FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORP
10-Q, 2000-12-12
JEWELRY STORES
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                       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 28, 2000

                                       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: 33-59380



                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
             ------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


            Delaware                                13-3287757
-------------------------------                --------------------
(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
                                                ------                    ------

As of December 8, 2000,  there were 1,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01
per share, of the Registrant outstanding.  As of such date, all shares of common
stock  were  owned by the  Registrant's  parent,  Finlay  Enterprises,  Inc.,  a
Delaware corporation.

*The Registrant is not subject to the filing requirements of Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 and is voluntarily filing this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q.


<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION

                                    FORM 10-Q

                     QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2000

                                      INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                         PAGE(S)

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

<S>      <C>               <C>
         Item 1.           Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

                           Consolidated Statements of Operations for the thirteen weeks and
                           thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1999 and October 28, 2000.......................1

                           Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 29, 2000 and October 28, 2000.............3

                           Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity for the year
                           ended January 29, 2000 and thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2000.................4

                           Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen weeks and
                           thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 1999 and October 28, 2000.......................5

                           Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........................................7

         Item 2.           Management's Discussion and Analysis of
                           Financial Condition and Results of Operations......................................12

         Item 3.           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.........................18


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

         Item 6.           Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...................................................19

SIGNATURES....................................................................................................20
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
                                                             ------------------------------------

                                                              OCTOBER 30,          OCTOBER 28,
                                                                  1999                 2000
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
<S>                                                          <C>                  <C>
Sales..................................................      $    175,280         $    189,728
Cost of sales..........................................            86,631               93,233
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
    Gross margin.......................................            88,649               96,495
Selling, general and administrative expenses...........            81,503               86,398
Depreciation and amortization..........................             4,142                4,448
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
    Income (loss) from operations......................             3,004                5,649
Interest expense, net..................................             6,215                6,406
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
    Income (loss) before income taxes..................            (3,211)                (757)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes...................            (1,066)                (140)
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
    Net income (loss)..................................      $     (2,145)        $       (617)
                                                             ===============      ===============
</TABLE>



              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.


                                        1
<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
                                                             ------------------------------------

                                                              OCTOBER 30,          OCTOBER 28,
                                                                  1999                 2000
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
<S>                                                          <C>                  <C>
Sales..................................................      $    527,026         $    579,571
Cost of sales..........................................           258,988              285,619
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
    Gross margin.......................................           268,038              293,952
Selling, general and administrative expenses...........           242,742              260,430
Depreciation and amortization..........................            12,618               13,030
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
    Income (loss) from operations......................            12,678               20,492
Interest expense, net..................................            17,179               17,656
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
    Income (loss) before income taxes..................            (4,501)               2,836
Provision (benefit) for income taxes...................            (1,104)               1,656
                                                             ---------------      ---------------
    Net income (loss)..................................      $     (3,397)        $      1,180
                                                             ===============      ===============

</TABLE>



              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.



                                       2
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         (UNAUDITED)
                                                                      JANUARY 29,        OCTOBER 28,
                                                                          2000              2000
                                                                      -------------     --------------
                                      ASSETS
<S>                                                                   <C>               <C>
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents.........................................  $    34,758       $     3,796
  Accounts receivable - department stores...........................       22,574            47,011
  Other receivables.................................................       31,074            42,423
  Merchandise inventories...........................................      279,336           350,415
  Prepaid expenses and other........................................        2,067             3,290
                                                                      -------------     --------------
     Total current assets...........................................      369,809           446,935
                                                                      -------------     --------------
Fixed assets
  Equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements....................      110,017           122,060
  Less - accumulated depreciation and amortization..................       40,439            47,200
                                                                      -------------     --------------
     Fixed assets, net..............................................       69,578            74,860
                                                                      -------------     --------------
Deferred charges and other assets...................................       18,802            18,950
Goodwill............................................................       96,805            95,737
                                                                      -------------     --------------
     Total assets...................................................  $   554,994       $   636,482
                                                                      =============     ==============

                       LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

Current liabilities
  Notes payable.....................................................  $       -         $   124,476
  Accounts payable - trade..........................................      149,782           110,275
  Accrued liabilities:
     Accrued salaries and benefits..................................       23,094            19,622
     Accrued miscellaneous taxes....................................        6,296             3,704
     Accrued interest...............................................        3,633             7,577
     Other..........................................................       19,240            20,895
  Income taxes payable..............................................       28,494            27,256
  Deferred income taxes.............................................        1,674             1,559
  Due to parent.....................................................        4,900             7,895
                                                                      -------------     --------------
     Total current liabilities......................................      237,113           323,259
Long-term debt......................................................      150,000           150,000
Other non-current liabilities.......................................       10,855            11,793
                                                                      -------------     --------------
     Total liabilities..............................................      397,968           485,052
                                                                      -------------     --------------
Stockholder's equity
  Common Stock, par value $.01 per share; authorized 5,000 shares;
     issued and outstanding 1,000 shares............................       -                  -
  Additional paid-in capital .......................................       82,975            82,975
  Retained earnings.................................................       74,051            68,455
                                                                      -------------     --------------
     Total stockholder's equity.....................................      157,026           151,430
                                                                      -------------     --------------
     Total liabilities and stockholder's equity.....................  $   554,994       $   636,482
                                                                      =============     ==============
</TABLE>

              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.


