to convert the 2008 Series A obligation to a floating obligation for net proceeds of $9,527,000. The difference between the fair value and the cost basis of the debt at the time of the termination will be recognized within interest and other expenses, net on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings through December 2015, the maturity date of the debt agreement. As of October 31, 2011, the notional amount of the interest rate swap agreement outstanding was $60,000,000.
   
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 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.
   
In 2010, the Company de-designated all of its outstanding put option contracts (notional amount of $0 outstanding at October 31, 2011) and entered into offsetting call option contracts. These put and call option contracts were accounted for as undesignated hedges. Any gains or losses on these de-designated put option contracts were substantially offset by losses or gains on the call option contracts.
   
As of October 31, 2011, the notional amount of foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges was $144,600,000 and the notional amount of foreign exchange forward contracts accounted for as undesignated hedges was $27,178,000. The term of all outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts as of October 31, 2011 ranged from less than one month to 15 months.
   
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 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 expires 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 12 months. As of October 31, 2011, there were approximately 34,900 ounces of platinum and 806,600 ounces of silver precious metal derivative instruments outstanding.

 

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Information on the location and amounts of derivative gains and losses in the condensed consolidated financial statements is as follows:
                                 
    Three Months Ended October 31,  
    2011     2010  
    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
  $ 1,845     $ (1,551 )   $ 2,351     $ (2,037 )
 
                       
                                 
    Nine Months Ended October 31,  
    2011     2010  
    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
  $ 3,595     $ (3,043 )   $ 7,257     $ (6,334 )
 
                       
                                 
    Three Months Ended October 31,  
    2011     2010  
            Amount of (Loss)             Amount of (Loss)  
            Gain Reclassified     Pre-Tax (Loss)     Gain Reclassified  
    Pre-Tax Loss     from Accumulated     Gain Recognized     from Accumulated  
    Recognized in OCI     OCI into Earnings     in OCI     OCI into Earnings  
(in thousands)   (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)  
 
                               
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
                               
Foreign exchange forward contracts b
  $ (4,784 )   $ (2,173 )   $ (6,812 )   $ (311 )
Put option contracts b
    (17 )     (426 )     (847 )     (577 )
Precious metal collars b
                385       (117 )
Precious metal forward contracts b
    (6,915 )     903       1,744       504  
 
                       
 
  $ (11,716 )   $ (1,696 )   $ (5,530 )   $ (501 )
 
                       
                                 
    Nine Months Ended October 31,  
    2011     2010  
            Amount of (Loss)             Amount of (Loss)  
            Gain Reclassified     Pre-Tax (Loss)     Gain Reclassified  
    Pre-Tax Loss     from Accumulated     Gain Recognized     from Accumulated  
    Recognized in OCI     OCI into Earnings     in OCI (Effective     OCI into Earnings  
(in thousands)   (Effective Portion)     (Effective Portion)     Portion)     (Effective Portion)  
 
                               
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships:
                               
Foreign exchange forward contracts b
  $ (14,942 )   $ (4,226 )   $ (6,169 )   $ (577 )
Put option contracts b
    (78 )     (1,765 )     (2,263 )     (2,084 )
Precious metal collars b
          607       661       (1,295 )
Precious metal forward contracts b
    (4,842 )     2,718       3,114       964  
 
                       
 
  $ (19,862 )   $ (2,666 )   $ (4,657 )   $ (2,992 )
 
                       

 

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    Pre-Tax (Loss) Gain Recognized in Earnings  
    on Derivative  
    Three Months Ended     Three Months Ended  
(in thousands)   October 31, 2011     October 31, 2010  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
               
Foreign exchange forward contracts a
  $ (124 ) c   $ (161 )c
Call option contracts b
          155  
Put option contracts b
          (195 )
 
           
 
  $ (124 )   $ (201 )
 
           
                 
    Pre-Tax Gain (Loss) Recognized in Earnings  
    on Derivative  
    Nine Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
(in thousands)   October 31, 2011     October 31, 2010  
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments:
               
Foreign exchange forward contracts a
  $ 417 c   $ (775 )c
Call option contracts b
    92       303  
Put option contracts b
    (92 )     (343 )
 
           
 
  $ 417     $ (815 )
 
           
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, 2011 and 2010. The Company expects approximately $15,033,000 of net pre-tax derivative losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income at October 31, 2011 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) and limits 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:

 

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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 agreement is primarily valued using the 3-month 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 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, 2011 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  
Mutual funds a
  $ 38,561     $ 38,561     $     $     $ 38,561  
Time deposits b
    18,253       18,253                   18,253  
 
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Interest rate swap agreements a
    660             660             660  
Precious metal forward contracts c
    2,110             2,110             2,110  
 
                                       
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
 
                                       
Foreign exchange forward contracts c
    355             355             355  
 
                             
Total financial assets
  $ 59,939     $ 56,814     $ 3,125     $     $ 59,939  
 
                             
                                         
    Carrying     Estimated Fair Value     Total Fair  
(in thousands)   Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Value  
 
                                       
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Foreign exchange forward contracts d
  $ 8,691     $     $ 8,691     $     $ 8,691  
Precious metal forward contracts d
    5,580             5,580             5,580  
 
                                       
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
                                       
Foreign exchange forward contracts d
    63             63             63  
 
                             
Total financial liabilities
  $ 14,334     $     $ 14,334     $     $ 14,334  
 
                             

