FREDS INC
10-Q, 1998-09-14
VARIETY STORES
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                                    FORM 10-Q


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


[ X ]    QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the quarterly period ended August 1, 1998.

                                       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 000-19288


                                  FRED'S, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                              Tennessee 62-0634010
    (State or other jurisdiction of             (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)             Identification No.)

4300 New Getwell Rd., Memphis, Tennessee              38118
(Address of principal executive offices)            (zip code)

                                 (901) 365-8880
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the  preceding 12 months (or for such  shorter  period that the  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X . No .

The registrant had 11,916,540 shares of common stock outstanding as of September
11, 1998.



<PAGE>



                                  FRED'S, INC.

                                      INDEX

                                                                        Page No.

Part I - Financial Information

  Item 1 - Financial Statements (unaudited):

    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
     August 1, 1998 and January 31, 1998                                       3

    Consolidated Statements of Operations
     for the Thirteen Weeks Ended and the
     Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 1, 1998
     and August 2, 1997                                                        4

    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
     for the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 1, 1998
     and August 2, 1997                                                        5

    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                 6

  Item 2 - Management's Discussion and
                Analysis of Financial Condition and
                Results of Operations                                       7-10

Part II - Other Information                                                   11
- ---------------------------
Signatures                                                                    12
















                                      - 2 -


<PAGE>



                                  FRED'S, INC.

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                   (unaudited)

                   (in thousands, except for number of shares)

                                              August 1,   January 31,
                                                1998           1998
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents ..................   $    339   $  5,303
  Receivables, less allowance for doubtful
   accounts ..................................      5,767      7,086
  Inventories ................................    117,804    115,021
  Deferred income taxes ......................      4,581      5,441
  Other current assets .......................      1,463      1,005
                                                 --------   --------
    Total current assets .....................    129,954    133,856

Property and equipment, at depreciated cost ..     62,174     53,099
Equipment under capital leases, less
 accumulated amortization ....................      1,221      1,352
Deferred income taxes ........................      2,769      3,284
Other noncurrent assets ......................      4,463      3,816
                                                 --------   --------
                                                 $200,581   $195,407
                                                 ========   ========


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable ...........................   $ 38,767   $ 49,438
  Current portion of indebtedness ............      4,215
  Current portion of capital lease obligations        231        214
  Accrued liabilities ........................     12,906     11,817
  Income taxes payable .......................        440      1,716
                                                 --------   --------
    Total current liabilities ................     56,559     63,185

Indebtedness .................................      6,810
Capital lease obligations ....................      1,245      1,368
Other noncurrent liabilities .................      1,591      1,495
                                                 --------   --------
    Total liabilities ........................     66,205     66,048
                                                 --------   --------

Shareholders' equity:
   Common stock, Class A voting, no par value,
    11,915,916 shares issued and outstanding
    (11,866,789 shares at January 31, 1998) ..     66,577     65,700
   Retained earnings .........................     68,491     64,147
   Deferred compensation on restricted
    stock incentive plan .....................       (692)      (488)
                                                  --------   --------
      Total shareholders' equity .............    134,376    129,359
                                                  --------   --------
                                                 $200,581   $195,407
                                                  ========   ========

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

                                      - 3 -


<PAGE>



                                  FRED'S, INC.

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                   (unaudited)

                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)




                                   Thirteen Weeks Ended   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                                      August 1,  August 2,   August 1, August 2,
                                        1998      1997         1998       1997
                                     ----------  ---------   --------   -------

Net sales .........................   $141,635   $110,196   $285,791   $222,864
Cost of goods sold ................    102,488     80,017    206,477    161,611
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------
  Gross profit ....................     39,147     30,179     79,314     61,253
Selling, general and administrative
 expenses .........................     36,154     28,233     70,319     55,040
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------
  Operating income ................      2,993      1,946      8,995      6,213
Interest (income) expense, net ....        170        (55)       216        (76)
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------
  Income before income taxes ......      2,823      2,001      8,779      6,289
Provision for income taxes ........      1,044        750      3,248      2,358
                                      --------   --------   --------   --------
Net income ........................   $  1,779   $  1,251   $  5,531   $  3,931
                                      ========   ========   ========   ========


Net income per share
  Basic ...........................   $    .15   $    .11   $    .47   $    .34
                                      ========   ========   ========   ========
  Diluted .........................   $    .15   $    .11   $    .46   $    .34
                                      ========   ========   ========   ========


Weighted average shares outstanding
  Basic ...........................     11,799     11,636     11,784     11,635
                                      ========   ========   ========   ========
  Diluted .........................     12,109     11,820     12,097     11,730
                                      ========   ========   ========   ========


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

                                      - 4 -


<PAGE>



                                  FRED'S, INC.

