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GAAP in the U.S. and the UK

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31. Summary of differences between UK and US generally accepted accounting principles The Group’s consolidated accounts are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United Kingdom (“UK GAAP”), which differ in certain respects from generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“US GAAP”). Differences which have a significant effect on the consolidated net profit and shareholders’ funds of the Group are set out below. While this is not a comprehensive summary of all differences between UK and US GAAP, other differences would not have a significant effect on the consolidated net profit or shareholders’ funds of the Group. The differences have been shown as gross of tax with the related …show more content…

Signet Group plc Annual Report & Accounts year ended 29 January 2005 103 Notes to the accounts (continued) Extended service agreements Prior to the adoption of the amendment to FRS 5 ‘Application Note G – Revenue Recognition’, the Group recognised for UK GAAP purposes all revenue arising from the sale of extended service agreements in the US at the date of sale with provision being made for the estimated cost of future claims arising under these warranties. Following the adoption of the above, under UK GAAP revenue from the sale of extended service agreements in the US is now deferred and recognised, net of incremental costs arising from the initial sale, in proportion to anticipated claims arising. This period is based on the historical claims experience of the US business, which has been consistent since these products were launched. The Group reviews the pattern of claims at the end of each year to determine any significant trends that may require changes to revenue recognition rates. Under US GAAP, the Group historically recognised revenue immediately on a proportion of contracts where analysis of past experience showed that no claim or cost arose, and deferred the balance of revenue over the estimated period of future claims. The Group’s US GAAP policy has now been corrected so that the policies applied under UK and US GAAP are now consistent, with no future GAAP differences expected to arise.

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