                                       3
<PAGE>

                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
                        (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            COMMON STOCK                                  FOREIGN
                                         ------------------    ADDITIONAL                 CURRENCY        TOTAL
                                          NUMBER                PAID-IN     RETAINED     TRANSLATION   STOCKHOLDER'S
                                         OF SHARES   AMOUNT     CAPITAL     EARNINGS     ADJUSTMENT       EQUITY
                                         ---------   ------   ----------    --------     ----------    -------------
<S>                                          <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
Balance, January 30, 1999.........           1,000      -     $   82,975   $  73,897    $  (4,789)     $  152,083
  Net income (loss)...............            -         -           -          9,062           -            9,062
  Foreign currency translation
     adjustment...................            -         -           -            -          4,789           4,789
  Dividends on Common Stock.......            -         -           -         (8,908)          -           (8,908)
                                           -------- --------  -----------  -----------  ----------     ------------
Balance, January 29, 2000.........           1,000      -         82,975      74,051           -          157,026
  Net income (loss)...............            -         -           -          1,180           -            1,180
  Dividends on Common Stock.......            -         -           -         (6,776)          -           (6,776)
                                           -------- --------  -----------  -----------  ----------     ------------
Balance, October 28, 2000 (unaudited)        1,000  $   -     $   82,975   $  68,455    $      -       $  151,430
                                           ======== ========  ===========  ==========   ==========     ============
</TABLE>



              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.




                                       4
<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
                                                                            ------------------------------
                                                                             OCTOBER 30,      OCTOBER 28,
                                                                                1999              2000
                                                                            ------------     -------------
<S>                                                                         <C>              <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income (loss)..................................................       $   (2,145)      $      (617)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in
     operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization......................................            4,400             4,702
  Other, net.........................................................              345               296
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
     Increase in accounts and other receivables......................           (7,777)          (18,920)
     Increase in merchandise inventories.............................          (24,663)          (40,736)
     (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other...............             (258)              949
     Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities............           20,244            21,642
     Increase (decrease) in due to parent............................             (437)                5
                                                                            ------------     -------------
        NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES........................          (10,291)          (32,679)
                                                                            ------------     -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchases of equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements........           (3,650)           (3,955)
  Deferred charges and other.........................................           (1,200)             (655)
                                                                            ------------     -------------

        NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES........................           (4,850)           (4,610)
                                                                            ------------     -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from revolving credit facility............................          145,285           173,520
  Principal payments on revolving credit facility....................         (130,824)         (136,602)
  Other, net.........................................................               13                 -
                                                                            ------------     -------------
        NET CASH PROVIDED FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES..................           14,474            36,918
                                                                            ------------     -------------
        EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH......................              (75)             (278)
                                                                            ------------     -------------
        DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS........................             (742)             (649)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD.......................            4,412             4,445
                                                                            ------------     -------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD.............................       $    3,670       $     3,796
                                                                            ============     =============
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Interest paid......................................................       $    2,745       $     2,717
  Income taxes paid..................................................            2,987             1,715

</TABLE>


              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.


                                       5

<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                   (UNAUDITED)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
                                                                                        ------------------------------
                                                                                        OCTOBER 30,      OCTOBER 28,
                                                                                           1999              2000
                                                                                        ------------     -------------
<S>                                                                                     <C>              <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income (loss)..............................................................       $   (3,397)      $     1,180
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in
     operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization..................................................           13,377            13,791
  Other, net.....................................................................            1,291             1,338
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect from purchase of J.B.
       Rudolph assets (Note 6):
     Increase in accounts and other receivables..................................          (30,167)          (42,758)
     Increase in merchandise inventories.........................................          (24,156)          (54,796)
     Increase in prepaid expenses and other......................................           (1,571)           (1,258)
     Decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities........................          (73,488)          (41,948)
     Decrease in due to parent...................................................           (4,119)           (3,780)
                                                                                        ------------     -------------
        NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES....................................         (122,230)         (128,231)
                                                                                        ------------     -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Purchases of equipment, fixtures and leasehold improvements....................          (11,565)          (11,696)
  Deferred charges and other.....................................................           (6,413)           (1,730)
  Proceeds from sale of Sonab assets.............................................                -             6,792
  Proceeds from sale of outlet assets............................................                -               752
  Payment for purchase of J. B. Rudolph assets...................................                -           (20,605)
                                                                                        ------------     -------------
        NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES....................................          (17,978)          (26,487)
                                                                                        ------------     -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from revolving credit facility........................................          500,291           536,252
  Principal payments on revolving credit facility................................         (372,893)         (411,776)
  Other, net.....................................................................               13                 -
                                                                                        ------------     -------------
        NET CASH PROVIDED FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES..............................          127,411           124,476
                                                                                        ------------     -------------
        EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH..................................             (164)             (720)
                                                                                        ------------     -------------
        DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS....................................          (12,961)          (30,962)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD...................................           16,631            34,758
                                                                                        ------------     -------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD.........................................       $    3,670       $     3,796
                                                                                        ============     =============

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Interest paid..................................................................       $   12,965       $    12,951
  Income taxes paid..............................................................            2,420             4,434
</TABLE>



              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.



