================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Quarterly Period Ended October 30, 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: 0-25716 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. ------------------------------------------------------ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 13-3492802 - ------------------------------- ------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 529 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10017 ---------------------------------------- ---------- (Address of principal executive offices) (zip code) (212) 808-2800 ---------------------------------------------------- (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 (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [X] No [ ] As of December 3, 2004, there were 8,957,010 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the registrant outstanding. FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2004 INDEX PAGE(S) ------- PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003.....................................................1 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004.....................................................3 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the year ended January 31, 2004 and the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004.........................................4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003.....................................................5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................7 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.......................17 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk..........33 Item 4. Controls and Procedures.............................................33 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.........34 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.................34 Item 6. Exhibits............................................................34 SIGNATURES....................................................................36 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED ------------------------------- OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 2003 -------------- ------------- Sales ............................................................. $ 166,841 $ 165,784 Cost of sales ..................................................... 82,229 81,067 ----------- ----------- Gross margin .................................................. 84,612 84,717 Selling, general and administrative expenses ...................... 82,629 80,594 Depreciation and amortization ..................................... 4,298 4,353 ----------- ----------- Loss from operations .......................................... (2,315) (230) Interest expense, net ............................................. 5,596 5,922 ----------- ----------- Loss from continuing operations before income taxes ........... (7,911) (6,152) Benefit for income taxes .......................................... (3,085) (2,399) ----------- ----------- Loss from continuing operations ............................... (4,826) (3,753) Discontinued operations, net of tax ............................... - (123) ----------- ----------- Net loss ...................................................... $ (4,826) $ (3,876) =========== =========== Net loss per share applicable to common shares - basic and diluted: Loss from continuing operations ......................... $ (0.55) $ (0.42) Discontinued operations, net of tax ..................... - (0.01) ----------- ----------- Net loss ................................................ $ (0.55) $ (0.43) =========== =========== Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted ........................................ 8,714,961 8,989,586 =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 1 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED ---------------------------------- OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 2003 ------------- ------------- Sales ............................................................. $ 543,051 $ 523,440 Cost of sales ..................................................... 266,546 255,161 ----------- ----------- Gross margin .................................................. 276,505 268,279 Selling, general and administrative expenses ...................... 258,096 249,124 Depreciation and amortization ..................................... 13,061 12,718 ----------- ----------- Income from operations ........................................ 5,348 6,437 Interest expense, net ............................................. 17,109 17,628 Other expense - debt extinguishment costs ......................... 9,090 - ----------- ----------- Loss from continuing operations before income taxes ........... (20,851) (11,191) Benefit for income taxes .......................................... (8,756) (4,362) ----------- ----------- Loss from continuing operations .............................. (12,095) (6,829) Discontinued operations, net of tax ............................... - 938 ----------- ----------- Net loss ..................................................... $ (12,095) $ (5,891) =========== =========== Net loss per share applicable to common shares - basic and diluted: Loss from continuing operations ....................... $ (1.39) $ (0.75) Discontinued operations, net of tax ................... - 0.10 ----------- ----------- Net loss per share ...................................... $ (1.39) $ (0.65) =========== =========== Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted ........................................ 8,718,083 9,049,247 =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 2 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) OCTOBER 30, JANUARY 31, 2004 2004 ------------- ------------- ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents ................................................... $ 2,977 $ 91,302 Accounts receivable - department stores ..................................... 37,065 21,602 Other receivables ........................................................... 54,972 38,457 Merchandise inventories ..................................................... 305,282 272,948 Prepaid expenses and other .................................................. 5,101 2,616 Deferred income taxes ....................................................... - 6,564 --------- --------- Total current assets ..................................................... 405,397 433,489 --------- --------- Fixed assets: Building, equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements .................... 126,396 117,631 Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization ............................ 61,310 51,506 --------- --------- Fixed assets, net ........................................................ 65,086 66,125 --------- --------- Deferred charges and other assets, net ........................................ 17,912 18,120 Goodwill ...................................................................... 77,288 77,288 --------- --------- Total assets ............................................................. $ 565,683 $ 595,022 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Short-term borrowings ....................................................... $ 78,497 $ - Accounts payable - trade .................................................... 54,094 122,976 Accrued liabilities: Accrued salaries and benefits ............................................ 15,793 18,756 Accrued miscellaneous taxes .............................................. 5,883 7,180 Accrued interest ......................................................... 7,466 5,303 Deferred income .......................................................... 6,569 9,515 Deferred income taxes .................................................... 6,635 - Other .................................................................... 16,300 15,864 Income taxes payable ........................................................ 11,730 15,562 --------- --------- Total current liabilities ................................................ 202,967 195,156 Long-term debt ................................................................ 200,000 225,000 Deferred income taxes ......................................................... 22,548 21,890 Other non-current liabilities ................................................. 67 80 --------- --------- Total liabilities ........................................................ 425,582 442,126 --------- --------- Stockholders' equity: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued 11,092,913 and 10,833,080 shares, at October 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004, respectively ........................................... 111 108 Additional paid-in capital .................................................. 88,647 82,808 Retained earnings ........................................................... 79,912 92,007 Unamortized restricted stock compensation ................................... (1,829) (1,405) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)................................ 659 (85) Less treasury stock, of 2,207,904 and 1,815,159 shares, respectively, at cost (27,399) (20,537) --------- --------- Total stockholders' equity ............................................... 140,101 152,896 --------- --------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ............................... $ 565,683 $ 595,022 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 3 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA) (UNAUDITED) COMMON STOCK UNAMORTIZED ACCUMULTED ------------------ ADDITIONAL RESTRICTED OTHER TOTAL NUMBER PAID-IN RETAINED STOCK COMPREHENSIVE TREASURY STOCKHOLDERS' OF SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL EARNINGS COMPENSATION INCOME (LOSS) STOCK EQUITY --------- ------ ------- -------- ------------ ------------- ----- ------ Balance, February 1, 2003 ............. 9,300,638 $106 $79,680 $ 83,597 $ (609) $ 55 $(13,793) $ 149,036 Net income ........................ - - - 8,410 - - - 8,410 Change in fair value of gold forward contracts, net of tax .. - - - - - (140) - (140) Exercise of stock options and related tax benefit ............ 149,500 1 1,722 - - - - 1,722 Issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units ........ 50,000 1 1,406 - (1,327) - - 80 Amortization of restricted stock compensation and restricted stock units ................... - - - - 531 - - 531 Purchase of treasury stock ........ (482,217) - - - - - (6,744) (6,744) --------- ---- ------- -------- ------- ----- -------- --------- Balance, January 31, 2004 ............. 9,017,921 108 82,808 92,007 (1,405) (85) (20,537) 152,896 Net loss .......................... - - - (12,095) - - - (12,095) Change in fair value of gold forward contracts, net of tax .. - - - - - 744 - 744 Exercise of stock options and related tax benefits ....... 259,833 3 3,657 - - - - 3,660 Issuance of restricted stock and restricted stock units ......... - - 2,182 - (1,407) - - 775 Amortization of restricted stock compensation and restricted stock units .................... - - - - 983 - - 983 Purchase of treasury stock ........ (392,745) - - - - - (6,862) (6,862) --------- ---- ------- -------- ------- ----- -------- --------- Balance, October 30, 2004 ............. 8,885,009 $111 $88,647 $ 79,912 $(1,829) $ 659 $(27,399) $ 140,101 ========= ==== ======= ======== ======= ===== ======== ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 4 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED --------------------------- OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 2003 ------------ ----------- CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss .................................................. $ (4,826) $ (3,876) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization ............................ 4,298 4,991 Amortization of deferred financing costs ................. 290 258 Amortization of restricted stock compensation and restricted stock units ........................... 377 163 Deferred income tax provision ............................ 1,676 1,103 Other, net ............................................... (369) 169 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in accounts and other receivables .. 2,344 (9,872) Increase in merchandise inventories .................... (24,854) (35,430) Increase in prepaid expenses and other ................. (1,359) (248) Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities ... 11,852 26,009 --------- --------- NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES .............. (10,571) (16,733) --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements (3,279) (2,971) Deferred charges and other, net ........................... - (23) --------- --------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES ............... (3,279) (2,994) --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from revolving credit facility ................... 149,237 155,925 Principal payments on revolving credit facility ........... (130,708) (135,151) Capitalized financing costs ............................... (78) - Bank overdraft ............................................ (3,788) 640 Purchase of treasury stock ................................ - (2,170) Stock options exercised ................................... 362 397 --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES ...... 15,025 19,641 --------- --------- INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS . 1,175 (86) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD .............. 1,802 2,367 --------- --------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD .................... $ 2,977 $ 2,281 ========= ========= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Interest paid ........................................... $ 1,208 $ 737 ========= ========= Income taxes paid (refunded) ............................ $ (9,412) $ 2,876 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 5 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (IN THOUSANDS) (UNAUDITED) THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED ---------------------------- OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 2003 ------------ ------------ CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net loss .................................................................. $ (12,095) $ (5,891) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization ............................................ 13,061 13,710 Amortization of deferred financing costs ................................. 827 775 Amortization of restricted stock compensation and restricted stock units ............................................... 983 315 Loss on extinguishment of debt ........................................... 9,090 - Deferred income tax provision ............................................ 13,857 3,040 Other, net ............................................................... 150 583 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase in accounts and other receivables ............................ (31,978) (29,362) Increase in merchandise inventories ................................... (32,334) (36,677) Increase in prepaid expenses and other ................................ (2,485) (2,712) Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities .................. (84,691) (61,887) --------- --------- NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES .............................. (125,615) (118,106) --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Purchases of equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements ............... (8,914) (8,001) --------- --------- NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES ............................... (8,914) (8,001) --------- --------- CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from revolving credit facility ................................... 478,753 462,409 Principal payments on revolving credit facility ........................... (400,256) (407,863) Proceeds from issuance of New Senior Notes ................................ 200,000 - Purchase and redemption of Senior Debentures and Senior Notes ............. (231,971) - Capitalized financing costs ............................................... (4,849) (431) Bank overdraft ............................................................ 8,432 9,317 Purchase of treasury stock ................................................ (6,862) (5,018) Stock options exercised ................................................... 2,957 643 --------- --------- NET CASH PROVIDED FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES ...................... 46,204 59,057 --------- --------- DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ............................ (88,325) (67,050) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD .............................. 91,302 69,331 --------- --------- CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD .................................... $ 2,977 $ 2,281 ========= ========= SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Interest paid ........................................................... $ 14,119 $ 12,132 ========= ========= Income taxes paid (refunded) ............................................ $ (6,138) $ 10,561 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 6 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 1 - BASIS OF ACCOUNTING AND PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Finlay Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company," the "Registrant," "we," "us" and "our"), and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Finlay Fine Jewelry Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries ("Finlay Jewelry"), have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. References to "Finlay" mean collectively, the Company and Finlay Jewelry. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position as of October 30, 2004, and our results of operations and cash flows for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, results for interim periods are not indicative of annual results. The unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a basis consistent with that of the audited consolidated financial statements as of January 31, 2004 referred to below, except as discussed in Notes 2 and 5 below. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004 ("Form 10-K") previously filed with the Commission. The results of operations and related disclosures for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003 reflect the Burdines departments as a discontinued operation. See Note 11 for additional information regarding discontinued operations. Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. References to 2004, 2003, 2002 and 2001 relate to the fiscal years ending January 29, 2005, January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002, respectively. Each of the fiscal years includes 52 weeks. NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES: Consolidated inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market determined by the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. See Note 5 for information regarding our change in method of determining price indices used in the valuation of LIFO inventories from external indices published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics ("BLS") to an internally developed index in 2004. Inventory is reduced for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. The cost to us of gold merchandise sold on consignment, which typically varies with the price of gold, is not fixed until the merchandise is sold. We, at times, enter into forward contracts based upon the anticipated sales of gold product in order to hedge against the risk of gold price fluctuations. Such contracts typically have durations ranging from one to nine months. At both October 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004, we had several open positions in gold forward contracts totaling 31,500 fine troy ounces and 25,000 fine troy ounces, respectively, to purchase gold for $12.4 million and $10.2 million, respectively. The fair value of gold under such contracts was $13.5 million and $10.0 million at October 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004, respectively. 7 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) VENDOR ALLOWANCES: We receive allowances from our vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements, including cooperative advertising. Vendor allowances are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales upon the sale of merchandise or selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") when the purpose for which the vendor funds were intended to be used has been fulfilled. Accordingly, a reduction or increase in vendor allowances has an inverse impact on cost of sales and/or SG&A. Effective in 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") finalized Issue No. 02-16, "Accounting By a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Cash Consideration Received from a Vendor" ("EITF 02-16"). EITF 02-16 addresses the accounting treatment for vendor allowances and provides that cash consideration received from a vendor should be presumed to be a reduction of the prices of the vendors' product and should therefore be shown as a reduction in the purchase price of the merchandise. Further, these allowances should be recognized as a reduction in cost of sales when the related product is sold. To the extent that the cash consideration represents a reimbursement of a specific, incremental and identifiable cost, then those vendor allowances should be used to offset such costs. As of October 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004, deferred vendor allowances totaled (i) $14.2 million and $17.1 million, respectively, for owned merchandise, which allowances are included as an offset to merchandise inventories on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and (ii) $6.6 million and $9.5 million, respectively, for merchandise received on consignment, which allowances are included as deferred income on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. HEDGING: Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended, establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. Under SFAS No. 133, all derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. SFAS No. 133 defines requirements for designation and documentation of hedging relationships, as well as ongoing effectiveness assessments, which must be met in order to qualify for hedge accounting. For a derivative that does not qualify as a hedge, changes in fair value would be recorded in earnings immediately. We have designated our existing derivative instruments, consisting of gold forward contracts, as cash flow hedges. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a separate component of stockholders' equity, and is reclassified into cost of sales when the offsetting effects of the hedged transaction impact earnings. Changes in the fair value of the derivative attributable to hedge ineffectiveness are recorded in earnings immediately. At October 30, 2004, the fair value of the gold forward contracts resulted in the recognition of an asset of $1.1 million. At January 31, 2004, the fair value of the gold forward contracts resulted in the recognition of a liability of $144,000. The amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income at October 30, 2004 of $659,000, net of tax, is expected to be reclassified into earnings through early 2005. The amount recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at January 31, 2004 of $85,000, net of tax, was reclassified into earnings in the first quarter of 2004. 8 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) We have documented all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. We have also assessed, both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. We believe that the designated hedges will be highly effective. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE: Net loss per share has been computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share". Basic and diluted net loss per share were calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period, with options to purchase Common Stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units included in diluted net income per share, using the treasury stock method, to the extent that such options, restricted stock and restricted stock units were dilutive. As we had a net loss for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, the stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units are not considered in the calculation of diluted net loss per share due to their anti-dilutive effect. As a result, the weighted average number of shares outstanding used for both the basic and diluted net loss per share calculations was the same. Total stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units outstanding were 1,486,827 and 1,504,901 at October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, respectively, at prices ranging from $7.05 to $24.31 per share in each period. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004, 213,750 shares of restricted stock and 93,742 restricted stock units were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003, 150,000 shares of restricted stock and 5,292 restricted stock units were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share. See Note 7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION: SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure" amends SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation", to provide alternative methods of transition for an entity that voluntarily changes to the fair value method of accounting for stock options. As permitted by SFAS No. 123, we have elected to account for stock options using the intrinsic value method. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 148 and APB No. 25, we have not recognized compensation expense related to our stock options. However, deferred stock-based compensation is amortized using the straight-line method over the vesting period. Had the fair value method of accounting been applied to our stock option plans, which requires recognition of compensation cost ratably over the vesting period of the stock options, net loss and net loss per share would be as follows: THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED --------------------------- ---------------------------- OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- (IN THOUSANDS) Reported net loss .................................... $(4,826) $(3,876) $(12,095) $(5,891) Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value method, net of tax ...................................... (335) (188) (859) (579) Deduct: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net loss, net of tax 254 94 619 187 ------- ------- -------- ------- Pro forma net loss ................................... $(4,907) $(3,970) $(12,335) $(6,283) ======= ======= ======== ======= Basic and diluted net loss per share: Reported net loss per share .......................... $ (0.55) $ (0.43) $ (1.39) $ (0.65) ======= ======= ======== ======= Pro forma net loss per share ......................... $ (0.56) $ (0.44) $ (1.41) $ (0.69) ======= ======= ======== ======= 9 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC . NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 2 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED) COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS): SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income" requires disclosure of comprehensive income, defined as the total of net income and all other non-owner changes in equity, which are recorded directly to the stockholders' equity section of the consolidated balance sheet and, therefore, bypass net income. For 2004 and 2003, the only non-owner change in equity related to the change in the fair value of our outstanding gold forward contracts. For the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, the comprehensive loss, calculated as the total of the net loss plus the change in the fair value of our outstanding gold forward contracts, was $4.1 million and $3.8 million, respectively. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, the comprehensive loss was $11.4 million and $5.3 million, respectively. INCOME TAXES: The income tax benefit for both the 2004 and 2003 periods reflects an effective tax rate of 39%. During the second quarter of fiscal 2004, a benefit of approximately $0.6 million was recorded associated with the reversal of tax accruals no longer required. Further, during the second quarter of 2004, net current deferred tax assets decreased by approximately $10.1 million, primarily as a result of the utilization of deferred tax assets related to the approval from the Internal Revenue Service of a favorable change of accounting method regarding vendor allowances. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT: In June 2004, the FASB issued an interpretation of FASB No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations". This interpretation clarifies the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations under FASB No. 143, and is effective no later than the end of our 2005 fiscal year. We have determined that this interpretation, and the adoption of FASB No. 143, will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. NOTE 3 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS We conduct business through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Finlay Jewelry. We are a retailer of fine jewelry products and operate leased fine jewelry departments in department stores throughout the United States. The fourth quarter of 2003 accounted for approximately 42% of our sales and approximately 89% of our income from operations, due to the seasonality of the retail jewelry industry. Approximately 51% of our sales in 2003 were from operations in The May Department Stores Company ("May") and 18% in departments operated in store groups owned by Federated Department Stores ("Federated"). Including our sales in Marshall Fields which May recently acquired, departments operated by May would have accounted for 60% of our sales in 2003. NOTE 4 - SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT On January 22, 2003, Finlay Jewelry's revolving credit agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation and certain other lenders was amended and restated (the "Revolving Credit Agreement"). The Revolving Credit Agreement, which matures in January 2008, provides Finlay Jewelry with a senior secured revolving line of credit up to $225.0 million (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). At October 30, 2004, $78.5 million was outstanding under this facility, at which point the available borrowings were $126.1 million. The average amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement were $49.4 million and $42.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 was $99.8 million, at which point the available borrowings were an additional $113.5 million. Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, (i) the 10 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 4 - SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) prime rate plus a margin ranging from zero to zero to 1.0% or (ii) the adjusted Eurodollar rate plus a margin ranging from 1.0% to 2.0%, in each case depending on our financial performance. The weighted average interest rate was 3.7% and 3.3% for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, respectively. On May 7, 2004, we and Finlay Jewelry each commenced an offer to purchase for cash any and all of our 9% Senior Debentures, due May 1, 2008, having an aggregate principal amount of $75.0 million (the "Senior Debentures") and Finlay Jewelry's 8-3/8% Senior Notes, due May 1, 2008, having an aggregate principal amount of $150.0 million (the "Senior Notes"), respectively. In conjunction with the tender offers, we and Finlay Jewelry each solicited consents to effect certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes. On May 20, 2004, we and Finlay Jewelry announced that holders of approximately 79% and 98% of the outstanding Senior Debentures and the outstanding Senior Notes, respectively, tendered their securities and consented to the proposed amendments to the related indentures. On June 3, 2004, Finlay Jewelry completed the sale of 8-3/8% Senior Notes, due June 1, 2012, having an aggregate principal amount of $200.0 million (the "New Senior Notes"). Interest on the New Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on December 1, 2004. Finlay Jewelry used the net proceeds from the offering of the New Senior Notes, together with drawings from its Revolving Credit Facility, to repurchase the tendered Senior Notes and to make consent payments and to distribute $77.3 million to us to enable us to repurchase the tendered Senior Debentures and to make consent payments. Additionally, on June 3, 2004, we and Finlay Jewelry called for the redemption of all of the untendered Senior Debentures and Senior Notes, respectively, and these securities were repurchased on July 2, 2004. Finlay Jewelry incurred approximately $5.1 million in costs, including $4.9 million associated with the sale of the New Senior Notes, which have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the New Senior Notes. In June 2004, we recorded pre-tax charges of approximately $9.1 million, including $6.7 million for redemption premiums paid on the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes, $2.1 million to write-off deferred financing costs related to the refinancing of the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes and $0.3 million for other expenses. These costs are included in other expense - debt extinguishment costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. In September 2004, for the purpose of an exchange offer, Finlay Jewelry registered notes with terms identical to the New Senior Notes under the Securities Act of 1933. Finlay Jewelry completed the exchange offer in the third quarter of 2004 and 100% of the original notes were exchanged for the registered notes. The New Senior Notes are unsecured senior obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of the existing and future unsubordinated indebtedness of Finlay Jewelry and senior to any future indebtedness of Finlay Jewelry that is expressly subordinated to the New Senior Notes. The New Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to Finlay Jewelry's secured indebtedness, including obligations under its Revolving Credit Agreement and its Gold Consignment Agreement (as defined herein), to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and effectively subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of its subsidiaries. Finlay Jewelry may redeem the New Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at any time on or after June 1, 2008 at specified redemption prices, plus accrued and 11 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 4 - SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED) unpaid interest, if any, to the date of the redemption. In addition, before June 1, 2007, Finlay Jewelry may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the New Senior Notes with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings at 108.375% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the redemption date. Upon certain change of control events, each holder of the New Senior Notes may require Finlay Jewelry to purchase all or a portion of such holder's New Senior Notes at a purchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued interest to the purchase date. The indenture governing the New Senior Notes contains restrictions relating to, among other things, the payment of dividends, redemptions or repurchases of capital stock, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of certain investments, the creation of certain liens, the sale of certain assets, entering into transactions with affiliates, engaging in mergers and consolidations and the transfer of all or substantially all assets. NOTE 5 - MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES Merchandise inventories consisted of the following: OCTOBER 30, JANUARY 31, 2004 2004 ----------- ----------- (IN THOUSANDS) Jewelry goods - rings, watches and other fine jewelry (first-in, first-out ("FIFO") basis) ........... $322,752 $289,546 Less: Excess of FIFO cost over LIFO inventory value 17,470 16,598 -------- -------- $305,282 $272,948 ======== ======== In accordance with EITF 02-16, the FIFO basis of merchandise inventories have been reduced by $14.2 million and $17.1 million at October 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004, respectively, to reflect the vendor allowances as a reduction in the cost of merchandise. During the third quarter of 2004, we changed our method of determining price indices used in the valuation of LIFO inventories. Prior to the third quarter of fiscal 2004, we determined our LIFO inventory value by utilizing selected producer price indices published for jewelry and watches by the BLS. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, we began applying internally developed indices that we believe more accurately measure inflation or deflation in the components of our merchandise and our merchandise mix than the BLS producer price indices. Additionally, we believe that this accounting change is an alternative accounting principle that is preferable under the circumstances described above. Under the new accounting method, the LIFO charge for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 was approximately $0.3 million and $0.9 million, respectively. The LIFO charge for the thirteen weeks and the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 would have been approximately $1.3 million and $4.4 million, respectively, under the former LIFO method. Had we not changed our method of determining price indices, the net loss and net loss per share under the former LIFO method for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 would have been approximately $5.5 million or $0.63 per share and approximately $14.2 million or $1.63 per share, respectively. The net loss and net loss per share for each of the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2004 and July 31, 2004 have been restated to reflect this change. Under the new accounting method, the LIFO charge for each of the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2004 and July 31, 2004 was approximately $0.3 million, compared to $0.8 million and $1.0 million, respectively, as previously reported. The cumulative effect of this change on retained earnings at the beginning of 2004 and the proforma impact of applying the new method in the periods prior to 2004 are not determinable. 12 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 5 - MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES (CONTINUED) Additionally, the prior year presented has not been restated to reflect this change in accounting method. The following table presents the net loss and net loss per share for the thirteen weeks ended May 1, 2004 and July 31, 2004, as restated: THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED --------------------------- MAY 1, JULY 31, 2004 2004 ------------ ----------- NET LOSS: Net loss as previously reported ................... $ (1,857) $ (6,141) Impact of change in LIFO inventory valuation method, net of tax ........................... 300 429 --------- --------- Net loss, as restated ............................. $ (1,557) $ (5,712) ========= ========= BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER SHARE: Basic and diluted net loss per share, as previously reported ................................... $ (0.21) $ (0.71) Impact of change in LIFO inventory valuation method, net of tax ......................... 0.03 0.05 --------- --------- Basic and diluted net loss per share, as restated . $ (0.18) $ (0.66) ========= ========= Approximately $387.8 million and $364.5 million at October 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004, respectively, of merchandise received on consignment is not included in merchandise inventories and accounts payable-trade in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Finlay Jewelry is a party to an amended and restated gold consignment agreement (as amended, the "Gold Consignment Agreement"), which enables Finlay Jewelry to receive consignment merchandise by providing gold, or otherwise making payment, to certain vendors. While the merchandise involved remains consigned, title to the gold content of the merchandise transfers from the vendors to the gold consignor. Finlay Jewelry's Gold Consignment Agreement matures on July 31, 2005, and permits Finlay Jewelry to consign up to the lesser of (i) 165,000 fine troy ounces or (ii) $50.0 million worth of gold, subject to a formula as prescribed by the Gold Consignment Agreement. In the event this agreement is terminated, Finlay Jewelry would be required to return the gold or purchase the outstanding gold at the prevailing gold rate in effect on that date. At October 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004, amounts outstanding under the Gold Consignment Agreement totaled 115,615 and 116,835 fine troy ounces, respectively, valued at $49.2 million and $46.7 million, respectively. For financial statement purposes, the consigned gold is not included in merchandise inventories on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and, therefore, no related liability has been recorded. NOTE 6 - LEASE AGREEMENTS We conduct substantially all of our operations as leased departments in department stores. All of these leases, as well as rentals for office space and equipment, are accounted for as operating leases. A substantial number of such operating leases expire on various dates through 2008. All references herein to leased departments refer to fine jewelry departments operated pursuant to license agreements or other similar arrangements with host department stores. 