 

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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  
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 financial 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  
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 financial liabilities
  $ 6,161     $     $ 6,161     $     $ 6,161  
 
                             
a  
Included within Other assets, net on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
b  
Included within Short-term investments on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
c  
Included within Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
d  
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 $708,780,000 and $754,989,000 and the corresponding fair value was approximately $850,000,000 at both October 31, 2011 and 2010.
9.  
DEBT
   
In May 2011, the Company entered into a ¥4,000,000,000 ($49,240,000 at issuance) one-year uncommitted credit facility. Borrowings may be made on one-, three- or 12-month terms bearing interest at the LIBOR rate plus 0.25%, subject to bank approval. As of October 31, 2011, the Company had borrowed the full amount under the facility.

 

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10.  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
   
Diamond Sourcing Activities. In March 2011, Laurelton Diamonds, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Laurelton”), as lender, entered into a $50,000,000 amortizing term loan facility agreement (the “Loan”) with Koidu Holdings S.A. (“Koidu”), as borrower, and BSG Resources Limited, as a limited guarantor. Koidu operates a kimberlite diamond mine in Sierra Leone (the “Mine”) from which Laurelton now acquires diamonds. Koidu is required under the terms of the Loan to apply the proceeds of the Loan to capital expenditures necessary to expand the Mine, among other purposes. The Loan is required to be repaid in full by March 2017 through semi-annual payments scheduled to begin in March 2013. Interest accrues at a rate per annum that is the greater of (i) LIBOR plus 3.5% or (ii) 4%. In consideration of the Loan, Laurelton was granted the right to purchase at fair market value diamonds recovered from the Mine that meet Laurelton’s quality standards. In the second quarter of 2011 the Loan was fully funded. The assets of Koidu, including all equipment and rights in respect of the Mine, are subject to the security interest of a lender that is not affiliated with the Company. The Loan will be partially secured by diamonds that have been extracted from the Mine and that have not been sold to third parties. The Company has evaluated the variable interest entity consolidation requirements with respect to this transaction and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary, as it does not have the power to direct any of the activities that most significantly impact Koidu’s economic performance.
   
Leases. 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 leased in midtown Manhattan. The move occurred in June 2011. 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 recorded expenses of $0 and $42,719,000 during the three months and nine months ended October 31, 2011 primarily within selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings, of which $30,884,000 was related to the fair value of the remaining non-cancelable lease obligations reduced by the estimated sublease rental income. The remaining expense is due to the acceleration of the useful lives of certain property and equipment, incremental rent expense during the transition period and lease termination payments. The expenses recorded during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2010 were $6,421,000 and $11,226,000 and were primarily included within SG&A expenses.
   
The following is a reconciliation of the accrued exit charges, recorded within other long-term liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, associated with the relocation:
         
(in thousands)        
Balance at July 31, 2011
  $ 29,908  
Cash payments, net of estimated sublease income
    (3,142 )
Interest accretion
    199  
 
     
Balance at October 31, 2011
  $ 26,965  
 
     
   
Litigation. On June 24, 2011 The Swatch Group Ltd. (“Swatch”) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Tiffany Watch Co. (“Watch Company”; Swatch and Watch Company, together the “Swatch Parties”), initiated an arbitration proceeding (the “Arbitration”) against the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Tiffany and Tiffany (NJ) Inc. (the Company and such subsidiaries together, the “Tiffany Parties”) seeking damages for alleged contractual breach of agreements entered into by and among the Swatch Parties and the Tiffany Parties in December of 2007 (the “License and Distribution Agreements”). On September 12, 2011, the Swatch Parties publicly issued a Notice of Termination which purports to terminate the License and Distribution Agreements due to claimed material breach by the Tiffany Parties. The Tiffany Parties have asserted counterclaims for damages attributable to breach by the Swatch Parties and for termination due to such breach. The Arbitration is pending before a three-member arbitral panel convened pursuant to the Arbitration Rules of the Netherlands Arbitration Institute in the Netherlands. The Swatch Parties and the Tiffany Parties have agreed that all claims and counterclaims between and among them under the License and Distribution Agreements will be determined through the Arbitration.

 

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Neither the claims of the Swatch Parties, nor those of the Tiffany Parties, have been set forth completely or in final form. However, in general terms, the Swatch Parties have claimed that the Tiffany Parties have tried to block and delay development of Watch Company’s business, while the Tiffany Parties have claimed that the Swatch Parties have failed to provide appropriate distribution and other resources for TIFFANY & CO. brand watches and to honor their contractual obligations to follow the Tiffany Parties’ direction regarding brand-management.
Management believes that it is not probable that the Arbitration will result in a material impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Management has not provided any amount in the condensed consolidated financial statements related to an award of damages in the Arbitration. If the License and Distribution Agreements are terminated, the Tiffany Parties will need to find a new manufacturer for TIFFANY & CO. brand watches and the Swatch Parties will no longer be responsible for distributing such watches to third-party distributors. Royalties payable to the Tiffany Parties by Watch Company under the License and Distribution Agreements have not been significant in any year. Watches manufactured by Watch Company and sold in TIFFANY & CO. stores constituted 1% of net sales in 2010, 2009 and 2008.
11.  
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Gain (Loss)
                         