                                       6


<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of Finlay Fine
Jewelry  Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries  ("Finlay Jewelry" or the
"Registrant"),  a wholly  owned  subsidiary  of Finlay  Enterprises,  Inc.  (the
"Holding  Company"),  have been prepared in accordance  with generally  accepted
accounting principles for interim financial information.  References to "Finlay"
mean  collectively,  the Holding Company and Finlay  Jewelry.  In the opinion of
management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain
all  adjustments  necessary to present  fairly the financial  position of Finlay
Jewelry as of October 28, 2000, and the results of operations and cash flows for
the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine  weeks ended October 30, 1999 and October 28,
2000. 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 29,  2000  referred to below.
Certain  information  and footnote  disclosures  normally  included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles
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
Finlay  Jewelry's  annual  report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
29, 2000 ("Form 10-K") previously filed with the Commission.

     Finlay  Jewelry's  fiscal year ends on the Saturday  closest to January 31.
References  to 1997,  1998,  1999 and 2000  relate to the  fiscal  years  ending
January 31,  1998,  January  30,  1999,  January 29, 2000 and  February 3, 2001,
respectively.  Each of the fiscal years includes 52 weeks,  except 2000 includes
53 weeks.

     In 1998,  Finlay  Jewelry  adopted SFAS No. 130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive
Income". This Statement requires disclosure of comprehensive income,  defined as
the total of net income and all other  nonowner  changes in equity,  which under
generally  accepted  accounting   principles,   are  recorded  directly  to  the
stockholder's  equity section of the consolidated  balance sheet and, therefore,
bypass net income.  In 1999,  the only nonowner  change in equity related to the
foreign currency translation adjustment.  For the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine
weeks ended October 30, 1999, the  comprehensive  loss was $2.7 million and $6.5
million,  respectively.  In 2000, there were no such adjustments and, therefore,
comprehensive income (loss) was the same as Finlay Jewelry's net income (loss).


NOTE 2 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

     Finlay is a retailer of fine jewelry products and primarily operates leased
fine jewelry departments in department stores throughout the United States. Over
the past three fiscal years, the fourth quarter  accounted for an average of 43%
of  Finlay's  domestic  sales  due to the  seasonality  of  the  retail  jewelry
industry.  Approximately  46% of  Finlay's  domestic  sales  in 1999  were  from
operations in The May Department  Stores Company  ("May") and 22% in departments
operated in store groups owned by Federated Department Stores.


                                       7
<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 3 - MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

     Merchandise inventories consisted of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    (UNAUDITED)
                                                                            JANUARY 29,             OCTOBER 28,
                                                                               2000                    2000
                                                                          ----------------       ------------------
                                                                                       (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                        <C>                      <C>
   Jewelry goods - rings, watches and other fine jewelry
       (specific identification basis)...............................      $    283,717             $    355,887
   Less:  Excess of specific identification cost over LIFO
       inventory value...............................................             4,381                    5,472
                                                                          ----------------       ------------------
                                                                           $    279,336             $    350,415
                                                                          ================       ==================
</TABLE>

     The LIFO method had the effect of  increasing  the loss before income taxes
for the  thirteen  weeks ended  October 30, 1999 and October 28, 2000 by $95,000
and  $405,000,  respectively.  The effect of  applying  the LIFO  method for the
thirty-nine  weeks  ended  October 30, 1999 and October 28, 2000 was to increase
the loss before income taxes by $286,000 and  $1,092,000,  respectively.  Finlay
determines its LIFO inventory value by utilizing selected producer price indices
published for jewelry and watches by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

     Approximately $329,850,000 and $421,267,000 at January 29, 2000 and October
28, 2000, respectively, of merchandise received on consignment has been excluded
from  Merchandise  inventories and Accounts  payable-trade  in the  accompanying
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

     Finlay  Jewelry  is  party  to a  gold  consignment  agreement  (the  "Gold
Consignment   Agreement"),   which  expires  on  December  31,  2001.  The  Gold
Consignment Agreement enables Finlay Jewelry to receive merchandise by providing
gold, or otherwise making payment,  to certain vendors who supply Finlay Jewelry
with  merchandise  on  consignment.   While  the  merchandise  involved  remains
consigned,  title to the gold  content  of the  merchandise  transfers  from the
vendors to the gold consignor.  Finlay Jewelry can obtain,  pursuant to the Gold
Consignment Agreement,  up to the lesser of (i) 105,000 fine troy ounces or (ii)
$32,000,000  worth of gold,  subject  to a  formula  as  prescribed  by the Gold
Consignment  Agreement.  At October 28, 2000, amounts outstanding under the Gold
Consignment  Agreement totaled 104,869 fine troy ounces, valued at approximately
$27.7  million. For  financial  statement  purposes, the  consigned  gold is not
included  in  Merchandise  inventories on  Finlay Jewelry's Consolidated Balance
Sheets and, therefore, no related liability has been recorded.