13 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 6 - LEASE AGREEMENTS (CONTINUED) All of the department store leases provide that, except under limited circumstances, the title to certain of our fixed assets transfers upon termination of the leases, and that we will receive the undepreciated value of such fixed assets from the host store in the event such transfers occur. The values of such fixed assets are recorded at cost at the inception of the lease arrangement and are reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. In several cases, we are subject to limitations under our lease agreements with host department stores which prohibit us from operating departments for other store groups within a certain geographical radius of the host store. The store leases provide for the payment of fees based on sales, plus, in some instances, installment payments for fixed assets. Only minimum fees, as represented in the table below, are guaranteed by various lease agreements. Lease expense, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, is as follows: THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED -------------------------- -------------------------- OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- (IN THOUSANDS) Minimum fees .. $ 809 $ 792 $ 2,509 $ 2,420 Contingent fees 27,396 27,089 89,330 85,350 ------- ------- ------- ------- Total ....... $28,205 $27,881 $91,839 $87,770 ======= ======= ======= ======= NOTE 7 - STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM AND RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS Pursuant to our stock repurchase program we may, at the discretion of management, purchase up to $12.6 million of our Common Stock, from time to time through September 30, 2005. The extent and timing of repurchases will depend upon general business and market conditions, stock prices, availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, compliance with certain restrictive covenants and our cash position and requirements going forward. The repurchase program may be modified, extended or terminated by the Board of Directors at any time. Through 2003, we repurchased a total of 1,815,159 shares for approximately $20,537,000. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, we repurchased 392,745 shares and 370,238 shares for $6,862,000 and $5,018,000, respectively. Our repurchases from inception of the program to date total 2,207,904 shares for $27,399,000. In February 2001, an executive officer of the Company was issued 100,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to restrictions ("Restricted Stock"), pursuant to a restricted stock agreement. The Restricted Stock becomes fully vested after four years of continuous employment with the Company and is accounted for as a component of stockholders' equity. Compensation expense of approximately $1.2 million is being amortized over four years. Amortization for each of the thirteen week periods ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003 totaled approximately $78,000. Amortization for each of the thirty-nine week periods ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003 totaled approximately $230,000. 14 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 7 - STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM AND RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS (CONTINUED) In August 2003, an executive officer of the Company was issued an additional 50,000 shares of Restricted Stock pursuant to a restricted stock agreement. The Restricted Stock vests fifty percent on January 31, 2005, with the remaining fifty percent vesting on June 30, 2007, subject to the provisions of the restricted stock agreement, and is accounted for as a component of stockholders' equity. Compensation expense of approximately $774,000 is being amortized over the respective vesting periods. Amortization for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003 totaled $92,000 and $78,000, respectively. Amortization for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003 totaled $275,000 and $78,000, respectively. In October 2003, certain executives of the Company were awarded a total of 31,250 shares of Restricted Stock, pursuant to restricted stock agreements. The Restricted Stock becomes fully vested after four years of continuous employment with the Company and is accounted for as a component of stockholders' equity with respect to unamortized restricted stock compensation. However, such shares are not considered outstanding. Compensation expense of approximately $473,000 is being amortized over four years. Amortization for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 totaled $30,000 and $90,000, respectively. In April 2004, certain executives of the Company were awarded a total of 32,500 shares of Restricted Stock, pursuant to restricted stock agreements. The Restricted Stock becomes fully vested after two years of continuous employment with the Company and is accounted for as a component of stockholders' equity with respect to unamortized restricted stock compensation. However, such shares are not considered outstanding. Compensation expense of approximately $629,000 is being amortized over two years. Amortization for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 totaled $79,000 and $156,000, respectively. NOTE 8 - EXECUTIVE AND DIRECTOR DEFERRED COMPENSATION AND STOCK PURCHASE PLANS In April 2003, the Board of Directors adopted the Executive Deferred Compensation and Stock Purchase Plan and the Director Deferred Compensation and Stock Purchase Plan, which was approved by our stockholders on June 19, 2003 (the "RSU Plans"). Under the RSU Plans, key executives and our non-employee directors as designated by our Compensation Committee, are eligible to acquire restricted stock units ("RSUs"). An RSU is a unit of measurement equivalent to one share of common stock, but with none of the attendant rights of a stockholder of a share of common stock. Two types of RSUs are awarded under the RSU Plans: (i) participant RSUs, where a plan participant may elect to defer, in the case of an executive employee, a portion of his or her actual or target bonus, and in the case of a non-employee director, his or her retainer fees and Committee chairmanship fees, and receive RSUs in lieu thereof and (ii) matching RSUs, where we will credit a participant's plan account with one matching RSU for each participant RSU that a participant elects to purchase. While participant RSUs are fully vested at all times, matching RSUs are subject to vesting and forfeiture as set forth in the RSU Plans. At the time of distribution under the RSU Plans, RSUs are converted into actual shares of Common Stock. As of October 30, 2004, 93,742 restricted stock units have been awarded under the RSU Plans. Amortization for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003 totaled approximately $98,000 and $10,000, respectively. Amortization for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003 totaled $232,000 and $10,000, respectively. 15 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTE 9 - DEPARTMENT CLOSINGS In July 2003, May announced its intention to divest 32 Lord & Taylor stores, as well as two other stores in its Famous-Barr division resulting in the closure of nine departments in 2003 and ten departments during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004. In 2003, we generated approximately $20.0 million in sales from these 34 departments. Currently, May has not announced a specific timeline for when the remaining stores will close, with the exception of one store expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2004. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, we recorded charges of approximately $0.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively, relating to the accelerated depreciation of fixed assets, the loss on disposal of fixed assets and severance. NOTE 10 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES From time to time, we are involved in litigation relating to claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business. As of December 3, 2004, we are not a party to any legal proceedings that, individually or in the aggregate, are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. However, the results of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, and an unfavorable resolution of one or more of these matters could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements. We have not provided any third-party financial guarantees as of and for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004. NOTE 11 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In August 2003, we announced that Federated would not renew our lease in the Burdines department store division due to the planned consolidation of the Burdines and Macy's fine jewelry departments in early 2004. The termination of the lease, effective January 31, 2004, resulted in the closure of 46 Finlay departments in the Burdines department store division. In 2003, we generated approximately $55.0 million in sales from the Burdines departments. The results of operations of the Burdines departments have been segregated from those of continuing operations, net of tax, and classified as discontinued operations for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003. A summary of statements of operations information relating to the discontinued operations is as follows (in thousands): THIRTEEN WEEKS THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2003 NOVEMBER 1, 2003 ----------------- ------------------ Sales........................................ $ 9,149 $ 30,473 Income (loss) before income taxes (1)(2)..... (204) 1,534 Discontinued operations, net of tax.......... (123) 938 - ---------- (1) Includes an allocation of $46,000 and $142,000 for the thirteen weeks and the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003, respectively, of interest expense related to the Revolving Credit Agreement. (2) The results of operations of the Burdines departments excludes allocations of general and administrative expenses and interest expense related to the Senior Notes and the Senior Debentures. 16 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in Item 1 of this report. This MD&A is organized as follows: o EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW - This section provides a general description of our business and a brief discussion of the opportunities, challenges and risks that we focus on in the operation of our business. o RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - This section provides an analysis of the significant line items on the consolidated statements of operations. o LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES - This section provides an analysis of liquidity, cash flows, sources and uses of cash, contractual obligations and financial position. o SEASONALITY - This section describes the effects of seasonality on our business. o CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES - This section discusses those accounting policies that both are considered important to our financial condition and results of operations, and require us to exercise subjective or complex judgments in their application. In addition, all of our significant accounting policies, including critical accounting policies, are summarized in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K. o SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS - This section provides cautionary information about forward-looking statements and a description of certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical results or current expectations or projections. The results of operations for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003 reflect the Burdines departments as a discontinued operation. EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW OUR BUSINESS We are one of the leading retailers of fine jewelry in the United States and operate fine jewelry departments in major department stores for retailers such as May and Federated. We sell a broad selection of moderately priced jewelry, with an average sales price of approximately $191 per item. As of October 30, 2004, we operated 975 locations in 16 host store groups, in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Our primary focus is to offer high quality, desirable and competitively priced products, a breadth of merchandise assortments and to provide superior customer service. Our ability to quickly identify emerging trends and maintain strong relationships with vendors has enabled us to present better assortments in our showcases. We believe that we are an important contributor to each of our host store groups and we continue to seek opportunities to penetrate the department store segment. By outsourcing their fine jewelry departments to us, host store groups gain our expertise in merchandising, selling and marketing jewelry and customer service. Additionally, by avoiding high working capital investments 17 typically required of the traditional retail jewelry business, host stores improve their return on investment and increase their profitability. As a lessee, we benefit from the host stores' reputation, customer traffic, credit services and established customer base. We also avoid the substantial capital investment in fixed assets typical of a stand-alone retail format. These factors have generally led our new departments to achieve profitability within the first twelve months of operation. We measure ourselves against key financial measures that we believe provide a well-balanced perspective regarding our overall financial success. Those benchmarks are as follows, together with how they are computed: o Diluted earnings per share ("EPS") (net income divided by weighted average shares outstanding with options to purchase common stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units, included to the extent they are dilutive) which, when compared to prior period, is an indicator of the increased returns generated for our shareholders; o Comparable department sales growth computed as the percentage change in sales for departments open for the same months during the comparable periods. Comparable department sales are measured against our host store groups as well as other jewelry retailers; o Total sales growth (current period total sales minus prior period total sales divided by prior period total sales equals percentage change) which indicates, among other things, the success of our selection of new store locations and the effectiveness of our merchandising strategies; and o Operating margin rate (income from operations divided by net sales) which is an indicator of our success in leveraging our fixed costs and managing our variable costs. THIRD QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS During the third quarter of 2004, we continued to successfully execute our marketing and merchandising strategy. Total sales were $166.