    October 31,     January 31,     October 31,  
(in thousands)   2011     2011     2010  
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax:
                       
Foreign currency translation adjustments
  $ 63,329     $ 41,415     $ 37,051  
Deferred hedging loss
    (11,981 )     (1,192 )     (3,885 )
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities
    (278 )     142       (316 )
Net unrealized loss on benefit plans
    (50,384 )     (52,930 )     (43,773 )
 
                 
 
  $ 686     $ (12,565 )   $ (10,923 )
 
                 
12.  
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)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                               
Service cost
  $ 3,386     $ 3,061     $ 642     $ 590  
Interest cost
    6,508       5,909       821       816  
Expected return on plan assets
    (4,339 )     (4,266 )            
Amortization of prior service cost
    265       270       (164 )     (164 )
Amortization of net loss
    2,626       644       6       1  
 
                       
Net expense
  $ 8,446     $ 5,618     $ 1,305     $ 1,243  
 
                       

 

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    Nine Months Ended October 31,  
                    Other  
    Pension Benefits     Postretirement Benefits  
(in thousands)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
                               
Service cost
  $ 10,568     $ 9,604     $ 1,649     $ 1,284  
Interest cost
    18,989       17,904       2,326       2,208  
Expected return on plan assets
    (14,036 )     (13,176 )            
Amortization of prior service cost
    798       808       (494 )     (494 )
Amortization of net loss
    5,353       2,164       12       1  
 
                       
Net expense
  $ 21,672     $ 17,304     $ 3,493     $ 2,999  
 
                       
13.  
SEGMENT INFORMATION
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, 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.

 

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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)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
Net sales:
                               
Americas
  $ 387,713     $ 331,767     $ 1,200,588     $ 997,458  
Asia-Pacific
    183,220       127,057       523,708       360,883  
Japan
    146,437       130,817       412,297       363,897  
Europe
    92,528       77,456       279,503       222,977  
 
                       
Total reportable segments
    809,898       667,097       2,416,096       1,945,215  
Other
    11,869       14,632       39,401       38,860  
 
                       
 
  $ 821,767     $ 681,729     $ 2,455,497     $ 1,984,075  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings (losses) from operations*:
                               
Americas
  $ 64,716     $ 51,678     $ 233,812     $ 175,570  
Asia-Pacific
    50,469       25,434       145,809       81,974  
Japan
    43,137       39,081       115,944       101,305  
Europe
    19,285       15,539       63,235       47,008  
 
                       
Total reportable segments
    177,607       131,732       558,800       405,857  
Other
    (1,986 )     2,134       (374 )     3,244  
 
                       
 
  $ 175,621     $ 133,866     $ 558,426     $ 409,101  
 
                       
     
*  
Represents earnings from operations before unallocated corporate expenses, interest and other expenses, net and other expense.
The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the segments’ earnings from operations to the Company’s consolidated earnings from operations before income taxes:
                                 
    Three Months Ended October 31,     Nine Months Ended October 31,  
(in thousands)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
Earnings from operations for segments
  $ 175,621     $ 133,866     $ 558,426     $ 409,101  
Unallocated corporate expenses
    (29,444 )     (29,867 )     (93,024 )     (81,274 )
Interest and other expenses, net
    (10,393 )     (12,997 )     (30,159 )     (36,256 )
Other expense
          (6,421 )     (42,719 )     (11,226 )
 
                       
Earnings from operations before income taxes
  $ 135,784     $ 84,581     $ 392,524     $ 280,345  
 
                       
Unallocated corporate expenses include costs related to administrative support functions which the Company does not allocate to its segments. Such unallocated costs include those for centralized information technology, finance, legal and human resources departments.
Other expense in the three and nine months ended October 31, 2011 and 2010 represents charges associated with Tiffany’s consolidation and relocation of its New York headquarters staff to a single location. See “Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies.”
14.  
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On November 17, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share of Common Stock. This dividend will be paid on January 10, 2012 to stockholders of record on December 20, 2011.

 

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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.
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, 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.
All references to years relate to fiscal years ended or ending on January 31 of the following calendar year.
HIGHLIGHTS
   
Worldwide net sales increased 21% in the three months (“third quarter”) and 24% in the nine months (“year-to-date”) ended October 31, 2011. Sales in all reportable segments increased in both periods.
   
On a constant-exchange-rate basis (see “Non-GAAP Measures” below), worldwide net sales increased 17% in the third quarter and 19% in the year-to-date and comparable store sales increased 16% in the third quarter and 18% in the year-to-date.
   
In the year-to-date, the Company has added a net of ten TIFFANY & CO. stores (five in the Americas, three in Asia-Pacific, three in Europe and a net reduction of one in Japan). Management’s current worldwide objective is to open 14 stores (net) in 2011.
   
Operating margin increased 3.5 percentage points in the third quarter and increased 1.2 percentage points in the year-to-date primarily reflecting an improved ratio of SG&A expenses to net sales as a result of sales leverage on fixed costs. However, the Company recorded charges (primarily within selling, general and administrative expenses) of $0 and $42,719,000 during the third quarter and year-to-date of 2011 and $6,421,000 and $11,226,000 during the same periods in the prior year associated with Tiffany’s consolidation and relocation of its New York headquarters staff to a single location (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies”). Excluding those charges, operating margin increased 2.5 percentage points in both the third quarter and in the year-to-date.
   