                                       8
<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 3 - MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES (CONTINUED)

     The cost to Finlay of gold merchandise sold on consignment in some cases is
not fixed until the sale is reported to the vendor or to the gold  consignor  in
the case of merchandise sold pursuant to the Gold Consignment Agreement.  Finlay
at times enters into futures contracts,  such as options or forwards, based upon
the  anticipated  sales of gold product,  to hedge against the risk arising from
those payment  arrangements.  At January 29, 2000,  Finlay  Jewelry had two open
positions in futures contracts for gold totaling 25,000 fine troy ounces, valued
at $7.3 million,  which expired during the first quarter of 2000. At October 28,
2000,  Finlay  Jewelry  had two open  positions  in futures  contracts  for gold
totaling 16,000 fine troy ounces,  valued at $4.2 million,  which expire through
April 2001.

     In June 1998,  SFAS No. 133,  "Accounting  for Derivative  Instruments  and
Hedging  Activities"  was issued.  This  Statement  requires that all derivative
instruments  be recorded in the  balance  sheet as either an asset or  liability
measured at its fair value and that changes in the derivative  instrument's fair
value be recognized  currently in earnings or in comprehensive  income. SFAS No.
133 is effective  for fiscal  years  beginning  after June 15, 2000.  Finlay has
determined  that the  existing  derivative  instruments,  consisting  of forward
contracts,  will be  designated  and accounted for as cash flow hedges as of the
February 4, 2001 adoption  date.  Upon  adoption,  the fair value of the forward
contracts  will  be  recorded,   as  either  an  asset  or  liability,   with  a
corresponding  adjustment to comprehensive  income. Finlay Jewelry believes that
the designated  hedges will be highly effective and the related hedge accounting
will not have a material impact on Finlay Jewelry's results of operations. There
are no other  freestanding  or embedded  derivative  instruments  that have been
identified  by Finlay Jewelry as of  October 28, 2000 and,  accordingly,  Finlay
Jewelry does not expect to record any other adjustments pursuant to the adoption
of SFAS No. 133.


NOTE 4 - LEASE AGREEMENTS

     Finlay conducts  substantially all of its 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 departments  operated pursuant to license
agreements or other arrangements with host department stores.

     Substantially  all of the department store leases provide that the title to
certain fixed assets of Finlay  transfers upon  termination  of the leases,  and
that Finlay will receive the  undepreciated  value of such fixed assets from the
host store in the event such transfers occur, although the depreciation schedule
provided  for in the lease may  differ  from that used for  financial  reporting
purposes.  The values of such fixed assets are recorded at the  inception of the
lease  arrangement and are reflected in the  accompanying  Consolidated  Balance
Sheets.

     In many cases,  Finlay is subject to limitations under its lease agreements
with host department stores which prohibit Finlay from operating departments for
other store groups within a certain geographical radius of the host store.



                                       9

<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 4 - LEASE AGREEMENTS (CONTINUED)

     The store leases  provide for the payment of fees based on sales,  plus, in
some instances,  installment payments for fixed assets. Lease expense,  included
in Selling, general and administrative expenses, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED                THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
                                   ---------------------------------     ---------------------------------
                                    OCTOBER 30,        OCTOBER 28,        OCTOBER 30,       OCTOBER 28,
                                        1999              2000               1999               2000
                                   ---------------    --------------     --------------    ---------------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                <C>                <C>                <C>               <C>
     Minimum fees..............    $      4,297       $      2,985       $     12,935      $      9,008
     Contingent fees...........          24,396             28,412             73,405            86,542
                                   ---------------    --------------     --------------    ---------------
       Total...................    $     28,693       $     31,397       $     86,340      $     95,550
                                   ===============    ==============     ==============    ===============
</TABLE>


NOTE 5 - SALE AND CLOSURE OF SONAB

     On January 3, 2000,  Societe  Nouvelle  d'Achat de  Bijouterie - S.O.N.A.B.
("Sonab"),  Finlay's  European leased jewelry  department  subsidiary,  sold the
majority of its assets for approximately  $9.9 million.  As of January 29, 2000,
Sonab  had  received  $1.2  million  of the sale  proceeds.  Sonab  received  an
additional $6.8 million in February 2000 upon the completion of the post-closing
audit,  and the  balance of $1.9  million  remains  subject  to  certain  escrow
arrangements among the parties.  After the sale, the buyer operated more than 80
locations  previously  included  in Sonab's  130-location  base in  France.  The
remaining  departments  were  closed.  Finlay  recorded a pre-tax  charge in the
fourth  quarter  of 1999 of $28.6  million  for the  write-down  of  assets  for
disposition and related closure expenses.