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                   (unaudited)
                                 (in thousands)

                                                        Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                                                     August 1,        August 2,
                                                      1998               1997
                                                   ----------         --------

Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                        $  5,531           $  3,931
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
   to net cash flows from operating
   activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                      4,096              3,250
    Amortization of deferred compensation on
     restricted stock incentive plan                     148                108
    Deferred income taxes                              1,375               (212)
    (Increase) decrease in assets:
      Receivables                                      1,319                101
      Inventories                                     (2,783)            (1,114)
      Other current assets                               (45)               119
    Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
      Accounts payable                               (10,671)            (5,114)
      Accrued liabilities                              1,089              3,236
      Income taxes payable                            (1,070)            (1,188)
      Other noncurrent liabilities                        96                114
                                                      --------          --------
       Net cash (used in) provided by
        operating activities                           (1,328)            3,231
                                                       --------         --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Additions to property and equipment                  (12,486)          (3,674)
  Additions to intangible assets                        (1,201)            (286)
       Net cash (used in) provided by
        investing activities                           (13,687)          (3,960)
                                                       --------         --------

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from borrowings                              11,025               -
  Reduction of indebtedness and
   capital lease obligations                              (106)            (904)
  Proceeds and tax effect from exercise
   of stock options                                        320                -
  Cash dividends paid                                   (1,188)            (936)
                                                        --------         -------
       Net cash (used in) provided by
        financing activities                            10,051           (1,840)
                                                        --------       --------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents         4,964           (2,569)
Cash and cash equivalents:
  Beginning of period                                    5,303            8,569
                                                        --------        --------
  End of period                                        $   339         $  6,000
                                                        ========       ========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
  Interest paid (received)                             $   203              (90)
  Income taxes paid                                    $ 2,933         $  2,985

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

                                      - 5 -


<PAGE>



                                  FRED'S, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



NOTE 1:  BASIS OF PRESENTATION


The accompanying  unaudited  consolidated  financial  statements of Fred's, Inc.
("Fred's"  or  the  "Company")   have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  the
instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and notes
necessary for a fair presentation of financial  position,  results of operations
and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  The
statements  do reflect all  adjustments  (consisting  of only  normal  recurring
accruals)  which  are,  in  the  opinion  of  management,  necessary  for a fair
presentation  of  financial  position  in  conformity  with  generally  accepted
accounting  principles.  The statements  should be read in conjunction  with the
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended January
31, 1998 incorporated in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The results of  operations  for the thirteen  week and  twenty-six  week periods
ended  August  1,  1998 are not  necessarily  indicative  of the  results  to be
expected for the full fiscal year.


NOTE 2:  NET INCOME PER SHARE


Basic income per share is based on the weighted  average number of common shares
outstanding,  and diluted net income per share is based on the weighted  average
number of common shares and common  equivalent shares  outstanding.  See Exhibit
11.










                                      - 6 -


<PAGE>



                Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                       Condition and Results of Operations


GENERAL


The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("the Act") provides a safe
harbor  for  forward-looking  statements  made by or on behalf  of the  Company.
Certain  statements  contained in  Management's  Discussion  and Analysis and in
other Company filings are forward-looking  statements.  These statements discuss
among other things,  expected  growth,  future  revenues,  future cash flows and
future  performance.  The  forward-looking  statements  are subject to risks and
uncertainties  including but not limited to  competitive  pressures,  inflation,
consumer  debt  levels,  currency  exchange  fluctuations,  trade  restrictions,
changes in tariff and freight rates, capital market conditions,  and other risks
indicated in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange  Commission.
Actual results may materially differ from anticipated results described in these
statements.

Fred's operates 306 discount general merchandise stores, including 30 franchised
Fred's stores, in ten states in the southeastern  United States. One hundred and
sixty of the stores have full service pharmacies.

Fred's business is subject to seasonal influences, but the Company has tended to
experience  less  seasonal  fluctuation  than many  other  retailers  due to the
Company's mix of everyday basic  merchandise and pharmacy  business.  The fourth
quarter  is  typically  the most  profitable  quarter  because it  includes  the
Christmas  selling  season.  The  overall  strength  of the  fourth  quarter  is
partially mitigated, however, by the inclusion of the month of January, which is
generally the least profitable month of the year.