Net earnings increased 63% to $89,689,000, or $0.70 per diluted share, in the third quarter and 39% to $260,795,000, or $2.02 per diluted share, in the year-to-date.

 

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Consistent with the Company’s strategy to maintain substantial control over product supply through direct diamond sourcing, in March 2011 a subsidiary of the Company entered into a $50,000,000 amortizing term loan facility agreement with Koidu Holdings S.A. and in return was granted the right to purchase diamonds meeting the Company’s quality standards recovered from their kimberlite diamond mine in Sierra Leone (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies”).
   
The Company repaid ¥5,000,000,000 ($58,915,000 upon payment) of debt that came due in April.
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 from the GAAP to the non-GAAP basis versus the previous year:
                                                 
    Third Quarter 2011 vs. 2010     Year-to-date 2011 vs. 2010  
                    Constant-                     Constant-  
    GAAP     Translation     Exchange-     GAAP     Translation     Exchange-  
    Reported     Effect     Rate Basis     Reported     Effect     Rate Basis  
 
                                               
Net Sales:
                                               
Worldwide
    21 %     4 %     17 %     24 %     5 %     19 %
Americas
    17 %     %     17 %     20 %     %     20 %
Asia-Pacific
    44 %     4 %     40 %     45 %     7 %     38 %
Japan
    12 %     9 %     3 %     13 %     11 %     2 %
Europe
    19 %     4 %     15 %     25 %     8 %     17 %
 
                                               
Comparable Store Sales:
                                               
Worldwide
    19 %     3 %     16 %     22 %     4 %     18 %
Americas
    15 %     %     15 %     19 %     1 %     18 %
Asia-Pacific
    40 %     4 %     36 %     41 %     7 %     34 %
Japan
    13 %     9 %     4 %     14 %     11 %     3 %
Europe
    10 %     4 %     6 %     18 %     8 %     10 %

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Sales
Net sales by segment were as follows:
                         
    Third Quarter  
(in thousands)   2011     2010     Increase (Decrease)  
Americas
  $ 387,713     $ 331,767       17 %
Asia-Pacific
    183,220       127,057       44 %
Japan
    146,437       130,817       12 %
Europe
    92,528       77,456       19 %
Other
    11,869       14,632       (19 )%
 
                 
 
  $ 821,767     $ 681,729       21 %
 
                 
                         
    Year-to-date  
(in thousands)   2011     2010     Increase  
Americas
  $ 1,200,588     $ 997,458       20 %
Asia-Pacific
    523,708       360,883       45 %
Japan
    412,297       363,897       13 %
Europe
    279,503       222,977       25 %
Other
    39,401       38,860       1 %
 
                 
 
  $ 2,455,497     $ 1,984,075       24 %
 
                 
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. In the third quarter, total sales increased $55,946,000, or 17%, primarily due to an increase in the average price per unit sold. Comparable store sales increased $43,986,000, or 15%, consisting of increases in both New York Flagship store sales of 24%, which benefited from strong foreign tourist demand, and comparable branch store sales of 13%. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 17% and comparable store sales increased 15%. Combined Internet and catalog sales in the Americas increased $3,356,000, or 11%, primarily due to an increase in the average price per order.
In the year-to-date, total sales increased $203,130,000, or 20%, primarily due to an increase in the average price per unit sold. Total sales also benefited from an increase in the number of units sold. Comparable store sales increased $162,250,000, or 19%, consisting of increases in both New York Flagship store sales of 30%, which benefited from strong foreign tourist demand, and comparable branch store sales of 17%. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 20%, and comparable store sales increased 18%. Combined Internet and catalog sales in the Americas increased $14,124,000, or 14%, due to similar increases in the average price per order and in the number of orders.
Asia-Pacific. In the third quarter, total sales increased $56,163,000, or 44%, due to similar increases in the number of units sold and in the average price per unit sold. Comparable store sales increased $48,038,000, or 40%. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 40% and comparable store sales increased 36% due to sales growth in most countries, with double-digit growth in the Greater China region.
In the year-to-date, total sales increased $162,825,000, or 45%, primarily due to an increase in the average price per unit sold. Total sales also benefited from an increase in the number of units sold. Comparable store sales increased $137,592,000, or 41%, and non-comparable store sales increased $18,051,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis,

 

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sales increased 38% and comparable store sales increased 34% in the year-to-date due to sales growth in most countries, with the largest increase in the Greater China region.
Japan. In the third quarter, total sales increased $15,620,000, or 12%, entirely due to an increase in the average price per unit sold, which was partly offset by a decrease in the number of units sold. Comparable store sales increased $16,064,000, or 13%. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 3% and comparable store sales increased 4%.
In the year-to-date, total sales increased $48,400,000, or 13%, entirely due to an increase in the average price per unit sold, which was partly offset by a decrease in the number of units sold. Comparable store sales increased $47,695,000, or 14%. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 2% and comparable store sales increased 3%. Sales in Japan were affected by earthquake-related events in the first quarter.
Europe. In the third quarter, total sales increased $15,072,000, or 19%, primarily due to an increase in the number of units sold as well as some increase in the average price per unit sold. Comparable store sales increased $6,723,000, or 10%, and non-comparable store sales increased $6,902,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 15% and comparable store sales rose 6%, due to growth in Continental Europe, particularly in Germany, France and Italy.
In the year-to-date, total sales increased $56,526,000, or 25%, primarily due to an increase in the number of units sold as well as some increase in the average price per unit sold. Comparable store sales increased $36,684,000, or 18%, and non-comparable store sales grew $13,756,000. On a constant-exchange-rate basis, sales increased 17% and comparable store sales increased 10%, due to strong growth in Continental Europe and modest sales growth in the U.K.
Store Data. Management currently expects to add 14 (net) Company-operated TIFFANY & CO. stores and boutiques in 2011, increasing the store base by 6%, including six stores in the Americas, three stores in Europe, six stores in Asia-Pacific and a net reduction of one location in Japan. The following table shows locations which have already been opened or closed, or where plans have been finalized:
         