NOTE 6 - JAY B. RUDOLPH, INC. ACQUISITION

     On April 3, 2000, Finlay completed the acquisition of certain assets of Jay
B. Rudolph,  Inc. ("J.B.  Rudolph") for $20.6 million,  consisting  primarily of
inventory  and fixed  assets.  By  acquiring  J.B.  Rudolph  (the "J.B.  Rudolph
Acquisition"),  Finlay  added 57  departments  and  also  added  new host  store
relationships with Bloomingdale's,  Dayton's, and Hudson's.  Finlay financed the
J.B.  Rudolph  Acquisition  with  borrowings  under  Finlay's  revolving  credit
agreement  with  General  Electric  Capital  Corporation  and the other  lenders
thereto (the "Revolving Credit Agreement").

     The  J.B.  Rudolph  Acquisition  was  accounted  for  as a  purchase,  and,
accordingly,  the operating results of the former J.B. Rudolph  departments have
been included in Finlay's  consolidated  financial  statements since the date of
acquisition. Finlay has recorded goodwill of $1.7 million based on a preliminary
purchase  price  allocation.  Goodwill is being  amortized  over a period of ten
years.




                                       10
<PAGE>


                         FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



NOTE 7 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT

     On  December  1, 2000,  the  Holding  Company  announced  that its Board of
Directors had approved a stock  repurchase  program to acquire up to $20 million
of outstanding common stock. Under the program,  the Holding Company,  from time
to time, at the discretion of  management,  may purchase its common stock on the
open market  through  September 29, 2001.  The extent and timing of  repurchases
will  depend  upon  general  business  and  market  conditions,   stock  prices,
availability  under Finlay's revolving credit facility and its cash position and
requirements going forward. The repurchase program may be modified,  extended or
terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.




                                       11

<PAGE>


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
            FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth  operating  results as a percentage of sales
for the periods indicated:

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA
(UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED                THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED
                                                            -------------------------------      ---------------------------------
                                                            OCTOBER 30,        OCTOBER 28,       OCTOBER 30,         OCTOBER 28,
                                                                1999               2000              1999                2000
                                                            -------------      -------------     -------------       -------------
<S>                                                           <C>                <C>               <C>                 <C>
Sales....................................................     100.0%             100.0%            100.0%              100.0%
Cost of sales............................................      49.4               49.1              49.1                49.3
                                                            -------------      -------------     -------------       -------------
    Gross margin.........................................      50.6               50.9              50.9                50.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses.............      46.5               45.5              46.1                45.0
Depreciation and amortization............................       2.4                2.4               2.4                 2.2
                                                            -------------      -------------     -------------       -------------
    Income (loss) from operations........................       1.7                3.0               2.4                 3.5
Interest expense, net....................................       3.5                3.4               3.3                 3.0
                                                            -------------      -------------     -------------       -------------
    Income (loss) before income taxes....................      (1.8)              (0.4)             (0.9)                0.5
Provision (benefit) for income taxes.....................      (0.6)              (0.1)             (0.2)                0.3
                                                            -------------      -------------     -------------       -------------
    Net income (loss)....................................      (1.2)%             (0.3)%            (0.7)%               0.2%
                                                            =============      =============     =============       =============
</TABLE>

THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2000 COMPARED WITH THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED
OCTOBER 30, 1999

     SALES.  Sales for the thirteen weeks ended October 28, 2000 increased $14.4
million, or 8.2%, over the comparable period in 1999. On a domestic basis, sales
increased $20.8 million, or 12.3%, over the 1999 period.  Comparable  department
sales (departments open for the same months during comparable periods) increased
0.6%.  Management  attributes this nominal increase in the comparable department
sales to a general softening in the retail environment and, to a greater degree,
the jewelry sector. Sales from the operation of net new departments  contributed
$13.4 million,  primarily relating to the J.B. Rudolph Acquisition offset by the
sale and closure of Sonab at the end of 1999.

     During the thirteen  weeks ended  October 28, 2000,  Finlay  opened  twelve
departments  and closed two  departments.  The openings  and  closings  were all
within existing store groups.

     GROSS  MARGIN.  Gross  margin for the  period  increased  by $7.8  million,
primarily as a result of the sales  increase.  As a percentage  of sales,  gross
margin  increased by 0.3%. On a domestic basis,  gross margin as a percentage of
sales  decreased  by 0.2%  primarily  attributable  to an  increase  in the LIFO
provision of $0.3 million.



                                       12

<PAGE>


     SELLING,  GENERAL  AND  ADMINISTRATIVE   EXPENSES.   Selling,  general  and
administrative  expenses ("SG&A") increased $4.9 million, or 6.0%, due primarily
to  payroll  expense  and lease  fees  associated  with the  increase  in Finlay
Jewelry's  sales.  SG&A as a percentage  of sales  decreased  by 1.0%,  and on a
domestic basis by 0.5%, as a result of the leveraging of these expenses.

     DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.  Depreciation and amortization  increased by
$0.3 million,  reflecting an increase in capital  expenditures  and  capitalized
software  costs for the most  recent  twelve  months,  offset  by the  effect of
certain  assets  becoming  fully  depreciated  as  well as the  disposition  and
write-off  of Sonab's  fixed  assets.  On a  domestic  basis,  depreciation  and
amortization  increased by $0.5 million. The increase in fixed assets was due to
the addition of new departments,  the renovation of existing departments and the
inclusion  of the cost of fixed  assets  acquired  in  connection  with the J.B.
Rudolph Acquisition.

