Market information
Signet's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (SIG) and the London Stock Exchange (SIG).
Prior to September 11, 2008, the ordinary shares of Signet Group plc (the “Predecessor Company”) were traded on the London Stock Exchange and American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) representing those shares were quoted on the NYSE. Each ADS represented ten ordinary shares. Prior to November 16, 2004, the ADSs were traded on NASDAQ (symbol: SIGY). Prior to October 18, 2004 the ratio of ordinary shares per ADS had been 30:1.
On September 11, 2008 with the approval of the High Court of Justice in England and Wales, a scheme of arrangement (the “Scheme”) was effected. Under the terms of the Scheme, a new group holding company, Signet Jewelers Limited, was established. Common Shares in the new company, which has its primary listing on the NYSE, were distributed to the shareholders of the Predecessor Company in proportion to their original holding (subject to fractional entitlements) following a 1-for-20 reverse share split (share consolidation). Holders of ADSs received one new Common Share for every two ADSs held.
Historic share prices have been adjusted for the events noted above. The following table sets forth the high and low share price on each stock exchange for the periods indicated.
Click here for the current share price and tools.
| NYSE Price per share | NYSE Price per share | LSE Price per share | LSE Price per share | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High $ | Low $ | High £ | Low £ | |
| Fiscal 2006 | 43.92 | 33.75 | 23.55 | 18.65 |
| Fiscal 2007 | 48.28 | 34.00 | 25.40 | 18.45 |
| Fiscal 2008 | 51.64 | 22.08 | 25.35 | 10.85 |
| Fiscal 2009 | ||||
| First quarter | 28.16 | 20.20 | 14.25 | 10.05 |
| Second quarter | 30.40 | 17.70 | 15.50 | 8.85 |
| Third quarter | 25.55 | 10.18 | 13.35 | 6.05 |
| Fourth quarter | 12.69 | 7.04 | 7.93 | 4.78 |
| Full year | 30.40 | 7.04 | 15.50 | 4.78 |
| Fiscal 2010 | ||||
| First quarter | 16.50 | 6.06 | 11.10 | 4.12 |
| Second quarter | 22.24 | 16.01 | 13.53 | 10.36 |
| Third quarter | 28.58 | 20.34 | 17.25 | 11.93 |
| Fourth quarter | 28.97 | 23.72 | 17.65 | 14.34 |
| Full year | 28.97 | 6.06 | 17.65 | 4.12 |
| Most recent six months | ||||
| April 2010 | 34.10 | 32.02 | 22.15 | 21.09 |
| March 2010 | 32.34 | 28.08 | 21.38 | 18.80 |
| February 2010 | 29.03 | 26.59 | 18.88 | 16.95 |
| January 2010 | 28.89 | 26.74 | 17.65 | 16.35 |
| December 2009 | 27.37 | 23.72 | 17.02 | 14.34 |
| November 2009 | 28.97 | 25.63 | 17.14 | 15.38 |
Number of holders
As of March 21, 2010 there were 13,652 shareholders of record. However when including shareholders that hold equity in broker accounts under street names, nominee accounts or employee share purchase plans, management estimates the shareholder base at approximately 29,000.
Dividend policy
In fiscal 2009, total equity dividends of $123.8 million were paid. Historic dividend per share amounts have been restated to reflect the 1-for-20 reverse stock split that took place on September 11, 2008. In July 2008, a dividend of $1.2634 per share was paid and in November 2008, an interim dividend of $0.192 per share was paid.
Signet did not pay any dividends in fiscal 2010, nor is it expected to do so in fiscal 2011. The restrictions contained in its borrowing agreements to making shareholder distributions are discussed in Item 7.