    Openings (Closings)   Remaining Openings
Location   as of October 31, 2011   2011
Americas:
       
Calgary, Canada
  Second Quarter    
Northbrook, Illinois
  Second Quarter    
Las Vegas — Fashion Show Mall, Nevada
  Third Quarter    
Richmond, Virginia
  Third Quarter    
Brasilia, Brazil
  Third Quarter    
Vancouver — Oakridge Centre, Canada
      Fourth Quarter
Asia-Pacific:
       
Guangzhou, China
  Third Quarter    
Daegu, Korea
  Third Quarter    
Incheon, Korea
  Third Quarter    
Chongquing, China
      Fourth Quarter
Seoul — Apkujung, Korea
      Fourth Quarter
Taichung — Far Eastern, Taiwan
      Fourth Quarter
Japan:
       
Hakata Hankyu
  First Quarter    
Kokura Izutsuya
  (First Quarter)    
Wakayama Kintetsu
  (First Quarter)    
Europe:
       
Frankfurt — Frankfurt International Airport, Germany
  Second Quarter    
Zurich — Zurich Airport, Switzerland
  Second Quarter    
Milan — Excelsior, Italy
  Third Quarter    
Other. Other sales decreased $2,763,000, or 19%, in the third quarter primarily due to lower sales of TIFFANY & CO. merchandise to independent distributors in emerging markets as well as lower wholesale sales of rough diamonds. In the year-to-date, other sales increased $541,000, or 1%, primarily due to higher sales of TIFFANY & CO. merchandise to independent distributors in emerging markets which was partly offset by lower wholesale sales of rough diamonds.

 

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Gross Margin
                                 
    Third Quarter     Year-to-date  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales
    57.9 %     58.5 %     58.4 %     58.0 %
 
                       
Gross margin (gross profit as a percentage of net sales) decreased by 0.6 percentage point in the third quarter primarily due to changes in product mix toward higher-priced jewelry that achieves a lower gross margin and higher product costs, partly offset by sales leverage on fixed costs. Gross margin increased by 0.4 percentage point in the year-to-date due to sales leverage on fixed costs partly offset by changes in product mix toward higher-priced jewelry and higher product costs.
Management periodically reviews and adjusts its retail prices when appropriate to address product cost increases, specific market conditions and longer-term changes in foreign currencies/U.S. dollar relationships. Among the market conditions that the Company addresses are 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”). In 2011, the Company has increased retail prices to address higher product costs and its strategy is to maintain that approach when appropriate in the future.
Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
                                 
    Third Quarter     Year-to-date  
    2011     2010     2011     2010  
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales
    40.1 %     44.2 %     41.2 %     42.1 %
 
                       
SG&A expenses increased $28,679,000, or 10%, in the third quarter. The Company had recorded nonrecurring charges of $6,095,000 in the third quarter of 2010 associated with Tiffany’s consolidation and relocation of its New York headquarters staff into a single location (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies”). Excluding these charges, SG&A expenses increased $34,774,000, or 12%, primarily due to increased depreciation and store occupancy expenses related to new and existing stores of $15,714,000, increased labor and benefit costs of $12,235,000 and increased sales-related variable costs of $4,409,000.
SG&A expenses increased $176,856,000, or 21%, in the year-to-date. The Company recorded nonrecurring charges of $42,506,000 and $10,539,000 in the year-to-date of 2011 and 2010 associated with Tiffany’s consolidation and relocation of its New York headquarters staff into a single location (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies”). Excluding these charges, SG&A expenses increased $144,889,000, or 18%, primarily due to increased depreciation and store occupancy expenses related to new and existing stores of $42,821,000, increased labor and benefit costs of $41,753,000, increased marketing expenses of $23,272,000 and increased sales-related variable costs of $14,604,000.
SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 4.1 percentage points in the third quarter and 0.9 percentage point in the year-to-date. Excluding the nonrecurring charges noted above, SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 3.2 percentage points in the third quarter and 2.0 percentage points in the year-to-date due to the leveraging effect of fixed costs.