     INTEREST EXPENSE, NET. Interest expense increased by $0.2 million primarily
due to a higher  weighted  average  interest  rate  (8.5%  for the  2000  period
compared  to 7.8% for the  comparable  period in 1999)  offset by a decrease  in
average  borrowings  ($272.1  million for the period in 2000  compared to $284.9
million for the comparable period in 1999).

     PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES. The income tax provision for the 2000
and 1999 periods reflects an effective tax rate of 40.5%.

     NET INCOME  (LOSS).  The net loss of $0.6  million  for the 2000 period was
$1.5  million  less  than the net loss in the  prior  period  as a result of the
factors  discussed  above. On a domestic basis, the net loss for the 2000 period
was $1.2 million less than the net loss in the prior period,  which totaled $1.8
million.

THIRTY-NINE  WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2000 COMPARED WITH THIRTY-NINE  WEEKS ENDED
OCTOBER 30, 1999

     SALES.  Sales for the  thirty-nine  weeks ended October 28, 2000  increased
$52.5  million,  or 10.0%,  over the  comparable  period in 1999.  On a domestic
basis, sales increased $71.7 million, or 14.1%, over the 1999 period. Comparable
department  sales  increased  4.4%.  Management  attributes this increase in the
comparable  department sales to the following  initiatives:  (i) emphasizing its
"Key Item" and "Best Value"  merchandising  programs,  which  provide a targeted
assortment of items at competitive  prices; (ii) increasing focus on holiday and
event-driven  promotions  as well as host store  marketing  programs;  and (iii)
positioning its departments as a "destination  location" for fine jewelry. These
factors  were offset by a general  softening  in the retail  environment  in the
third quarter. Sales from the operation of net new departments contributed $30.2
million,  primarily relating to the J.B. Rudolph  Acquisition and the net effect
of new store  openings and  closings  offset by the sale and closure of Sonab at
the end of 1999.

     During the  thirty-nine  weeks ended  October 28,  2000,  Finlay  opened 80
departments and closed 16 departments. The openings included 57 departments as a
result  of  the  J.B.   Rudolph   Acquisition,   including  23   departments  in
Bloomingdale's, 13 departments in Dayton's and 21 departments in Hudson's, seven
departments as a result of May's  acquisition of ZCMI and 16 departments  within
existing  store  groups.  The closings  were all within  existing  store groups,
including six of Finlay's outlet stores which were sold in May 2000.

     GROSS  MARGIN.  Gross  margin for the period  increased  by $25.9  million,
primarily as a result of the sales  increase.  As a percentage  of sales,  gross
margin  decreased by 0.2%. On a domestic basis,  gross margin as a percentage of
sales decreased by 0.4% primarily  attributable to (i)  management's  efforts to
increase market penetration and market share through its pricing strategy,  (ii)
intensified  promotional



                                       13

<PAGE>

activity by the host stores,  including an increased  usage of in-store  coupons
and (iii) an increase in the LIFO provision of $0.8 million.

     SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES. SG&A increased $17.7 million,
or 7.3%,  due primarily to payroll  expense and lease fees  associated  with the
increase in Finlay Jewelry's  sales.  SG&A as a percentage of sales decreased by
1.1%,  and on a domestic  basis by 0.6%, as a result of the  leveraging of these
expenses.  In  addition,  expenses  related to  Finlay's  year 2000  remediation
project  totaled  approximately  $2.0  million for the  thirty-nine  weeks ended
October 30, 1999. There were no such expenses recorded in the current year.

     DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION.  Depreciation and amortization  increased by
$0.4 million,  reflecting an increase in capital  expenditures  and  capitalized
software  costs for the most  recent  twelve  months,  offset  by the  effect of
certain  assets  becoming  fully  depreciated  as  well as the  disposition  and
write-off  of Sonab's  fixed  assets.  On a  domestic  basis,  depreciation  and
amortization  increased by $0.9 million. The increase in fixed assets was due to
the addition of new departments,  the renovation of existing departments and the
inclusion  of the cost of fixed  assets  acquired  in  connection  with the J.B.
Rudolph Acquisition.

     INTEREST EXPENSE, NET. Interest expense increased by $0.5 million primarily
due to a higher  weighted  average  interest  rate  (8.4%  for the  2000  period
compared  to 7.9% for the  comparable  period in 1999)  offset by a decrease  in
average  borrowings  ($249.1  million for the period in 2000  compared to $259.6
million for the comparable period in 1999).

     PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES. The income tax provision for the 2000
and 1999 periods reflects an effective tax rate of 40.5%.