The impact of inflation on labor and occupancy  costs can  significantly  affect
Fred's operations. Many of Fred's employees are paid hourly rates related to the
federal minimum wage and, accordingly, any increase affects Fred's. In addition,
payroll taxes,  employee benefits and other  employee-related  costs continue to
increase.  Occupancy costs,  including rent,  maintenance,  taxes and insurance,
also continue to rise.  Fred's  believes  that  maintaining  adequate  operating
margins through a combination of price  adjustments  and cost controls,  careful
evaluation of occupancy  needs, and efficient  purchasing  practices is the most
effective tool for coping with increasing costs and expenses.

Year 2000
In fiscal 1997,  the Company  completed its plan of action and assessment of the
impact of the Year 2000 as it relates  to its  information  systems  (processing
concerns  created by the changes in the century  and the  traditional  two-digit
year fields embedded in most data processing systems commonly referred to as the
"Year 2000" concern).


                                      - 7 -


<PAGE>



The Company operates its Merchandising and Inventory Replenishment/ Distribution
Systems with software that is not Year 2000 compliant.  However, the Company has
started a rewrite of this  software to be Year 2000  compliant.  The Company has
critically  evaluated  the time frame for  completion  of the rewrite and is 75%
complete with plans for the modified  system to be fully  operational by the end
of 1998. The Company's  financial  information  systems are heavily dependent on
date  fields  and are also in the  process  of  being  rewritten.  The  expected
completion date for this system to be Year 2000 complaint is October 1999.

Costs of addressing Year 2000 issues are not expected to have a material adverse
impact on the Company's financial position,  results of operations or cash flows
in future periods.

The  Company  depends  heavily  on its  major  vendors  to meet  the  purchasing
requirements  dictated by the  Company's  business  needs,  and  therefore,  has
explored  the  impact  Year 2000  issues  will have on their  ability  to source
products  for  the  Company  and  process  purchase  orders  with  the  delivery
requirements  and terms  involving  the Year  2000.  Each of these  vendors  has
likewise  taken  measures  to  address  the risks  imposed  by the Year 2000 and
adequately  prepare their own processing  systems so that their  businesses will
not be interrupted as a result of this issue. Accordingly,  the Company believes
there will be no significant  interruption  of its ability to source its product
needs from significant vendors. As an ongoing measure, the Company will continue
to  address  this  risk  with each new  significant  vendor  to  ensure  similar
safeguards.

     Finally,  the Company  recognizes the potential  impact the Year 2000 issue
may have relative to its customers,  creditors, and other service providers. The
Company has reviewed its exposure to business  interruption or substantial  loss
in these  areas  and  believes  that any  risks  previously  identified  will be
resolved  before the end of fiscal 1999 and that,  as of today,  is not aware of
any other risk of material adverse consequences.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Thirteen Weeks Ended August 1, 1998 and August 2, 1997

Net sales  increased  from $110.2  million in 1997 to $141.6 million in 1998, an
increase of $31.4 million or 28.5%.  The increase was attributable to comparable
store  sales  increases  of 6.2%  ($6.2  million)  and sales by  stores  not yet
included as comparable stores ($25.2 million). Franchise sales remained the same
as last year due to the conversion of one franchise store to a company store.

Gross profit  increased  from 27.4% of sales in 1997 to 27.6% in 1998  primarily
due to strong  quarterly sales in certain  higher-margin  departments,  combined
with a decrease in lower-margin franchise sales as a percentage of total sales.

                                      - 8 -


<PAGE>



Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  increased from $28.2 million in
1997 to  $36.1  million  in 1998.  As a  percentage  of  sales,  these  expenses
decreased from 25.6% to 25.5%. The improvement in comparable store sales for the
quarter  contributed to a higher  leveraging of expenses.  Additional  labor and
supply cost  associated  with eight new store openings offset most of the second
quarter expense ratio improvement.

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 1, 1998 and August 2, 1997

Net sales  increased  from $222.9  million in 1997 to $285.8 million in 1998, an
increase of $62.9 million or 28.2%.  The increase was attributable to comparable
store  sales  increases  of 6.5%  ($13.2  million)  and sales by stores  not yet
included as comparable  stores ($49.6  million).  Franchise  sales increased $.1
million or .5% in 1998.