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2004 compared to $165.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2003, an increase of 0.6%. Comparable department sales increased 0.7%. Gross margin decreased by $0.1 million compared to 2003, and as a percentage of sales, gross margin decreased by 0.4% from 51.1% to 50.7%. SG&A increased $2.0 million and as a percentage of sales, SG&A increased 0.9% from 48.6% to 49.5%. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement increased by $24.0 million at October 30, 2004 as compared to November 1, 2003, primarily as a result of the refinancing of the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes. Maximum outstanding borrowings during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 peaked at $99.8 million, at which point the available borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement were an additional $113.5 million. OUTLOOK We continue to seek growth opportunities and plan to continue to pursue the following key initiatives: o Increase comparable department sales; o Add departments within existing host store groups; o Add new host store relationships; 18 o Open new channels of distribution; o Continue to raise customer service standards; o Strengthen selling teams through training programs; o Continue to improve operating leverage; o De-leverage the balance sheet; and o Continue our stock repurchase program. We believe that current trends in jewelry retailing provide a significant opportunity for our growth. Consumers spent approximately $54.0 billion on jewelry (including both fine jewelry and costume jewelry) in the United States in calendar year 2003, an increase of approximately $19.9 billion over 1993, according to the United States Department of Commerce, representing a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. In the department store sector in which we operate, consumers spent an estimated $4.0 billion on fine jewelry in calendar year 2002. Our management believes that demographic factors such as the maturing U.S. population and an increase in the number of working women, have resulted in greater disposable income, thus contributing to the growth of the fine jewelry retailing industry. Our management also believes that jewelry consumers today increasingly perceive fine jewelry as a fashion accessory, resulting in purchases which augment our gift and special occasion sales. OPPORTUNITIES, RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES We achieved sustained growth during 2003 and the nine months of 2004, however, we faced certain challenges as well, including: o Dependence on or loss of certain host store relationships; and o Host store consolidation. During 2003, Federated announced that it would not renew our lease in the Burdines department store division, which resulted in the closure of 46 Burdines departments in January 2004. These 46 departments generated approximately $55 million in revenue during 2003, which is included in discontinued operations. Due to the termination of the Burdines lease, we recorded a non-cash charge of $13.8 million in 2003 for the write-down of goodwill resulting from the closure of the Burdines departments. Additionally, during 2003, May announced its intention to close certain of its smaller, less profitable stores, including 32 Lord & Taylor stores, as well as two stores in its Famous-Barr division, resulting in the closure of nine departments in 2003 and ten departments during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004. In 2003, we generated approximately $20 million in sales from these 34 departments. During 2003, approximately 51% and 18% of our sales were generated by departments operated in store groups owned by May and Federated, respectively. Including our sales in Marshall Fields which May recently acquired, departments operated by May would have accounted for 60% of our sales in 2003. We have operated departments with May since 1948 and with Federated since 1983. We believe that our relationships with these host stores are excellent. Nevertheless, a decision by either company to transfer the operation of some or all of their departments to a competitor or to assume the operation of 19 those departments themselves would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Additionally, the department store industry may experience significant consolidations in the future, however, there is no assurance that our host store relationships will not be impacted as a result of such host store consolidation. An important initiative and focus of management is developing opportunities for our growth. We consider it a high priority to identify new businesses that offer growth, financial viability and manageability and will have a positive impact on shareholder value. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth operating results as a percentage of sales for the periods indicated. The discussion that follows should be read in conjunction with the following table: STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED ---------------------------- ----------------------------- OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Sales...................................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of sales.............................................. 49.3 48.9 49.1 48.7 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Gross margin........................................... 50.7 51.1 50.9 51.3 Selling, general and administrative expenses............... 49.5 48.6 47.5 47.6 Depreciation and amortization.............................. 2.6 2.6 2.4 2.5 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Income (loss) from operations.......................... (1.4) (0.1) 1.0 1.2 Interest expense, net...................................... 3.3 3.6 3.1 3.3 Other expense - debt extinguishment costs.................. - - 1.7 - ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Loss from continuing operations before income taxes......................................... (4.7) (3.7) (3.8) (2.1) Benefit for income taxes................................... (1.8) (1.4) (1.6) (0.8) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Loss from continuing operations........................ (2.9) (2.3) (2.2) (1.3) Discontinued operations, net of tax........................ - - - 0.2 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net loss............................................... (2.9)% (2.3)% (2.2)% (1.1)% =========== =========== =========== =========== THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2004 COMPARED WITH THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2003 SALES. Sales for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2004 increased $1.1 million, or 0.6%, over the comparable period in 2003. Comparable department sales (departments open for the same months during the comparable periods) increased 0.7%. We attribute the increase in sales primarily to our merchandising and marketing strategy, which includes the following initiatives: (i) emphasizing our "Best Value" merchandising programs, which provide a targeted assortment of items at competitive prices; (ii) focusing on holiday and event-driven promotions as well as host store marketing programs; and (iii) positioning our departments as "destination locations" for fine jewelry. During the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2004, we opened twelve departments, including three departments in Dillard's and closed four departments. The openings and closings were all within existing store groups. 20 GROSS MARGIN. Gross margin for the period decreased by $0.1 million in 2004 compared to 2003, and, as a percentage of sales, gross margin decreased by 0.4%. The components of this 0.4% net decrease in gross margin are as follows: COMPONENT % REASON - ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------------------------------------- Merchandise cost of sales......... (0.9) Increase in merchandise cost of sales is primarily due to our continued efforts to increase market penetration and market share through our pricing strategy, as well as the mix of sales with increased sales in the diamond, designer and clearance categories, which have lower margins than other categories. LIFO ............................. 0.3 Net decrease in the LIFO provision from $0.8 million in the 2003 period to $0.3 million in the 2004 period. As discussed in Note 5 to the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we changed our method of valuing inventory for LIFO purposes. Under the former method, the LIFO charge would have increased to $1.3 million, which is $1.0 million more than the LIFO charge under the new method. Shortage ......................... 0.2 The 2004 physical inventory results (actual shortage vs. accrual) were more favorable as compared to the 2003 results. -------- Total ............... (0.4)% ======== During the third quarter of 2004, we changed our method of determining price indices used in the valuation of LIFO inventories. Prior to the third quarter of 2004, we determined our LIFO inventory value by utilizing selected producer price indices published for jewelry and watches by the BLS. During the third quarter of 2004, we began applying internally developed indices that we believe more accurately measure inflation or deflation in the components of our merchandise and our merchandise mix than the BLS producer price indices. Additionally, we believe that this change in accounting method is an alternative accounting principle that is preferable under the circumstances described above. As a result of this change in accounting method, we recorded LIFO charges of approximately $0.3 million and $0.9 million for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004, respectively. Using the BLS producer price indices, the LIFO charge for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 would have been $1.3 million and $4.4 million, respectively. Had we not changed our method of determining price indices, the net loss and net loss per share under the former LIFO method for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 would have been approximately $5.5 million or $0.63 per share and approximately $14.2 million or $1.63 per share, respectively. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. The components of SG&A include payroll expense, lease fees, net advertising expenditures and other field and administrative expenses. SG&A increased $2.0 million, or 2.5%. As a percentage of sales, SG&A increased by 0.9%. The components of this 0.9% net increase in SG&A are as follows: 21 COMPONENT % REASON - ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------------------------------------- Net advertising expenditures...... 0.3 Decrease in net advertising expenditures is due to lower gross advertising as a percentage of sales. Lease fees........................ (0.1) Increase in lease fees is due to a change in the mix of host store group sales. Payroll expense .................. (0.8) Although sales increased over the prior year, the increase in payroll expense is due to lower than expected same store sales negatively impacting the leveraging of payroll expense. Other expenses ................... (0.3) Increase in other expenses is due primarily to lower than expected same store sales negatively impacting the leveraging of these expenses. -------- Total ............... (0.9)% ======== DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization decreased by $0.1 million reflecting additional depreciation and amortization as a result of capital expenditures for the most recent twelve months, offset by the effect of certain assets becoming fully depreciated. In addition, accelerated depreciation costs totaling approximately $0.1 million, associated with the Lord & Taylor store closings, were recorded in the period. INTEREST EXPENSE, NET. Interest expense decreased by $0.3 million primarily due to a decrease in the weighted average interest rate (7.1% for the period in 2004 compared to 7.5% for the comparable period in 2003) as a result of the refinancing of the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes. Average borrowings increased from $278.5 million for the 2003 period to $280.2 million for the 2004 period. BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES. The income tax benefit for both the 2004 and 2003 periods reflects effective tax rates of 39%. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS. Discontinued operations includes the results of operations of the Burdines departments. The loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the 2003 period was $0.1 million. NET LOSS. Net loss of $4.8 million for the 2004 period represents an increase of $0.9 million as compared to the net loss of $3.9 million in the prior period as a result of the factors discussed above. THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2004 COMPARED WITH THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2003 SALES. Sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 increased $19.6 million, or 3.7%, over the comparable period in 2003. Comparable department sales increased 3.6%. During the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004, we opened 25 departments and closed 22 departments. The openings and closings were all within existing store groups. The openings included eleven departments in Dillard's and the closings included nine departments in Lord & Taylor and one in Famous Barr as a result of May's decision to close certain of its smaller, less profitable stores. GROSS MARGIN. Gross margin for the period increased by $8.2 million in 2004 compared to 2003, and, as percentage of sales, gross margin decreased by 0.4%. The components of this 0.4% net decrease in gross margin are as follows: 22 COMPONENT % REASON - ----------------------------------- ---------------- -------------------------------------------------- Merchandise cost of sales......... (0.7) Increase in merchandise cost of sales is primarily due to our continued efforts to increase market penetration and market share through our pricing strategy, as well as the mix of sales with increased sales in the diamond, designer and clearance categories, which have lower gross margins than other categories. LIFO ............................. 0.2 Net decrease in the LIFO provision from $2.2 million in the 2003 period to $0.9 million in the 2004 period. As discussed in Note 5 of the accompanying consolidated financial statements, we changed our method of valuing inventory for LIFO purposes. Under the former method, the LIFO charge would have increased to $4.4 million, which is $3.5 million more than the LIFO charge under the new method. Shortage ......................... 0.1 The 2004 physical inventory results (actual shortage vs. accrual) were more favorable compared to the 2003 results. ------ Total ............... (0.4)% ====== SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. The components of SG&A include payroll expense, lease fees, net advertising expenditures and other field and administrative expenses. SG&A increased $9.0 million, or 3.6%. As a percentage of sales, SG&A decreased to 47.5% from 47.6% primarily due to a decrease in net advertising expenditures, offset by an increase in both payroll expense and lease fees. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION. Depreciation and amortization increased $0.3 million reflecting additional depreciation and amortization as a result of capital expenditures for the most recent twelve months, offset by the effect of certain assets becoming fully depreciated. In addition, accelerated depreciation costs totaling approximately $0.4 million, associated with the Lord & Taylor store closings, were recorded in the period. INTEREST EXPENSE, NET. Interest expense decreased by $0.5 million primarily due to a decrease in average borrowings ($262.8 million for the period in 2004 compared to $267.3 million for the comparable period in 2003) as a result of the refinancing of the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes. The weighted average interest rate was approximately 7.6% for the 2004 period compared to 7.7% for the comparable period in 2003. OTHER EXPENSE - DEBT EXTINGUISHMENT COSTS. Other expense - debt extinguishment costs includes $6.7 million for redemption premiums paid on the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes, $2.1 million to write-off deferred financing costs related to the refinancing of the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes and $0.3 million for other expenses. BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES. The income tax benefit for both the 2004 and 2003 periods reflects effective tax rates of 39%. Additionally, the 2004 period includes a benefit of approximately $0.6 million associated with the reversal of tax accruals no longer required. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS. Discontinued operations includes the results of operations of the Burdines departments. Income from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the 2003 period was $0.9 million. 23 NET LOSS. Net loss of $12.1 million for the 2004 period represents an increase of $6.2 million as compared to the net loss of $5.9 million in the prior period as a result of the factors discussed above. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Information about our financial position as of October 30, 2004 and January 31, 2004 is presented in the following table: OCTOBER 30, JANUARY 31, 2004 2004 ------------- ------------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Cash and cash equivalents......... $ 2,977 $ 91,302 Working capital................... 202,430 238,333 Long-term debt.................... 200,000 225,000 Stockholders' equity.............. 140,101 152,896 Our primary capital requirements are for funding working capital for new departments and for growth of existing departments, as well as debt service obligations and lease payments to host store groups, and, to a lesser extent, capital expenditures for opening new departments, renovating existing departments and information technology investments. For 2003, capital expenditures totaled $12.9 million and for 2004 are estimated to be approximately $12 to $13 million. Although capital expenditures are limited by the terms of the Revolving Credit Agreement, to date, this limitation has not precluded us from satisfying our capital expenditure requirements. We currently expect to fund capital expenditure requirements as well as liquidity needs from a combination of cash, internally generated funds and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement. We believe that our internally generated liquidity through cash flows from operations, together with access to external capital resources, will be sufficient to satisfy existing commitments and plans and will provide adequate financing flexibility. Cash flows provided from (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003 were as follows: THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED --------------------------------- OCTOBER 30, NOVEMBER 1, 2004 2003 -------------- -------------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Operating activities..................... $ (125,615) $ (118,106) Investing activities..................... (8,914) (8,001) Financing activities..................... 46,204 59,057 Net decrease in cash and cash -------------- -------------- equivalents ................. $ (88,325) $ (67,050) ============== ============== Our current priorities for the use of cash or borrowings, as a result of borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Agreement, are: o Investment in inventory and for working capital; o Capital expenditures for new departments, expansions and remodeling of existing departments; o Investments in technology; o Strategic acquisitions; and 24 o Stock repurchases under our stock repurchase program. OPERATING ACTIVITIES The primary source of our liquidity is cash flows from operating activities. The key component of operating cash flow is merchandise sales. Operating cash outflows include payments to vendors for inventory, services and supplies, payments for employee payroll, lease payments and payments of interest and taxes. Net cash flows used in operating activities were $125.6 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004, consisting principally of a decrease in accounts payable primarily due to lower inventory receipts and lower consignment inventory sales as well as a decrease in net current deferred tax assets related to a change in accounting method for tax purposes regarding vendor allowances. Net cash flows used in operating activities was $118.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003. Our operations substantially preclude customer receivables as our lease agreements require host stores to remit sales proceeds for each month (without regard to whether such sales were cash, store credit or national credit card) to us approximately three weeks after the end of such month. However, we cannot ensure the collection of sales proceeds from our host stores. Additionally, on average, approximately 50% of our merchandise has been carried on consignment. Our working capital balance was $202.4 million at October 30, 2004, a decrease of $35.9 million from January 31, 2004, resulting primarily from the impact of the interim net loss (exclusive of depreciation and amortization), capital expenditures, the purchase of treasury stock and additional borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement related to the refinancing of the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes. The seasonality of our business causes working capital requirements, and therefore borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement, to reach their highest level in the months of October, November and December in anticipation of the year-end holiday season. Accordingly, we experience seasonal cash needs as inventory levels peak. Additionally, substantially all of our lease agreements provide for accelerated payments during the months of November and December, which require the host store groups to remit to us 75% of the estimated months' sales prior to or shortly following the end of that month. These proceeds result in a significant increase in our cash, which is used to reduce our borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Inventory levels increased by $5.1 million, or 1.7%, as compared to November 1, 2003 somewhat as a result of further investments in the diamond and designer categories. INVESTING ACTIVITIES Investing cash outflows include payments for capital expenditures, including property and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities was $8.9 million and $8.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, respectively. Capital expenditures during each period related primarily to expenditures for new department openings and renovations. FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from, and principal payments on, the Revolving Credit Facility and stock repurchases have been our primary financing activities. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2004, we refinanced our long-term debt. Net cash provided from financing activities was $46.2 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004, consisting principally of proceeds from, and principal payments on, the Revolving Credit Facility, proceeds from the issuance of the New Senior Notes by Finlay Jewelry and funds received from stock option exercises, offset by the purchase and redemption of the outstanding Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes and the repurchase of 392,745 shares of Common Stock for approximately $6.9 million under our stock repurchase program. Net cash provided from financing activities was $59.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003. 25 In January 2003, we entered into the Revolving Credit Agreement, which expires in January 2008. The Revolving Credit Agreement provides us with a line of credit of up to $225.0 million to finance working capital needs. Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, (i) the prime rate plus a margin ranging from zero to 1.0% or (ii) the adjusted Eurodollar rate plus a margin ranging from 1.0% to 2.0%, in each case depending on our financial performance. The weighted average interest rate was 3.7% and 3.3% for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, respectively. In each year, we are required to reduce the outstanding revolving credit balance and letter of credit balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement to $50.0 million or less and $20.0 million or less, respectively, for a 30 consecutive day period (the "Balance Reduction Requirement"). Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement were $78.5 million at October 30, 2004, compared to a zero balance at January 31, 2004 and $54.5 million at November 1, 2003. The average amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement were $49.4 million and $42.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, respectively. The maximum amount outstanding for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 was $99.8 million, at which point the available borrowings were an additional $113.5 million. On May 7, 2004, we and Finlay Jewelry each commenced an offer to purchase for cash any and all of our Senior Debentures and Finlay Jewelry's Senior Notes, respectively. In conjunction with the tender offers, we and Finlay Jewelry each solicited consents to effect certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes. On May 20, 2004, we and Finlay Jewelry announced that holders of approximately 79% and 98% of the outstanding Senior Debentures and the outstanding Senior Notes, respectively, tendered their securities and consented to the proposed amendments to the related indentures. On June 3, 2004, Finlay Jewelry completed the sale of the New Senior Notes. Interest on the New Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing on December 1, 2004. Finlay Jewelry used the net proceeds from the offering of the New Senior Notes, together with drawings from its Revolving Credit Facility, to repurchase the tendered Senior Notes and to make consent payments and to distribute $77.3 million to us to enable us to repurchase the tendered Senior Debentures and to make consent payments. Additionally, on June 3, 2004, we and Finlay Jewelry called for the redemption of all of the untendered Senior Debentures and Senior Notes, respectively, and these securities were repurchased on July 2, 2004. The tender offers, New Senior Notes offering, and redemptions of the outstanding Senior Debentures and Senior Notes were all undertaken to simplify our capital structure by eliminating debt at the parent company level, as well as decreasing total long-term debt, decreasing our overall interest rate and extending our debt maturities. As a result of the completion of the redemption of the Senior Debentures, Finlay Jewelry is no longer required to provide the funds necessary to pay the higher debt service costs associated with the Senior Debentures. Finlay Jewelry incurred approximately $5.1 million in costs, including $4.9 million associated with the sale of the New Senior Notes, which have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the New Senior Notes. In June 2004, we recorded pre-tax charges of approximately $9.1 million, including $6.7 million for redemption premiums paid on the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes, $2.1 million to write-off deferred financing costs related to the refinancing of the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes and $0.3 million for other expenses. These costs are included in other expense - debt extinguishment costs in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. 