 

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Earnings from Operations
                                 
    Third Quarter     % of Net     Third Quarter     % of Net  
(in thousands)   2011     Sales*     2010     Sales*  
Earnings from operations:
                               
Americas
  $ 64,716       16.7 %   $ 51,678       15.6 %
Asia-Pacific
    50,469       27.5 %     25,434       20.0 %
Japan
    43,137       29.5 %     39,081       29.9 %
Europe
    19,285       20.8 %     15,539       20.1 %
Other
    (1,986 )     (16.7 )%     2,134       14.6 %
 
                       
 
    175,621               133,866          
Unallocated corporate expenses
    (29,444 )     (3.6 )%     (29,867 )     (4.4 )%
Other expense
                  (6,421 )        
 
                       
Earnings from operations
  $ 146,177       17.8 %   $ 97,578       14.3 %
 
                       
     
*  
Percentages represent earnings from operations as a percentage of each segment’s net sales.
Earnings from operations increased 50% in the third quarter. On a segment basis, the ratio of earnings from operations (before the effect of unallocated corporate expenses and other expense) to each segment’s net sales in the third quarter of 2011 and 2010 was as follows:
   
Americas — the ratio increased 1.1 percentage points primarily resulting from the leveraging of operating expenses partly offset by a decline in gross margin;
   
Asia-Pacific — the ratio increased 7.5 percentage points primarily due to the leveraging of operating expenses as well as a decrease in marketing expenses resulting from a major marketing and public relations event that was held in Beijing, China in 2010;
   
Japan — the ratio decreased 0.4 percentage point primarily due to increased operating expenses partly offset by an improvement in gross margin;
   
Europe — the ratio increased 0.7 percentage point primarily due to an improvement in gross margin partly offset by increased operating expenses; and
   
Other — the operating loss is attributable to decreased sales as well as 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)   2011     Sales*     2010     Sales*  
Earnings from operations:
                               
Americas
  $ 233,812       19.5 %   $ 175,570       17.6 %
Asia-Pacific
    145,809       27.8 %     81,974       22.7 %
Japan
    115,944       28.1 %     101,305       27.8 %
Europe
    63,235       22.6 %     47,008       21.1 %
Other
    (374 )     (0.9 )%     3,244       8.3 %
 
                       
 
    558,426               409,101          
Unallocated corporate expenses
    (93,024 )     (3.8 )%     (81,274 )     (4.1 )%
Other expense
    (42,719 )             (11,226 )        
 
                       
Earnings from operations
  $ 422,683       17.2 %   $ 316,601       16.0 %
 
                       
     
*  
Percentages represent earnings from operations as a percentage of each segment’s net sales.
Earnings from operations increased 34% in the year-to-date. On a segment basis, the ratio of earnings from operations (before the effect of unallocated corporate expenses and other expense) to each segment’s net sales in the year-to-date of 2011 and 2010 was as follows:

 

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Americas — the ratio increased 1.9 percentage points primarily resulting from the leveraging of operating expenses;
   
Asia-Pacific — the ratio increased 5.1 percentage points primarily due to the leveraging of operating expenses as well as a decrease in marketing expenses resulting from a major marketing and public relations event that was held in Beijing, China in 2010;
   
Japan — the ratio increased 0.3 percentage point due to an improvement in gross margin partly offset by increased operating expenses;
   
Europe — the ratio increased 1.5 percentage points due to an increase in gross margin; and
   
Other — the operating loss is attributable to a valuation adjustment related to the write-down of wholesale diamond inventory deemed not suitable for the Company’s needs.
Unallocated corporate expenses include costs related to administrative support functions which the Company does not allocate to its segments. Such unallocated costs include those for centralized information technology, finance, legal and human resources departments. Total unallocated corporate expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 0.8 percentage point in the third quarter and 0.3 percentage point in the year-to-date.
Other expense in the above tables in the third quarter and the year-to-date of 2011 and 2010 represents charges associated with Tiffany’s consolidation and relocation of its New York headquarters staff to a single location. See “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies.”
Interest and Other Expenses, net
Interest and other expenses, net decreased $2,604,000 in the third quarter of 2011 and $6,097,000 in the year-to-date primarily due to lower interest expense.
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate was 33.9% in the third quarter of 2011 versus 34.9% in the prior year. The effective income tax rate was 33.6% in the year-to-date of 2011 versus 33.2% in the prior year. In the year-to-date of 2011, the Company reversed a valuation allowance in the second quarter against certain deferred tax assets where management has determined it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized in the future. In the year-to-date of 2010 the Company recorded a net income tax benefit of $3,096,000 primarily due to a change in the tax status of certain subsidiaries associated with the acquisition in 2009 of additional equity interests in diamond sourcing and polishing operations.
2011 Outlook
Management’s outlook for full year 2011 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 high-teens percentage increase in worldwide net sales (in U.S. dollars). Sales assumptions by region (in U.S. dollars) include a high-teens percentage increase in the Americas, at least a 35% increase in Asia-Pacific, at least a 20% increase in Europe and at least a 10% increase in Japan. Other sales are expected to decline modestly.
   
Adding 14 (net) Company-operated stores including six in the Americas, six in Asia-Pacific, three in Europe and a net reduction of one location in Japan.
   
An increase in operating margin of more than one full point primarily due to an improved ratio of SG&A expenses to sales.
   
Interest and other expenses, net of approximately $43,000,000.
   
An effective income tax rate of approximately 34%.
   
Net earnings increasing 26% — 30% to $3.70 — $3.80 per diluted share.

 

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Net inventories increasing at least 15%.
   