Gross  profit  increased  from  27.5%  of sales in 1997 to 27.8% in 1998 for the
aforementioned reasons.

Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses  increased from $55.0 million in
1997 to  $70.3  million  in 1998.  As a  percentage  of  sales,  these  expenses
decreased from 24.7% to 24.6%. The improvement in comparable store sales for the
first half of 1998 contributed to higher leveraging of expenses and,  therefore,
an improved expense ratio. However,  higher distribution expenses related to the
modernization  and  automation  of the  Company's  distribution,  along with the
decreased  percentage of franchise sales which carry a lower expense  percentage
than retail  sales  mostly  offset any  expense  benefit.  Selling,  general and
administrative  expenses for the first half of 1998 also  included an additional
52 store and pharmacy locations than in the first half of 1997.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Due to the  seasonality  of Fred's  business and the  continued  increase in the
number of stores and  pharmacies,  inventories  are generally  lower at year-end
than at each quarter-end of the following year.

Cash  flows  used  by  operating  activities  totaled  ($1,328,000)  during  the
twenty-six week period ended August 1, 1998. Cash was primarily used to increase
inventories  $2,783,000,  and reduce trade  vendors by  $10,671,000.  These cash
outlays  were  financed   primarily  from  earnings  before   depreciation   and
amortization of $9,627,000 and higher levels of accrued liabilities.

     Cash flows used by  investing  activities  totaled  ($13,687,000),  and was
primarily used to fund $7,525,000 of progress  payments on the modernization and
automation of the  Company's  distribution  center and the  Company's  store and
pharmacy expansion program.


                                      - 9 -


<PAGE>



     Cash flows provided by financing activities totaled $10,051,000 and reflect
$3,500,000 of borrowings  under the  Company's  revolver for seasonal  inventory
needs,  and $7,525,000 of borrowings  under the Company's term loan agreement to
fund  progress  payments on the  modernization  and  automation of the Company's
distribution center.

The Company has a $15,000,000  revolving credit commitment available from a bank
through June 1, 2003. At August 1, 1998, $3,500,000 in borrowings have been made
under the revolving credit agreement.

The Company has a $12,000,000  term loan  Agreement  with a bank.  The Agreement
provides  the  Company  with up to  $12,000,000  to finance the  automation  and
modernization of the Company's distribution center and corporate facilities. The
loan bears  interest at 6.82% and requires  interest  only  payments  during the
initial  six-month draw period and then monthly payments  sufficient to amortize
the loan over 84 months.  At August 1, 1998,  $7,525,000 in borrowings have been
drawn against the term loan agreement.

The Company believes that sufficient capital resources are available in both the
short-term  and long-term  through  currently  available cash and cash generated
from future  operations  and,  if  necessary,  the ability to obtain  additional
financing.


IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
of Financial  Accounting  Standards ("SFAS") No. 131, "Disclosure about Segments
of an  Enterprise  and  Related  Information".  SFAS No. 131 revises the current
requirements for reporting  business segments by redefining such segments as the
way  management  desegregates  the  business  for  purposes of making  operating
decisions  and  allocating  internal  resources.  SFAS No. 131 is effective  for
fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15, 1997,  and,  although  management
believes  that SFAS No.  131 will not  impact the  Company's  presentation,  the
Company has adopted SFAS No.
131 in fiscal 1998.

In February 1998,  the FASB issued SFAS No. 132,  "Employers  Disclosures  about
Pensions  and Other  Postretirement  Benefits".  SFAS No. 132  standardizes  the
disclosure  requirements  for pensions and other  postretirement  benefits.  The
statement is effective for fiscal years  beginning  after  December 15, 1997 and
has been adopted by the Company in fiscal 1998.




                                     - 10 -


<PAGE>




                           PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.           Legal Proceedings

                    Not Applicable.

Item 2.           Changes in Securities

                    Not Applicable.

Item 3.           Defaults Upon Senior Securities

                    Not Applicable.

Item 4.           Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

                    The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Fred's, Inc.
                    was held on June 17, 1998.  Michael J. Hayes, David A.
                    Gardner, John R. Eisenman and Roger T. Knox were
                    elected to continue as directors of the Company.  The
                    shareholders also ratified the appointment of Price
                    Waterhouse LLP as independent public accountants for
                    the fiscal year ending January 30, 1999.