26 In September 2004, for the purpose of an exchange offer, Finlay Jewelry registered notes with terms identical to the New Senior Notes under the Securities Act of 1933. Finlay Jewelry completed the exchange offer in the third quarter of 2004 and 100% of the original notes were exchanged for the registered notes. In the past, a significant amount of our operating cash flow has been used to pay interest with respect to the Senior Debentures, the Senior Notes and amounts due under the Revolving Credit Agreement, including the payments required pursuant to the Balance Reduction Requirement. Although the Senior Debentures and the Senior Notes are no longer outstanding as a result of the refinancing, a significant amount of our operating cash flow will still be required to pay interest with respect to the New Senior Notes and amounts due under the Revolving Credit Agreement, including payments required under the Balance Reduction Requirement. As of October 30, 2004, our outstanding borrowings were $278.5 million, which included a $200.0 million balance under the New Senior Notes and a $78.5 million balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Our agreements covering the Revolving Credit Agreement and the New Senior Notes each require that we comply with certain restrictive and financial covenants. In addition, Finlay Jewelry is a party to the Gold Consignment Agreement, which also contains certain covenants. As of and for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004, we are in compliance with all of our covenants. We expect to be in compliance with all of our covenants through 2004. Because compliance is based, in part, on our management's estimates and actual results can differ from those estimates, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance with the covenants in the future or that the lenders will waive or amend any of the covenants should we be in violation thereof. We believe the assumptions used are appropriate. The Revolving Credit Agreement contains customary covenants, including limitations on, or relating to, capital expenditures, liens, indebtedness, investments, mergers, acquisitions, affiliate transactions, management compensation and the payment of dividends and other restricted payments. The Revolving Credit Agreement also contains various financial covenants, including minimum earnings and fixed charge coverage ratio requirements and certain maximum debt limitations. The indenture related to the New Senior Notes contains restrictions relating to, among other things, the payment of dividends, redemptions or repurchases of capital stock, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, the making of certain investments, the creation of certain liens, the sale of certain assets, entering into transactions with affiliates, engaging in mergers and consolidations and the transfer of all or substantially all assets. We believe that, based upon current operations, anticipated growth and continued availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement, Finlay Jewelry will, for the foreseeable future, be able to meet its debt service and anticipated working capital obligations and to make distributions sufficient to permit us to pay certain expenses as they come due. No assurances, however, can be given that Finlay Jewelry's current level of operating results will continue or improve or that Finlay Jewelry's income from operations will continue to be sufficient to permit Finlay Jewelry to meet its debt service and other obligations. Currently, Finlay Jewelry's principal financing arrangements restrict the amount of annual distributions from Finlay Jewelry to us. Other dividends and distributions, including those required to fund stock repurchases, are subject to Finlay's satisfaction of certain restrictive covenants. The amounts required to satisfy the aggregate of Finlay Jewelry's interest expense totaled $10.0 million and $8.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, respectively. Our long-term needs for external financing will depend on our rate of growth, the level of internally generated funds and the ability to continue obtaining substantial amounts of merchandise on advantageous terms, including consignment arrangements with our vendors. As of October 30, 2004, 27 $387.8 million of consignment merchandise from approximately 300 vendors was on hand as compared to $381.8 million at November 1, 2003. For 2003, we had an average balance of consignment merchandise of $364.7 million. The following table summarizes our contractual and commercial obligations which may have an impact on future liquidity and the availability of capital resources, as of October 30, 2004 (dollars in thousands): PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS TOTAL LESS THAN 1 YEAR 1 - 3 YEARS 3 - 5 YEARS MORE THAN 5 YEARS - ----------------------- ---------- ---------------- ----------- ----------- ----------------- Long-Term Debt Obligations: New Senior Notes (due 2012) (1) ....... $200,000 $ -- $ -- $ -- $200,000 Interest payments on New Senior Notes ..... 134,000 16,750 33,500 33,500 50,250 Operating lease obligations (2) ........... 9,070 2,028 3,847 3,195 -- Revolving Credit Agreement (due 2008) (3) . 78,497 78,497 -- -- -- Gold Consignment Agreement (expires 2005) . 49,200 49,200 -- -- -- Gold forward contracts .................... 12,362 12,362 -- -- -- Letters of credit ......................... 11,690 11,440 -- 250 -- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total .................................. $494,819 $170,277 $ 37,347 $ 36,945 $250,250 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== - ----------------------- (1) On June 3, 2004, Finlay Jewelry issued $200.0 million of New Senior Notes due 2012. Refer to Note 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. (2) Represents future minimum payments under noncancellable operating leases as of January 31, 2004. (3) The outstanding balance under the Revolving Credit Agreement at December 3, 2004 was $93.4 million. The operating leases included in the above table do not include contingent rent based upon sales volume or variable costs such as maintenance, insurance and taxes. Our open purchase orders are cancelable without penalty and are therefore not included in the above table. There were no commercial commitments outstanding as of October 30, 2004, other than as disclosed in the table above, nor have we provided any third-party financial guarantees as of and for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS Finlay Jewelry's Gold Consignment Agreement enables Finlay Jewelry to receive consignment merchandise by providing gold, or otherwise making payment, to certain vendors. While the merchandise involved remains consigned, title to the gold content of the merchandise transfers from the vendors to the gold consignor. The Gold Consignment Agreement matures on July 31, 2005 and permits Finlay Jewelry to consign up to the lesser of (i) 165,000 fine troy ounces or (ii) $50.0 million worth of gold, subject to a formula as prescribed by the Gold Consignment Agreement. Finlay Jewelry believes its relationship with the gold consignor is good and expects to be in a position to extend the Gold Consignment Agreement upon its expiration. At October 30, 2004, amounts outstanding under the Gold Consignment Agreement totaled 115,615 fine troy ounces, valued at $49.2 million. The average amount outstanding under the Gold Consignment Agreement was $48.0 million in 2003. In the event this agreement is terminated, Finlay Jewelry would be required to return the gold or purchase the outstanding gold at the prevailing gold rate in effect on that date. For financial statement purposes, the consigned gold is not included in merchandise inventories on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and, therefore, no related liability has been recorded. The Gold Consignment Agreement requires Finlay Jewelry to comply with certain covenants, including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, the creation of liens, engaging in transactions with affiliates and limitations on the payment of dividends. In addition, the Gold Consignment Agreement also contains various financial covenants, including minimum earnings and 28 fixed charge coverage ratio requirements and certain maximum debt limitations. At October 30, 2004, Finlay Jewelry was in compliance with all of its covenants under the Gold Consignment Agreement. We have not created, and are not party to, any off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating our business. We do not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into the financial statements that are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or the availability of capital resources. OTHER ACTIVITIES AFFECTING LIQUIDITY We have an employment agreement with one senior executive which provides for a base salary level as well as incentive compensation based on meeting specific financial goals. This agreement expires on January 31, 2005 and has a remaining aggregate value of $0.3 million as of October 30, 2004. In December 2004, we entered into a new employment agreement with the aforementioned senior executive. The new employment agreement has a term of four years commencing on January 30, 2005 and ending on January 31, 2009, unless earlier terminated by the senior executive, in accordance with the provisions of the employment agreement. The new employment agreement provides a base annual salary level of approximately $1.0 million as well as incentive compensation based on meeting specific financial goals, which are not yet determinable. From time to time, we enter into forward contracts based upon the anticipated sales of gold product in order to hedge against the risk arising from our payment arrangements. At October 30, 2004, we had several open positions in gold forward contracts totaling 31,500 fine troy ounces, to purchase gold for $12.4 million. There can be no assurance that these hedging techniques will be successful or that hedging transactions will not adversely affect our results of operations or financial position. In January 2000, Sonab, our European leased jewelry department subsidiary, sold the majority of its assets for approximately $9.9 million. We recorded a pre-tax charge in the fourth quarter of 1999 of $28.6 million, or $1.62 per share on a diluted basis after-tax. As of October 30, 2004, our exit plan has been completed with the exception of certain employee litigation and other legal matters. To date, we have charged a total of $26.4 million against our revised estimate of $27.2 million. We do not believe future operating results or liquidity will be materially impacted by any remaining payments or litigation and legal matters mentioned above. SEASONALITY Our business is highly seasonal, with a significant portion of our sales and income from operations generated during the fourth quarter of each year, which includes the year-end holiday season. The fourth quarter of 2003 accounted for approximately 42% of our sales and approximately 89% of our income from operations. We have typically experienced net losses in the first three quarters of our fiscal year. During these periods, working capital requirements have been funded by borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Accordingly, the results for any of the first three quarters of any given fiscal year, taken individually or in the aggregate, are not indicative of annual results. INFLATION The effect of inflation on our results of operations has not been material in the periods discussed. 