     NET INCOME  (LOSS).  The net income of $1.2 million for the 2000 period was
$4.6  million  higher  than the net loss in the prior  period as a result of the
factors discussed above. On a domestic basis, the net income for the 2000 period
was $3.3 million  higher than the net loss in the prior  period,  which  totaled
$2.1 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     Finlay's  primary capital  requirements are for funding working capital for
new departments and for working capital growth of existing departments and, to a
lesser extent,  capital  expenditures  for opening new  departments,  renovating
existing departments and information technology investments. For the thirty-nine
weeks ended October 30, 1999 and October 28, 2000, capital  expenditures totaled
$11.6 million and $11.7 million  (exclusive of the fixed assets  acquired in the
J.B. Rudolph Acquisition,  which totaled $4.0 million),  respectively. For 1999,
capital  expenditures  totaled  $15.0  million and for 2000 are  estimated to be
approximately $15.0 million,  exclusive of the fixed assets acquired in the J.B.
Rudolph  Acquisition.  Although capital expenditures are limited by the terms of
the Revolving Credit Agreement, to date this limitation has not precluded Finlay
Jewelry from satisfying its capital expenditure requirements.

     Finlay's  operations  substantially  preclude customer  receivables and  in
recent years, on average, approximately 50% of Finlay's domestic merchandise has
been carried on consignment.  Accordingly,  management  believes that relatively
modest  levels of working  capital  are  required  in  comparison  to many other
retailers.  Finlay  Jewelry's  working  capital  balance  was $123.7  million at
October 28, 2000, a decrease of $9.0 million from January 29, 2000. The decrease
resulted  primarily  from the impact of the  interim net  income,  exclusive  of
depreciation  and  amortization,  dividends  declared  to  parent,  and  capital


                                       14

<PAGE>


expenditures  including fixed assets acquired in the J.B.  Rudolph  Acquisition.
Based on the seasonal nature of Finlay's business,  working capital requirements
and therefore borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement can be expected to
increase on an interim basis during the first three quarters of any given fiscal
year. See "--Seasonality".

     The seasonality of Finlay's business causes working capital requirements to
reach their  highest  level in the months of October,  November  and December in
anticipation of the year-end  holiday season.  Accordingly,  Finlay  experiences
seasonal cash needs as inventory  levels peak.  The Revolving  Credit  Agreement
provides Finlay with a line of credit of up to $275.0 million to finance working
capital needs,  which  includes a $50.0 million  acquisition  facility.  Amounts
outstanding  under the Revolving  Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal
to, at Finlay's  option,  (i) the Index Rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit
Agreement) plus a margin ranging from zero to 1.0% or (ii) adjusted LIBOR plus a
margin  ranging  from 1.0% to 2.0%,  in each  case  depending  on the  financial
performance of Finlay.

     In each year, Finlay is 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 at October 28, 2000 were $124.5 million, compared
to a zero  balance at January 29, 2000 and $127.4  million at October 30,  1999.
The average amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement were $109.6
million and $99.1 million for the  thirty-nine  weeks ended October 30, 1999 and
October  28,  2000,  respectively.   The  maximum  amount  outstanding  for  the
thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2000 was $145.7 million,  at which point the
unused  excess  availability  was  $75.0  million,   excluding  the  acquisition
facility.

     On  December  1, 2000,  the  Holding  Company  announced  that its Board of
Directors had approved a stock  repurchase  program to acquire up to $20 million
of outstanding common stock. Under the program,  the Holding Company,  from time
to time, at the discretion of  management,  may purchase its common stock on the
open market  through  September 29, 2001.  The extent and timing of  repurchases
will  depend  upon  general  business  and  market  conditions,   stock  prices,
availability  under Finlay's revolving credit facility and its cash position and
requirements going forward. The repurchase program may be modified,  extended or
terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.

     On April 3, 2000 Finlay completed the acquisition of certain assets of J.B.
Rudolph for $20.6 million,  consisting  primarily of inventory and fixed assets.
The J.B.  Rudolph  Acquisition did not require  significant  additional  working
capital with respect to the  operation  of the former J.B.  Rudolph  departments
because Finlay purchased the inventory of those J.B. Rudolph  departments  which
it acquired.  On a going-forward basis,  inventory purchases for the former J.B.
Rudolph  departments are being financed in part by trade payables  combined with
the  utilization  of consignment  inventory.  Finlay  financed the J.B.  Rudolph
Acquisition with borrowings under its Revolving Credit Agreement.

     On January 3, 2000, Sonab sold the majority of its assets for approximately
$9.9  million.  As of January 29, 2000,  Sonab had received  $1.2 million of the
sale proceeds.  Sonab received an additional  $6.8 million in February 2000 upon
the  completion  of the  post-closing  audit,  and the  balance of $1.9  million
remains  subject to certain  escrow  arrangements  among the parties.  After the
sale, the buyer operated more than 80 locations  previously  included in Sonab's
130-location  base in France.  The  remaining  departments  were closed.  Finlay
recorded a pre-tax charge in the fourth quarter of 1999 of $28.6 million for the
write-down of assets for  disposition  and related  closure  expenses.  The cash
portion of this charge was $7.8 million.