                    The results of the voting were as follows:

                                                   Abstain/
                           For        Against      Withheld     Broker Non-Vote

Election of Directors:
  Michael J. Hayes ...   9,479,864                 230,165          2,181,403
  David A. Gardner ...   9,479,695                 230,334          2,181,403
  John R. Eisenman ...   9,534,121                 175,908          2,181,403
  Roger T. Knox ......   9,533,941                 176,088          2,181,403

Appointment of Price
  Waterhouse LLP .....   9,684,047         163      25,819          2,181,403

Item 5.           Other Information

           Not Applicable.

Item 6.           Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

                      Exhibits:

                        Exhibit 10.17 - Fourth Modification Agreement between 
                                        Fred's, Inc. and Union Planters National
                                        Bank dated  as of  September  1,1998.

                        Exhibit 11 -    Computation of Net Income Per Share

                        Exhibit 27 -    Financial Data Schedule (Edgar
                                        Filing only)

                      Reports on Form 8-K:

                         Not Applicable.
                                     - 11 -


<PAGE>






                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                  FRED'S, INC.


                                                     /s/Michael J. Hayes
                                                     --------------------
                                                     Michael J. Hayes
Date:  September 11, 1998                            Chief Executive Officer
- -------------------------



                                                     /s/ Richard B. Witaszak
                                                     -----------------------
                                                     Richard B. Witaszak
Date:  September 11, 1998                            Chief Financial Officer
- -------------------------

























                                     - 12 -



<PAGE>


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          JAN-30-1999             JAN-30-1999
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-01-1998             AUG-01-1998
<CASH>                                         339,000                 339,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0                       0
<RECEIVABLES>                                6,545,000               6,545,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                 (778,000)               (778,000)
<INVENTORY>                                117,804,000             117,804,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           129,954,000             129,954,000
<PP&E>                                     130,729,000             130,729,000
<DEPRECIATION>                            (67,334,000)            (67,334,000)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             200,581,000             200,581,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       56,559,000              56,559,000
<BONDS>                                      9,646,000               9,646,000
                                0                       0
                                          0                       0
<COMMON>                                    66,577,000              66,577,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  67,799,000              67,799,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               200,581,000             200,581,000
<SALES>                                    141,635,000             285,791,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           141,635,000             285,791,000
<CGS>                                      102,488,000             206,477,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                              102,488,000             206,477,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            36,148,000              70,307,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 6,000                  12,000
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             170,000                 216,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                              2,823,000               8,779,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                 1,044,000               3,248,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          1,779,000               5,531,000
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                 1,779,000               5,531,000
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    $0.15                   $0.47
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    $0.15                   $0.46
        

</TABLE>

                          FOURTH MODIFICATION AGREEMENT

         THIS FOURTH  MODIFICATION  AGREEMENT  made and entered into this day of
August,  1998 to be  effective  as of the  first day of  September,  1998 by and
between UNION PLANTERS  NATIONAL BANK, a national  banking  association with its
principal offices in Memphis, Tennessee ("Lender") and FRED'S, INC., a Tennessee
corporation  having its offices at 4300 New  Getwell  Road,  Memphis,  Tennessee
38118 (referred to herein as "Borrower").

                                   WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS,  Borrower  is  indebted  to Lender for  Advances  made to Borrower
pursuant to a Revolving  Loan made pursuant to that certain  Revolving  Loan and
Credit  Agreement  dated May 15, 1992 as amended and modified by a  Modification
Agreement dated May 31, 1995 and a Second Modification  Agreement dated July 31,
1995, and a Third  Modification  dated February , 1997 (herein the  "Agreement")
providing  for  advances  up  to  a  maximum  amount  of   $12,000,000.00   (the
"Commitment"); and,

         WHEREAS,  Borrower has  requested and Lender has agreed to again modify
the terms of the Revolving Loan.

         NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration of the premises and of other good and
valuable   consideration,   the   adequacy  and  receipt  of  which  are  hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.       The Agreement is amended and modified as follows:

    a.       Section 2.1 Definitions is amended and shall read as follows:

     "Borrowing Base" is deleted.

     "Borrowing Limit" shall mean the Commitment.

     "Commitment" shall mean Seventeen Million Dollars ($17,000,000.00).

     "Total  Liabilities"  shall mean, at any date, all  liabilities,  including
without  limitation all contingent  obligations and all obligations  relative to
the face  amount of  Letters  of Credit,  whether  or not  drawn,  any  banker's
acceptances and reimbursement obligations, of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries,
calculated on a  consolidated  basis  without  duplication  in  accordance  with
generally accepted accounting principles.