Capital expenditures of approximately $250,000,000.
The above assumptions for operating margin and net earnings per diluted share do not include expenses of $42,719,000 recorded in the year-to-date of 2011 primarily related to the fair value of the remaining non-cancelable lease obligations reduced by the estimated sublease rental income, as well as the acceleration of the useful lives of certain property and equipment, incremental rent during the transition period and lease termination payments associated with Tiffany’s consolidation and relocation of its New York headquarters staff to a single location (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies”). Tiffany expects overall savings of more than $100,000,000 over the 15-year lease term of the new location 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. Changes in market conditions may affect the total expenses ultimately recorded.
New Accounting Standards
See “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 2. New Accounting Standards”.
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 that provides flexibility to pursue future strategic initiatives. Management regularly assesses its working capital needs, capital expenditure requirements, debt service, dividend payouts, share repurchases and other investments. Management believes that cash on hand, internally-generated cash flows and the funds available under its revolving credit facilities are sufficient to support the Company’s liquidity and capital requirements for the foreseeable future.
The following table summarizes cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:
                 
    Year-to-date  
(in thousands)   2011     2010  
Net cash (used in) provided by:
               
Operating activities
  $ (57,154 )   $ (15,789 )
Investing activities
    (194,958 )     (136,473 )
Financing activities
    (152,086 )     (154,799 )
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
    1,718       3,601  
 
           
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
  $ (402,480 )   $ (303,460 )
 
           
Operating Activities
The Company had a net cash outflow from operating activities of $57,154,000 in the year-to-date of 2011 compared with an outflow of $15,789,000 in the same period in 2010. The variance between 2011 and 2010 is primarily due to an increase in inventories partly offset by increased net earnings and adjustments for non-cash items. Additionally, the year-to-date of 2011 includes the Company’s contribution of $25,000,000 to its pension plan versus a contribution of $40,000,000 in the comparable period in 2010, both of which 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 $2,222,599,000 and 5.3 at October 31, 2011, compared with $2,204,632,000 and 5.6 at January 31, 2011 and $2,029,395,000 and 5.6 at October 31, 2010.
Accounts receivable, less allowances at October 31, 2011 were 8% and 5% lower than January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010 primarily due to a decline in receivables from independent wholesale distributors. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates increased accounts receivable balances by 3% compared to January 31, 2011 and by 2% compared to October 31, 2010.

 

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Inventories, net at October 31, 2011 were 27% higher than January 31, 2011 and were 25% higher than October 31, 2010. Finished goods inventories rose 19% and 8% from January 31, 2011 and October 31, 2010 and combined raw material and work-in-process inventories rose 40% and 58% in those same periods, all to support sales growth, new store openings, new product launches and expanded assortments, as well as reflecting higher product and raw material acquisition costs. In addition, the Company has expanded statement jewelry inventory assortments in key markets and has been opportunistic in purchasing greater amounts of rough diamonds.
Investing Activities
The Company had a net cash outflow from investing activities of $194,958,000 in the year-to-date of 2011 compared with an outflow of $136,473,000 in the year-to-date of 2010. The increased outflow in the current year is primarily due to higher capital expenditures (as a result of increased store openings and renovations and the relocation of the New York headquarters) and notes receivable funded, which was partly offset by proceeds received from the sale of marketable securities and short-term investments.
Financing Activities
The Company had a net cash outflow from financing activities of $152,086,000 in the year-to-date of 2011 compared with an outflow of $154,799,000 in the year-to-date of 2010. The decreased outflow in the current year is primarily due to an increase in net proceeds received from borrowings offset by share repurchase activity.
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)   2011     2010  
Short-term borrowings:
               
Proceeds from credit facility borrowings, net
  $ 61,916     $ 31,787  
 
           
Long-term borrowings:
               
Proceeds from issuance
          118,430  
Repayments
    (58,915 )     (178,845 )
 
           
Net repayments of long-term borrowings
    (58,915 )     (60,415 )
 
           
Net proceeds from (repayments of) total borrowings
  $ 3,001     $ (28,628 )
 
           
There was $107,830,000 outstanding and $394,682,000 available under revolving credit facilities at October 31, 2011. The weighted average interest rate for the outstanding amount at October 31, 2011 was 1.76%.
In May 2011, the Company entered into a ¥4,000,000,000 ($49,240,000 at issuance) one-year uncommitted credit facility. Borrowings may be made on one-, three- or 12-month terms bearing interest at the LIBOR rate plus 0.25%, subject to bank approval. As of October 31, 2011, the Company had borrowed the full amount under the facility.
In April 2011, the Company used cash on hand and credit facility borrowings to repay the full amount outstanding of a ¥5,000,000,000 ($58,915,000 at payment date) 15-year term loan, bearing interest at a rate of 4.50%.
The ratio of total debt (short-term borrowings, current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt) to stockholders’ equity was 31% at October 31, 2011, 32% at January 31, 2011 and 38% at October 31, 2010.
At October 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants.
Share Repurchases. The Company’s share repurchase activity was as follows:
                                 
    Third Quarter     Year-to-date  
(in thousands, except per share amounts)   2011     2010     2011     2010  
Cost of repurchases
  $ 86,326     $ 25,668     $ 138,813     $ 72,806  
Shares repurchased and retired
    1,321       588       2,104       1,706  
Average cost per share
  $ 65.37     $ 43.68     $ 65.97     $ 42.68  
In January 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program (“2011 Program”) and terminated the previously existing program. The 2011 Program authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $400,000,000 of its Common Stock through open market or private transactions. The 2011 Program expires on

 

