Table of Contents PART I. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Item 4. Controls and Procedures PART II. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OTHER INFORMATION Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K SIGNATURES EXHIBIT INDEX EX-31.1 EX-31.2 EX-32 FORM 10-Q SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 [ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2004. OR [ ] 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 001-14565 FRED'S, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Tennessee 62-0634010 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 4300 New Getwell Rd., Memphis, Tennessee 38118 (Address of principal executive offices) (zip code) (901) 365-8880 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 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 X . No . ----------- ----------- Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer. Yes X No ----------- ----------- The registrant had 39,292,363 shares of Class A voting, no par value common stock outstanding as of September 3, 2004. 1 FRED'S, INC. INDEX Page No. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Part I - Financial Information - ------------------------------ Item 1 - Financial Statements (unaudited): Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2004 and January 31, 2004 3 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Weeks Ended July 31, 2004 and August 2, 2003 and the Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 31, 2004 and August 2, 2003 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 31, 2004 and August 2, 2003 5 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 6 - 7 Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 8 - 11 Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk 11 Item 4 - Controls and Procedures 11 Part II - Other Information 12 - 13 - --------------------------- Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K Signatures 14 - ---------- Exhibit - 31.1 Exhibit - 31.2 Exhibit - 32 2 FRED'S, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except for number of shares) July 31, January 31, 2004 2004 ---- ---- ASSETS: (unaudited) - ------- Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $5,264 $4,741 Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $703 ($1,437 at January 31, 2004) 20,362 23,931 Inventories 270,767 239,748 Other current assets 4,711 4,094 ------------ ------------ Total current assets 301,104 272,514 Property and equipment, at depreciated cost 142,266 135,433 Equipment under capital leases, less accumulated amortization of $3,456 ($3,169 at January 31,2004) 1,511 1,798 Other noncurrent assets 4,410 4,005 ---------- ---------- Total assets $449,291 $413,750 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - ------------------------------------ Current liabilities: Accounts payable $63,089 $74,799 Current portion of indebtedness 36 18 Current portion of capital lease obligations 675 725 Accrued expenses and other 22,631 19,113 Current deferred income tax liability 12,219 11,487 Income taxes payable 2,984 930 ------- -------- Total current liabilities 101,634 107,072 ------- -------- Long term portion of indebtedness 35,365 5,603 Deferred income tax liability 7,478 6,335 Capital lease obligations 1,340 1,686 Other noncurrent liabilities 2,607 2,441 ------ ------ Total liabilities 148,424 123,137 ------- ------- Shareholders' equity: - --------------------- Preferred stock, nonvoting, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding --- --- Preferred stock, Series A junior participating nonvoting, no par value, 224,594 shares authorized, none outstanding --- --- Common stock, Class A voting, no par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized 39,283,486 shares issued and outstanding (39,105,639 shares at January 31, 2004) 127,815 126,430 Common stock, Class B nonvoting, no par value, 11,500,000 shares authorized, none outstanding --- --- Retained earnings 173,135 164,183 Deferred compensation on restricted stock incentive plan (83) -- ------- --------- Total shareholders' equity 300,867 290,613 ------- --------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $449,291 $413,750 ======== ======== See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 3 FRED'S, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) (in thousands, except per share amounts) Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 31, August 2, July 31, August 2, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ---------- -------- --------- -------- Net sales $340,850 $302,270 $682,336 $612,959 Cost of goods sold 246,880 217,326 491,572 440,067 ------- ------- ------- ------- Gross profit 93,970 84,944 190,764 172,892 Selling, general and administrative expenses 88,990 78,259 174,301 154,230 ------- ------- ------- ------- Operating income 4,980 6,685 16,463 18,662 Interest expense,net 220 100 282 197 ----- ----- ------ ----- Income before income taxes 4,760 6,585 16,181 18,465 Provision for income taxes 1,666 2,200 5,663 6,223 ------ ------ ------ ------ Net income $ 3,094 $ 4,385 $ 10,518 $ 12,242 ======== ======== ======== ======== Net income per share Basic $ .08 $ .11 $ .27 $ .32 ====== ======== ======== ======== Diluted $ .08 $ .11 $ .27 $ .31 ====== ======== ======== ======== Weighted average shares outstanding Basic 39,110 38,695 39,085 38,569 Effect of dilutive stock options 410 815 498 759 ------ ----- ---- ----- Diluted 39,520 39,510 39,583 39,328 ====== ====== ====== ====== Dividends per common share $ .02 $ .02 $ .02 $ .02 ====== ====== ====== ====== See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 4 FRED'S, INC. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited) (in thousands) Twenty-six Weeks Ended ---------------------- July 31, August 2, 2004 2003 ---- ---- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $10,518 $12,242 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 13,075 12,124 Lifo reserve provision 1,174 670 Deferred income tax provision 1,875 7,366 Amortization of deferred compensation on restricted stock incentive plan 42 28 Tax benefit upon exercise of stock options 335 1,066 (Increase)decrease in assets: Receivables 3,569 2,433 Inventories (32,193) (25,934) Other assets (617) (1,287) Increase (decrease) in liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued expenses (8,190) (5,807) Income taxes payable 2,054 2,962 Other noncurrent liabilities 166 200 -------- ------- Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (8,192) 6,063 -------- ------- Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (18,792) (24,879) Asset acquisition, net of cash acquired (primarily intangibles) (1,236) (468) -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (20,028) (25,347) -------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Reduction of indebtedness and capital lease obligations (406) (551) Proceeds from revolving line of credit, net of payments 29,790 8,397 Proceeds from exercise of options 925 1,531 Proceeds from sale of additional shares --- 5,464 Cash dividends paid (1,566) (1,564) ------- ------- Net cash provided by financing activities 28,743 13,277 ------- ------- Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 523 (6,007) Beginning of period cash and cash equivalents 4,741 8,209 ------- ------- End of period cash and cash equivalents $5,264 $2,202 ====== ======= Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Interest paid $234 $192 ==== ==== Income taxes paid $1,400 $--- ====== ==== See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 5 FRED'S, INC. NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fred's, Inc. ("We", "Our" or "Us") operates 559 discount general merchandise stores, including 25 franchised Fred's stores, in fourteen states in the southeastern United States. Two hundred and fifty of the stores have full service pharmacies. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and notes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The statements do reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The statements should be read in conjunction with Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004 incorporated into Our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the twenty-six week period ended July 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Certain prior quarter amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2004 presentation. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 2: INVENTORIES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Warehouse inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method. Retail inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market as determined by the retail inventory method. Under the retail inventory method ("RIM"), the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross margin are calculated by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. RIM is an averaging method that has been widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. Also, it is recognized that the use of the RIM will result in valuing inventories at lower of cost or market if markdowns are currently taken as a reduction of the retail value of inventories. Inherent in the RIM calculation are certain significant management judgments and estimates including, among others, initial markups, markdowns, and shrinkage, which significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as resulting gross margin. These significant estimates, coupled with the fact that the RIM is an averaging process, can, under certain circumstances, produce distorted or inaccurate cost figures. Management believes that our RIM provides an inventory valuation which reasonably approximates cost and results in carrying inventory at the lower of cost or market. For pharmacy inventories, which are $33.4 million and $33.1 million at July 31, 2004 and January 31, 2004, respectively, cost was determined using the LIFO (last-in, first-out) method. The current cost of inventories exceeded the LIFO cost by $9.0 million at July 31, 2004 and $7.8 million at January 31, 2004. LIFO pharmacy inventory costs can only be determined annually when inflation rates and inventory levels are finalized; therefore, LIFO pharmacy inventory costs for interim financial statements are estimated. 6 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 3: INCENTIVE STOCK OPTIONS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We account for our stock-based compensation plans using the intrinsic value method prescribed in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee compensation expense is reflected in net income because the exercise price of our incentive employee stock options equals the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" (SFAS No. 123), to stock-based employee compensation. Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 31, August 2, July 31, August 2, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ---- ---- ---- ---- (Amounts in thousands, except per share data) --------------------------------------------- Net income, as reported $3,094 $4,385 $10,518 $12,242 SFAS No. 123 pro forma compensation expense, net of income taxes (179) (432) (343) (513) ----- ----- ----- ----- SFAS No. 123 pro forma Net income $ 2,915 $ 3,953 $ 10,175 $ 11,729 ======= ======= ======== ======== Earnings per share, as reported: Basic $ 0.08 $ 0.11 $ .27 $ .32 ====== ====== ===== ===== Diluted $ 0.08 $ 0.11 $ .27 $ .31 ====== ====== ===== ===== Pro forma earnings per share: Basic $ 0.07 $ 0.10 $ .26 $ .30 ====== ====== ===== ===== Diluted $ 0.07 $ 0.10 $ .26 $ .30 ====== ====== ===== ===== - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NOTE 4: CHANGE IN ESTIMATE - INVENTORY SHRINKAGE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- During the first quarter we adopted a change in methodology for estimating shrinkage to attain a more accurate estimate of the shrink accrual. This change decreased net income during the quarter by approximately $0.2 million and increased net income year to date by approximately $0.7 million. 7 Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GENERAL - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Our business is subject to seasonal influences, but has tended to experience less seasonal fluctuation than many other retailers due to the mix of everyday basic merchandise and pharmacy business. Our fiscal fourth quarter is typically the most profitable quarter because it includes the Christmas selling season. The overall strength of the fourth quarter is partially mitigated, however, by the inclusion of the month of January, which is generally the least profitable month of the year. The impact of inflation on labor and occupancy costs can significantly affect our operations. Many of our employees are paid hourly rates related to the federal minimum wage and, accordingly, any increase affects us. In addition, payroll taxes, employee benefits and other employee-related costs continue to increase. Occupancy costs, including rent, maintenance, taxes and insurance, also continue to rise. We believe that maintaining adequate operating margins through a combination of price adjustments and cost controls, careful evaluation of occupancy needs, and efficient purchasing practices are the most effective tools for coping with increasing costs and expenses. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thirteen Weeks Ended July 31, 2004 and August 2, 2003 - ----------------------------------------------------- Net sales increased to $340.9 million in 2004 from $302.3 million in 2003, an increase of $38.6 million or 12.8%. The increase was attributable to comparable store sales increases of 4.2% ($11.6 million) and sales by stores not yet included as comparable stores ($27.3 million). Sales to franchisees decreased $.3 million in 2004. The sales mix for the period was 50.8% Hardlines, 33.4% Pharmacy, 13.5% Softlines, and 2.3% Franchise. This compares with 50.2% Hardlines, 33.2% Pharmacy, 13.9% Softlines, and 2.7% Franchise for the same period last year. During the quarter, 28 new stores and 3 new pharmacies were opened and there were two store closings. Gross profit decreased to 27.6% of sales in 2004 compared with 28.1% of sales in the prior-year period. Gross profit margin decreased as a result of sales mix toward more basic and consumable products, higher markdowns to reduce inventories, increased freight costs and an increase in the LIFO inventory calculation on pharmacy inventories. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $89.0 million in 2004 from $78.3 million in 2003. As a percentage of sales, expenses increased to 26.1% of sales compared to 25.9% of sales last year. The increase in expenses is primarily due to increases in store and pharmacy expenses as a percent of sales offset by productivity gains in the distribution centers. The distribution productivity improved 66 basis points as a percent of store sales in the quarter despite increases in fuel cost on outbound shipments. During the second quarter of 2004 interest expense, net increased by $0.1 million when compared to 2003, reflecting additional borrowings during the quarter for the store growth program and inventory purchases. For the second quarter of 2004, the effective income tax rate was 35.0%, compared with 33.4% for last year. The income tax rate last year benefited from federal credits that became available in 2003 and from higher pretax 8 operating margins resulting in a decrease in the valuation allowance taken against net operating loss carry forwards. Twenty-six Weeks Ended July 31, 2004 and August 2, 2003 - ------------------------------------------------------- Net sales increased to $682.3 million in 2004 from $613.0 million in 2003, an increase of $69.3 million or 11.3%. The increase was attributable to comparable store sales increases of 3.2% ($15.6 million) and sales by stores not yet included as comparable stores ($53.8 million). Sales to franchisees decreased $0.1 million in 2004. The sales mix for the period was 49.9% Hardlines, 33.5% Pharmacy, 14.1% Softlines, and 2.5% Franchise. This compares with 49.7% Hardlines, 33.2% Pharmacy, 14.4% Softlines, and 2.7% Franchise for the same period last year. For the year to date period we opened 49 new stores and 10 new pharmacies opened and we closed three stores and one pharmacy. Gross profit decreased to 28.0% of sales in 2004 compared with 28.2% of sales in the prior-year period. Gross profit margins decreased as a result of sales mix toward more basic and consumable products, higher markdowns to reduce inventories, increased freight costs and an increase in the LIFO inventory calculation on pharmacy inventories. During the first quarter we adopted a change in methodology for estimating shrinkage to attain a more accurate estimate of the shrink accrual. This change increased net income year to date by approximately $0.7 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased to $174.3 million in 2004 from $154.2 million in 2003. As a percentage of sales, expenses increased to 25.5% of sales compared to 25.2% of sales last year. The increase is primarily due to increases in store and pharmacy expenses as a percent of sales offset by productivity gains in the distribution centers. For the first six months of 2004, we incurred interest expense, net of $0.3 million as compared to interest expense, net of $0.2 million last year. The difference is primarily resulting from increased borrowing related to inventory purchases and new store growth. For the first six months of 2003, the effective income tax rate was 35.0%, compared with 33.7% for last year. The income tax rate last year benefited from federal credits that became available in 2003 and from higher pretax operating margins resulting in a decrease in the valuation allowance taken against net operating loss carry forwards. We anticipate the tax rate for the balance of the year to remain in the 35% range. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Due to the seasonality of our business and the continued increase in the number of stores and pharmacies, inventories are generally lower at year-end than at each quarter-end of the following year. Cash flows used in operating activities totaled $8.2 million during the twenty-six week period ended July 31, 2004. Cash was primarily used to increase inventories by approximately $32.2 million in the first six months of 2004. This increase was primarily attributable to 49 new stores and 10 new pharmacies in the first six months of 2004. Cash flows used in investing activities totaled $20.0 million, and consisted primarily of capital expenditures associated with the store and pharmacy expansion program ($14.9 million) and for technology and other corporate expenditures ($5.1 million). During the first six months, we opened 49 stores, closed 3 stores, opened 10 pharmacies, closed 1 pharmacy and remodeled 26 stores. We expect to open 20 to 25 stores in the third quarter and approximately 80 to 90 stores for the year. In 2004, the Company is planning capital 9 expenditures totaling approximately $41.6 million. Expenditures are planned totaling approximately $31.1 million for upgrades, remodels, or new stores and pharmacies; $6.9 million for technology upgrades, distribution center equipment and capital maintenance; and $3.6 million for the acquisition of customer lists and other pharmacy related items. Depreciation expense for the year will be approximately $28 million. Capital expenditures in 2003 totaled $48.0 million and depreciation expense was $25.7 million. Cash flows provided by financing activities totaled $28.7 million and included $29.8 million of borrowings under the Company's revolver for inventory needs. On July 31, 2003, we entered into the third loan modification agreement (the "Agreement") to modify the April 3, 2000 Revolving Loan and Credit Agreement, as amended. The Agreement provides us with an unsecured revolving line of credit commitment of up to $40 million and bears interest at a 1.5% below prime rate or a LIBOR-based rate. Under the most restrictive covenants of the Agreement, we are required to maintain specified shareholders' equity (which was $252,936,000 at July 31, 2004) and net income levels. We are required to pay a commitment fee to the bank at a rate per annum equal to .15% on the unutilized portion of the revolving line commitment over the term of the Agreement. The term of the Agreement extends to July 31, 2006. There were $35.3 million in borrowings outstanding at July 31, 2004 and $5.5 million in borrowings outstanding at January 31, 2004. We believe that sufficient capital resources are available in both the short-term and long-term through currently available cash and cash generated from future operations and, if necessary, the ability to obtain additional financing. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other than statements based on historical facts, many of the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q relate to events which we expect or anticipate may occur in the future. Such statements are defined as "forward-looking statements" under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Reform Act"), 15 U.S.C.A. Sections 77z-2 and 78u-5 (Supp. 1996). The Reform Act created a safe harbor to protect companies from securities law liability in connection with forward-looking statements. Fred's Inc. ("Fred's" or the "Company") intends to qualify both its written and oral forward-looking statements for protection under the Reform Act and any other similar safe harbor provisions. The words "believe", "anticipate", "project", "plan", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "forecast", "goal", "intend", "will likely result", or "will continue" and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and concern matters that involve risks and other factors which may cause the actual performance of the Company to differ materially from the performance expressed or implied by these statements. Therefore, forward-looking statements should be evaluated in the context of these uncertainties and risks, including but not limited to: o Economic and weather conditions which affect buying patterns of our customers and supply chain efficiency; o Changes in consumer spending and our ability to anticipate buying patterns and implement appropriate inventory strategies; o Continued availability of capital and financing; o Competitive factors; 10 o Changes in reimbursement practices for pharmaceuticals; o Governmental regulation; o Increases in fuel and utility rates; o Other factors affecting business beyond our control. Consequently, all forward-looking statements are qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it was made. Item 3. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We have no holdings of derivative financial or commodity instruments as of July 31, 2004. We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. All borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at 1.5% below prime rate or a LIBOR-based rate. An increase in interest rates of 100 basis points would not significantly affect our income. All of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars and, accordingly, foreign exchange rate fluctuations have never had a significant impact on us, and they are not expected to in the foreseeable future. Item 4. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that, as of the date of their evaluation, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC reports. Consistent with the suggestion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company has formed a Disclosure Committee consisting of key Company personnel designed to review the accuracy and completeness of all disclosures made by the Company. Although during this fiscal year the Company has instituted various changes to enhance its internal controls over financial reporting, there have been no changes during the quarter ended July 31, 2004 in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting. 11 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings Not Applicable. Item 2. Changes in Securities Not Applicable. Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities Not Applicable. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Fred's, Inc. was held on June 16, 2004. Michael J. Hayes, John R. Eisenman, Roger T. Knox, John D. Reier, and Thomas H. Tashjian were elected to continue as directors of the Company. The shareholders also ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2005 (see item 6) and the shareholders also approved the 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The results of the voting were as follows: Abstain/ For Against Withheld Broker Non-Vote --- ------- -------- --------------- Election of Directors: Michael J. Hayes 32,260,715 3,698,808 3,208,104 John R. Eisenman 28,913,284 7,046,239 3,208,104 Roger T. Knox 28,912,553 7,046,970 3,208,104 John D. Reier 29,515,140 6,444,383 3,208,104 Thomas H. Tashjian 31,382,806 4,576,717 3,208,104 Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP 29,737,480 6,222,041 3,208,106 Approval of 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan 21,547,226 8,251,710 9,368,691 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K Exhibits: 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer. 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer. 32.0 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. Reports on Form 8-K: 1) Form 8-K dated May 20, 2004 with press release dated May 20, 2004, reporting its quarterly earnings result for its first quarter ended May 1, 2004. 2) Form 8-K dated June 8, 2004 reporting Item 5 - Other Events dated June 8, 2004, reporting form of revised section 4 of the Fred's Inc. 2004 Employee Stock Purchase plan. 12 3) Form 8-K dated July 9, 2004 reporting item 4 - Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant dated July 1, 2004, reporting a change in certifying accountant. 4) Form 8-K/A dated July 30, 2004 reporting item 4 - Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant dated July 1, 2004, reporting a change in certifying accountant. 13 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. FRED'S, INC. /s/Michael J. Hayes ------------------------------------ Michael J. Hayes Date: September 8, 2004 Chief Executive Officer - ------------------------ /s/Jerry A. Shore ------------------------------------ Jerry A. Shore Date: September 8, 2004 Chief Financial Officer - ------------------------ 14 Exhibit 31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer I, Michael J. Hayes, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Fred's, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designated under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designated such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors: a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: September 8, 2004 /s/ Michael J. Hayes ----------------------------- Michael J. Hayes Chief Executive Officer 15 Exhibit 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer I, Jerry A. Shore, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Fred's, Inc. 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designated under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designated such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors: a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Date: September 8, 2004 /s/ Jerry A. Shore ------------------------------- Jerry A. Shore Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 16 Exhibit 32 Certification of Chief Executive Officer AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 In connection with this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Fred's, Inc. each of the undersigned, Michael J. Hayes and Jerry A. Shore, certifies, pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that: 1. The report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in this report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Fred's, Inc. Date: September 8, 2004 /s/ Michael J. Hayes ----------------------------------- Michael J. Hayes Chief Executive Officer /s/ Jerry A. Shore ----------------------------------- Jerry A Shore Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 17