     "Total  Capitalization"  shall  mean,  with any date,  the sum of (a) Total
Liabilities plus (b) Net Worth of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.

     b.  Section 4.3  Selection  of Interest  Rate.  shall be amended to read as
follows:

     A separate  rate shall be assigned to each  individual  Advance  (excluding
Credits  issued and not drawn upon,  but  including  any Advance made to honor a
draft presented under any Credit) based upon the Borrower's


<PAGE>


selection  of  Interest  Rate at the time of funding  each  individual  Advance,
between the following:

     4.3.1 The  Lender's  Prime Rate minus one and  one-half  percent,  floating
(which rate of interest is referred to herein as the "Adjusted Prime Rate"), or

     4.3.2 75 basis points in excess of the LIBOR.  Available LIBOR periods were
defined  in the  Third  Modification  Agreement  entered  into  as of the day of
February, 1997.

     Selection of the Interest Rate by the Borrower  shall result in the accrual
of interest on the subject Advance  (excluding Credits issued and not drawn upon
) at the rate so selected for a period of thirty  days,  at the  termination  of
which,  all rates shall be calculated  upon the basis of the Lender's Prime Rate
minus one and one-half percent,  floating. By notice to the Lender made at least
3 days prior to the end of any calendar  month,  the Borrower may elect to apply
the LIBOR  based rate to all or any  portion of the  outstanding  Advances  (not
including  any Credit  issued and not drawn upon) then subject to the Prime Rate
for the following  calendar month (not to extend beyond any maturity date of the
loan facility).  Absent direction on the part of the Borrower, the interest rate
shall be the Lender's Prime Rate less one and one-half percent.

     c. Section 4.6  Repayment of Principal  and  Interest.  shall be amended to
read as follows:

     The aggregate principal amount of all Advances and interest accrued thereon
shall be due and  payable  in full on demand,  or if no demand is made,  then as
follows:

     4.6.1  Interest,  in the  full  amount  thereof  accruing  shall be due and
payable  monthly,  on the  first  day of each  calendar  month  (with  notice to
Borrower  by Lender of the  amount due and  method of  computation),  commencing
October 1, 1998.

     4.6.2  Principal  shall be  payable  in full at the end of the term of this
Agreement, whether by maturity, demand or otherwise.

    d. Section 4.10 Fees shall be amended to read as follows:

     one quarter of one percent  (.25%) shall be deleted and one  eighteenth  of
one percent  (.18%) shall be  substituted  in each of  subparagraphs  4.10.1 and
4.10.2.

     e. Section 4.11.1 shall be amended to read as follows:


                                        2

<PAGE>



     Subject to the  provisions of 4.11.2 below,  the term of this Agreement and
Lender's  Commitment  hereunder  shall continue  until demand,  or if no demand,
until June 1, 2003, at which time this Agreement  shall be  terminated,  and the
entire principal balance of the Revolving Loan, together with interest, fees and
charges thereon shall be due and payable in full.

     f. Section 4.12 Annual Reduction is deleted.

     g. Section 6.4 Financial  Covenants.  is amend to add additional  covenants
which read as follows:

     6.4.3  The  Consolidated   Tangible  Net  Worth  shall  not  be  less  than
$100,000,000.00.

     6.4.4 Net Income together with depreciation and amortization shall equal at
least two percent (2%) of revenue  measured  quarterly on a trailing four fiscal
quarter basis.

     6.4.5 The ratio of EBITDA to Debt Service shall be equal to or greater than
2.00 to 1.00, with EBITDA  measured  quarterly on a trailing four fiscal quarter
basis.