29 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires the appropriate application of certain accounting policies, many of which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on amounts reported in our financial statements and related notes. We believe the application of our accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required therein, are reasonable. These accounting policies and estimates are constantly re-evaluated, and adjustments are made when facts and circumstances dictate a change. However, since future events and their impact cannot be determined with certainty, actual results may differ from our estimates, and such differences could be material to the consolidated financial statements. Historically, we have found our application of accounting policies to be appropriate, and actual results have not differed materially from those determined using necessary estimates. A summary of our significant accounting policies and a description of accounting policies that we believe are most critical may be found in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004. MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES We value our inventories at the lower of cost or market. The cost is determined by the last-in, first-out method. We are required to determine the LIFO cost on an interim basis by estimating annual inflation trends, annual purchases and ending inventory levels for the fiscal year. Actual annual inflation rates and inventory balances as of the end of any fiscal year may differ from interim estimates. Factors related to inventories, such as future consumer demand and the economy's impact on consumer discretionary spending, inventory aging, ability to return merchandise to vendors, merchandise condition and anticipated markdowns, are analyzed to determine estimated net realizable values. An adjustment is recorded to reduce the LIFO cost of inventories, if required. Any significant unanticipated changes in the factors above could have a significant impact on the value of the inventories and our reported operating results. Shrinkage is estimated for the period from the last inventory date to the end of the fiscal year on a store by store basis. The shrinkage rate from the most recent physical inventory, in combination with historical experience, is the basis for estimating shrinkage. VENDOR ALLOWANCES We receive allowances from our vendors through a variety of programs and arrangements, including cooperative advertising. Vendor allowances are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales upon the sale of merchandise or SG&A when the purpose for which the vendor funds were intended to be used has been fulfilled. Accordingly, a reduction or increase in vendor allowances has an inverse impact on cost of sales and/or SG&A. FINITE-LIVED ASSETS Finite-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. If the undiscounted future cash flows from the finite-lived assets are less than the carrying value, we recognize a loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the fair value of the assets. We determine the fair value of the underlying assets based upon the discounted future cash flows of the assets. Various factors, including future sales growth and profit margins, are included in this analysis. To the extent these future projections or our strategies change, the conclusion regarding impairment may differ from the current estimates. 30 GOODWILL We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually or whenever events and changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable from our estimated future cash flows. To the extent these future cash flows or our strategies change, the conclusion regarding impairment may differ from current estimates. REVENUE RECOGNITION We recognize revenue upon the sale of merchandise, either owned or consigned, to our customers, net of anticipated returns. The provision for sales returns is based on our historical return rate. SELF-INSURANCE RESERVES We are self-insured for medical and workers' compensation claims up to certain maximum liability amounts. Although the amounts accrued are actuarially determined based on analysis of historical trends of losses, settlements, litigation costs and other factors, the amounts that we will ultimately disburse could differ materially from the accrued amounts. INCOME TAXES We are subject to income taxes in many jurisdictions and must first determine which revenues and expenses should be included in each taxing jurisdiction. This process involves the estimation of our actual current tax exposure, together with the assessment of temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of income or expense items for tax and accounting purposes. We establish tax reserves in our consolidated financial statements based on our estimation of current tax exposures. If we prevail in tax matters for which reserves have been established or if we are required to settle matters in excess of established reserves, the effective tax rate for a particular period could be materially affected. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT In June 2004, the FASB issued an interpretation of FASB No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations". This interpretation clarifies the scope and timing of liability recognition for conditional asset retirement obligations under FASB No. 143, and is effective no later than the end of our 2005 fiscal year. We have determined that this interpretation, and the adoption of FASB No. 143, will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Form 10-Q includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All statements other than statements of historical information provided herein are forward-looking statements and may contain information about financial results, economic conditions, trends and known uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performances or achievements to differ materially from those reflected in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations". Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to: 31 o our dependence on or loss of certain host store relationships, particularly with respect to May and Federated, due to the concentration of sales generated by such host stores; o the impact of significant store closures by our host store groups; o the seasonality of the retail jewelry business; o the impact of changes in the popularity of malls and our host stores and mall traffic levels; o our ability to continue to obtain substantial amounts of merchandise on consignment; o Finlay Jewelry's continuation of its Gold Consignment Agreement; o the impact of fluctuations in gold and diamond prices; o attacks or threats of attacks by terrorists or war which may negatively impact the economy and/or the financial markets and reduce discretionary spending; o trends in the general economy in the United States; o low or negative growth in the economy or in the financial markets which reduce discretionary spending on goods perceived to be luxury items; o competition in the retail jewelry business and fluctuations in our quarterly results; o our ability to collect net sales proceeds from our host stores; o the impact of any host store bankruptcy; o the availability to us of alternate sources of merchandise supply in the case of an abrupt loss of any significant supplier; o our ability to identify and rapidly respond to fashion trends; o our ability to increase comparable department sales, expand our business or increase the number of departments we operate; o our ability to identify, finance and integrate any future acquisitions into our existing business; o our dependence on key officers; o our compliance with applicable contractual covenants; o the impact of future claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business; o the impact of recent accounting developments, including the impact of proposed accounting standards to require companies to expense stock options; 32 o our high degree of leverage and the availability to us of financing and credit on favorable terms; and o changes in regulatory requirements which are applicable to our business. Readers are cautioned not to unduly rely on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our management's analysis, judgment, belief or expectation only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition to the disclosure contained herein, readers should carefully review any disclosure of risks and uncertainties contained in other documents we file or have filed from time to time with the Commission. ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK We are exposed to market risk through the interest rate on our borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement, which has a variable interest rate. Based on the average amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement for 2003, a 100 basis point change in interest rates would have resulted in an increase in interest expense of approximately $427,000. In seeking to minimize the risks from interest rate fluctuations, we manage exposures through our regular operating and financing activities. In addition, the majority of our borrowings are under fixed rate arrangements, as described in Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. COMMODITY RISK We enter into forward contracts for the purchase of the majority of our gold in order to hedge the risk of gold price fluctuations. As of October 30, 2004, we had several open positions in gold forward contracts totaling 31,500 fine troy ounces, to purchase gold for $12.4 million. The fair value of gold under such contracts was $13.5 million at October 30, 2004. These contracts have settlement dates ranging from December 30, 2004 through March 31, 2005. ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures are effective in reaching a reasonable level of assurance that material financial and non-financial information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 33 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES There were no repurchases of equity securities made by us during the third quarter of 2004. Pursuant to our stock repurchase program we may, at the discretion of management, purchase up to $12.6 million of our Common Stock from time to time through September 30, 2005. The extent and timing of repurchases will depend upon general business and market conditions, stock prices, availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, compliance with certain restrictive covenants and our cash position and requirements going forward. Through 2003, we repurchased a total of 1,815,159 shares for approximately $20,537,000. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003, we repurchased 392,745 shares and 370,238 shares for $6,862,000 and $5,018,000, respectively. Our repurchases from inception of the program to date totaled 2,207,904 shares for $27,399,000. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS A Special Meeting of the Stockholders of the Registrant was held on September 8, 2004, pursuant to notice, at which (i) a proposal to approve the Registrant's 2004 Cash Bonus Plan (the "Cash Bonus Plan") was passed with 7,750,986 votes in favor, 768,170 votes against and 77,646 votes abstaining, and (ii) a proposal to approve an amendment to the Registrant's 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan (the "1997 Plan") to allow for awards based on performance to be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), was passed with 5,986,666 votes in favor, 891,645 votes against and 77,846 votes abstaining. In July 2004, the Board of Directors of the Registrant, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee (the "Committee"), adopted, subject to stockholder approval, the Cash Bonus Plan so as to qualify bonuses paid to certain senior executive officers under the Cash Bonus Plan as "performance-based" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. In July 2004, the Board of Directors of the Registrant, upon the recommendation of the Committee, adopted, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment to the 1997 Plan to allow for awards based on performance to be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code. Compliance with the requirements of Section 162(m) would enable the Registrant to deduct compensation associated with awards under the plan which qualifies as "performance-based" for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION - ----------- ----------- 2 Not Applicable 3 Not Applicable 4 Not Applicable 10.1 Finlay Enterprises, Inc. 2004 Cash Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed as part of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Registrant on September 10, 2004). 34 10.2 Amendment to the Finlay Enterprises, Inc. 1997 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed as part of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Registrant on September 10, 2004). 10.3 Consent and Amendment No. 3, dated as of November 19, 2004 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated of January 22, 2003, among Registrant, Finlay Jewelry, General Electric Capital Corporation, individually and in its capacity as administrative agent, Fleet Precious Metals, Inc., individually and as documentation agent, and certain other banks and institutions (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 filed as part of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Registrant on November 24, 2004). 10.4 Seventh Amendment, dated as of November 22, 2004, among Sovereign Bank, as agent and a bank, Sovereign Precious Metals LLC, Commerzbank International S.A., Finlay Jewelry and eFinlay, Inc. to the Amended and Restated Gold Consignment Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2001, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed as part of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Registrant on November 24, 2004). 10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2005, among the Registrant, Finlay Jewelry and Arthur E. Reiner (including the forms of restricted stock agreements annexed thereto). 11 Statement re: Computation of earnings per share (not required because the relevant computation can be clearly determined from material contained in the financial statements). 15 Not applicable. 18 Preferability letter from Deloitte & Touche LLP regarding change in inventory valuation methodology. 19 Not applicable. 22 Not applicable. 23 Not applicable. 24 Not applicable. 31.1 Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 302. 31.2 Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 302. 32.1 Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 906. 32.2 Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 906. 35 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirement 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. Date: December 3, 2004 FINLAY ENTERPRISES, INC. By: /s/ Bruce E. Zurlnick -------------------------------------- Bruce E. Zurlnick Senior Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (As both a duly authorized officer of Registrant and as principal financial officer of Registrant) 36