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January 31, 2013. The timing of repurchases and the actual number of shares to be repurchased depend on a variety of discretionary factors such as stock price, cash-flow forecasts and other market conditions. 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, 2011, there remained $253,206,000 of authorization for future repurchases under the 2011 Program.
Contractual Obligations
In March 2011, Laurelton Diamonds, Inc., a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Laurelton”), as lender, entered into a $50,000,000 amortizing term loan facility agreement (the “Loan”) with Koidu Holdings S.A. (“Koidu”), as borrower, and BSG Resources Limited, as a limited guarantor. Koidu operates a kimberlite diamond mine in Sierra Leone (the “Mine”) from which Laurelton now acquires diamonds. Koidu is required under the terms of the Loan to apply the proceeds of the Loan to capital expenditures necessary to expand the Mine, among other purposes. The Loan is required to be repaid in full by March 2017 through semi-annual payments scheduled to begin in March 2013. Interest accrues at a rate per annum that is the greater of (i) LIBOR plus 3.5% or (ii) 4%. In consideration of the Loan, Laurelton was granted the right to purchase at fair market value diamonds recovered from the Mine that meet Laurelton’s quality standards. In the second quarter of 2011 the Loan was fully funded. The assets of Koidu, including all equipment and rights in respect of the Mine, are subject to the security interest of a lender that is not affiliated with the Company. The Loan will be partially secured by diamonds that have been extracted from the Mine and that have not been sold to third parties.
Management anticipates that it is reasonably possible that the total gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by approximately $20,000,000 in the next 12 months, a portion of which may affect the effective tax rate; however, management does not currently anticipate a significant effect on net earnings. Future developments may result in a change in this assessment.
The Company’s contractual cash obligations and commercial commitments at October 31, 2011 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, 2011, 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 2010 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. There were no outstanding put option contracts as of October 31, 2011. The term of all outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts as of October 31, 2011 ranged from less than one month to 15 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 expires 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 12 months.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to 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 hedges 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 1.  
Legal Proceedings
For information regarding current legal proceedings, refer to “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements — Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies”.
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 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 react to any declines in consumer confidence by reducing retail prices and promoting such reductions; such reductions and/or inventory liquidations can have a short-term adverse effect on the Registrant’s sales, especially given the Registrant’s policy of not engaging in price promotional activity.
The Registrant has invested in and operates a significant number of stores in the greater China region and anticipates significant further expansion. Should the Chinese economy experience an economic slowdown, the sales and profitability of those 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 and will result in higher inventories.
(iii) Risk: that regional instability and conflict will disrupt tourist travel and local consumer spending.
Unsettled regional and global conflicts or crises such as military actions, terrorist activities, natural disasters, government regulations 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 weakening foreign currencies may negatively affect the Company’s sales and profitability.
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 2010, sales in countries outside of the U.S. in aggregate represented approximately half of the Registrant’s net sales and more than half of its earnings from continuing operations, of which Japan represented 18% of the Registrant’s net sales and 27% of the Registrant’s earnings from continuing operations. In order to maintain its worldwide relative pricing structure, a substantial

 

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weakening of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar would require the Registrant to raise its 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 and profitability.
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 during the process of financial statement consolidation. If the U.S. dollar strengthens against foreign currencies, the translation of these foreign currency denominated transactions will decrease consolidated net sales and profitability.
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 profitability.
(v) Risk: that volatile global economic conditions 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 recent years. Any prolonged economic weaknesses could have an adverse 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.
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.
Merchandise designed by Ms. Peretti accounted for 10% of 2010 net sales. Tiffany has an exclusive long-standing license arrangement with Ms. Peretti to sell her designs and use her trademarks; 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 71 years of age. Loss of this license would have a material adverse effect on the Registrant’s business through lost sales and profits.
(vii) Risk: that changes in costs 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. Presently, the Registrant purchases a significant portion of the world’s rough and polished white diamonds that meet the Registrant’s quality standards. Acquiring diamonds is difficult because of supply limitations and 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 costs 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 cost 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.
(viii) 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.

 

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In Japan, many of the retail locations are within department stores. TIFFANY & CO. boutiques located in department stores in Japan represented 79% of net sales in Japan and 14% of consolidated net sales in 2010. 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.
(ix) 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.
(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 2011:
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, 2011 to August 31, 2011
    919,899     $ 64.67       919,899     $ 280,041,000  
 
                               
September 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011
    122,414     $ 71.09       122,414     $ 271,338,000  
 
                               
October 1, 2011 to October 31, 2011
    278,359     $ 65.14       278,359     $ 253,206,000  
 
                               
TOTAL
    1,320,672     $ 65.37       1,320,672     $ 253,206,000  
In January 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase program (“2011 Program”) and terminated the previously existing program. The 2011 Program authorizes the Company to repurchase up to $400,000,000 of its Common Stock through open market or private transactions. The 2011 Program expires on January 31, 2013.

 

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ITEM 6.  
Exhibits
(a) Exhibits:
         
  10.155 a  
Acknowledgment of Amendment dated September 21, 2011 with respect to the Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement referred to in previously filed Exhibit 10.155.
       
 
  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, 2011, furnished with the SEC, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Earnings; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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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 2, 2011  By:   /s/ Patrick F. McGuiness    
    Patrick F. McGuiness   
    Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer) 
 

 

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