UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ---------------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): August 25, 2005 FREDS, INC. ----------- (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) Commission File Number 00-19288 Tennessee 62-0634010 --------- ---------- (State or Other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of Incorporation) Identification No.) 4300 New Getwell Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118 ----------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (901) 365-8880 -------------- Registrant's telephone number, including area code Not Applicable -------------- (Former Name or former address, if changed since last report) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions: |_| Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |_| Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |_| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |_| Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) ITEM 2.02. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION. On August 25, 2005, Fred's, Inc. issued a press release announcing its financial results for the second fiscal quarter and six-month period ended July 30, 2005. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and is incorporated herein by reference. The information in this report, including the exhibit attached hereto, is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section. ITEM 9.01. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibits. 99.1 Press Release issued by Fred's, Inc., dated August 25, 2005. 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 hereunto duly authorized. FRED'S, INC. (Registrant) Date: August 25, 2005 By: /s/ Jerry A. Shore ----------------------------------- Jerry A. Shore Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit(s) - ------- ------------------------- 99.1 Copy of press release issued by Fred's, Inc. on August 25, 2005.