     6.4.6  The Ratio of Total  Liabilities  to Total  Capitalization  shall not
exceed 0.50 to 1.00 as of any fiscal quarter end. Total Liabilities includes any
and all contingent liabilities.

     h. Section 6.11 is added and shall read as follows:

     Borrower  Compliance  Certificates  Borrower shall deliver to Lender at the
end of each  fiscal  quarter  during  the term of this  Agreement  a  Compliance
Certificate  signed by the Chief  Financial  Officer or Treasurer of Borrower in
substantially the form of "Exhibit A" to this Fourth Modification.

     i. Section 9.1.8 is added and shall read as follows:

     Default  shall be made by the  Borrower  under  the  terms of the Term Loan
Agreement,  entered  into by and between  Borrower  and Lender on the 5th day of
May, 1998.

     j. Section 8.3 Exception is added and shall read as follows:

     Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement, the Borrower shall be
permitted  to grant  title or liens in favor of the City of  Memphis  or  Shelby
County,  Tennessee,  or entities  created by either of them,  for the purpose of
providing  property tax  reductions  benefitting  Borrower,  so long as Borrower
retains  economic  benefits  substantially  equivalent to the economic  benefits
which were enjoyed by Borrower before the assets were transferred or encumbered

                                        3

<PAGE>



(such as retaining a long-term lease of the assets transferred).  This exception
does not extend to the placement of a mortgage or other  security  device on the
fee or leasehold to secure bond or other  financing,  although it is  acceptable
for the lease to  obligate  the lessee to make  payments  in lieu of taxes which
reflect property tax reductions benefitting Borrower.

         2.  Continuation of Terms.  Except as amended and modified herein,  the
Agreement and the Loan Documents remain in full force and effect and enforceable
according to their terms;  and all Advances made by Lender and all other actions
taken by Lender pursuant to the Agreement prior to the date hereof are approved,
ratified  and  confirmed  by Borrower.  Borrower  promises to pay the  Revolving
Credit Note according to its terms.

         3. Representations and Warranties of the Borrower.  To induce Lender to
enter  into this  Modification  Agreement  and to make the loans and  extend the
credit  contemplated  to be made  pursuant to the  Agreement as modified by this
Modification Agreement, Borrower hereby makes the representations and warranties
to Lender set forth in sections 3.1 through 3.15 of the  Agreement  (as the same
have been and are modified and amended by this Modification  Agreement),  all of
which  representations  and warranties are incorporated  herein by reference and
all of which  shall  survive the  execution  and  delivery of this  Modification
Agreement.

         4. Terms.  The term "Agreement" as used in the Agreement shall mean the
Agreement as modified by this and prior Modification  Agreements.  The Agreement
and the Loan  Documents  constitute  the complete and entire  understanding  and
agreement between the parties with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof

         5. Successors in Interest.  This Fourth Modification Agreement shall be
binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties  hereto,  their  respective
successors, assigns, transferee and grantees.

     6.  Governing  Law.  The  interpretation  and  performance  of this  Fourth
Modification  Agreement shall be governed in all respects in accordance with the
laws of the State of Tennessee.

         7. Undefined Terms. All capitalized terms not defined herein shall have
the same definitions as set forth in the Agreement.

         IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  hereunto  have  executed this Fourth
Modification Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

                 BORROWER:
                                  FRED'S, INC., a Tennessee Corporation


                                  By:
                                  Name:____________________________
                                  Title:______________________________


                                        4

<PAGE>



                 LENDER:
                                      UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK


                                     By:
                                     Name:____________________________
                                     Title:______________________________


                                        5

<PAGE>





                                                                      EXHIBIT 11

                                  FRED'S, INC.

                       COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME PER SHARE

                                   (unaudited)
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                               Thirteen Weeks Ended                      Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
                                                               August 1,         August 2,                August 1,        August 2,
                                                                 1998              1997                     1998             1997
                                                              ----------        ----------               ----------        ------
<S>                                                              <C>             <C>                        <C>              <C>    

Basic net income per share

  Net income                                                     $ 1,779         $ 1,251                  $ 5,531           $3,931
                                                                  =======        =======                  =======           ======

  Weighted average number of common shares
   outstanding during the period                                  11,799          11,636                   11,784           11,635
                                                                  =======        =======                  =======           ======

  Net income per share                                           $   .15         $   .11                  $   .47           $  .34
                                                                  =======        ========                  =======          ======

Diluted net income per share

  Net income                                                     $ 1,779         $ 1,251                  $ 5,531           $3,931
                                                                  =======         =======                 =======           ======

  Weighted average number of common shares
   outstanding during the period                                  11,799          11,636                   11,784           11,635

  Additional shares attributable to common
   stock equivalents                                                 310             184                      313               95
                                                                  -------         -------                  -------          ------
                                                                  12,109          11,820                   12,097           11,730
                                                                  =======         =======                  =======          ======

  Net income per share                                            $  .15          $  .11                   $  .46           $  .34
                                                                  =======         =======                  =======          ======

</TABLE>



<PAGE>




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