                                       15

<PAGE>


     Finlay's  long-term needs for external financing will depend on its 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 its  vendors.  For 1999,  Finlay  had an average
balance of  consignment  merchandise of $329.9  million from  approximately  300
vendors as  compared  to an average  balance  of $283.8  million in 1998.  As of
October 28,  2000,  $421.3  million of  consignment  merchandise  was on hand as
compared to $355.1 million at October 30, 1999.

     A substantial  amount of Finlay's operating cash flow has been used or will
be required to pay interest, directly or indirectly, with respect to the Holding
Company's 9% Senior Debentures due May 1, 2008 (the "Senior Debentures"), Finlay
Jewelry's 8 3/8 Senior  Notes due May 1, 2008 (the  "Senior  Notes") and amounts
due under the  Revolving  Credit  Agreement,  including  the  payments  required
pursuant to the Balance  Reduction  Requirement.  As of October 28, 2000, Finlay
Jewelry's  outstanding  borrowings were $274.5 million,  which included a $150.0
million  balance under the Senior Notes and a $124.5  million  balance under the
Revolving Credit Agreement.

     Finlay Jewelry is party to the Gold Consignment Agreement, which expires on
December 31, 2001.  The Gold  Consignment  Agreement  enables  Finlay Jewelry to
receive  merchandise by providing gold, or otherwise making payment,  to certain
vendors.  Finlay Jewelry can obtain, pursuant to the Gold Consignment Agreement,
up to the lesser of (i) 105,000 fine troy ounces or (ii) $32.0  million worth of
gold, subject to a formula as prescribed by the Gold Consignment  Agreement.  At
October 28,  2000,  amounts  outstanding  under the Gold  Consignment  Agreement
totaled 104,869 fine troy ounces, valued at approximately $27.7 million.  Finlay
Jewelry is in discussions  with its gold consignor  regarding an increase in the
existing  limits  under  the Gold  Consignment  Agreement.  The  average  amount
outstanding under the Gold Consignment Agreement was $23.5 million in 1999.

     The year  2000  issue  did not pose  significant  operational  problems  to
Finlay.  Finlay used a combination of internal and external resources to execute
its year 2000  project  plan.  The costs  related to Finlay's  year 2000 efforts
totaled approximately $4.0 million, of which approximately $1.9 million and $2.1
million was spent in 1998 and 1999,  respectively.  Finlay  funded the year 2000
costs through operating cash flows.

     Finlay is in the process of  implementing  several  information  technology
initiatives,  including the design and development of a new merchandising system
and a point-of-sale system in Finlay's departments. These projects will serve to
support  future  growth of  Finlay  as well as  provide  improved  analysis  and
reporting  capabilities  and more  timely  sales and  inventory  information  to
facilitate  merchandising  solutions.  These systems will provide the foundation
for future productivity and expense control initiatives.  At October 28, 2000, a
total  of  approximately  $12.1  million  has been  expended  for  software  and
implementation  costs and is  included in  Deferred  charges  and other  assets.
Approximately  $4.0 million for hardware and related  equipment  was expended in
1999 to upgrade  Finlay's  departments and is reflected in Fixed assets.  Finlay
expects these systems to be completed by mid-2001 and  anticipates it will spend
an additional $6-9 million.

     Section 382 of the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986,  as amended (the "Code")
restricts  utilization  of net operating  loss  carryforwards  ("NOLs") after an
ownership   change   exceeding  50%.  As  a  result   certain   recapitalization
transactions in 1993, a change in ownership of the Holding Company exceeding 50%
occurred  within the  meaning of Section 382 of the Code.  Similar  restrictions
apply to other  carryforwards.  Consequently,  there is a material limitation on
Finlay Jewelry's annual  utilization of its NOLs and other  carryforwards  which
requires  a  deferral  or  loss  of  the  utilization  of  such  NOLs  or  other
carryforwards.  Finlay  Jewelry had, at October 31, 1999 (Finlay  Jewelry's  tax
year end), a NOL for tax


                                       16

<PAGE>

purposes of  approximately  $7.5 million  which is subject to an annual limit of
approximately $2.0 million per year. However,  for financial reporting purposes,
no NOL exists as of January 29, 2000.

     From time to time, Finlay enters into futures contracts, such as options or
forwards,  based upon the  anticipated  sales of gold  product in order to hedge
against  the risk  arising  from its  payment  arrangements.  For the year ended
January 29, 2000,  the gain or loss on open futures  contracts was not material.
At October 28, 2000,  Finlay Jewelry had two open positions in futures contracts
for gold totaling 16,000 fine troy ounces, valued at $4.2 million,  which expire
through April 2001. There can be no assurance that these hedging techniques will
be successful  or that hedging  transactions  will not  adversely  affect Finlay
Jewelry's results of operations or financial position.

     Finlay believes that, based upon current  operations,  anticipated  growth,
and 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 to the Holding Company sufficient
to permit the Holding  Company to meet its debt service  obligations  and to pay
certain other  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 and the Holding  Company to meet their debt
service and other obligations.  Currently,  Finlay Jewelry's principal financing
arrangements  restrict annual  distributions  from Finlay Jewelry to the Holding
Company to 0.25% of Finlay Jewelry's net sales for the preceding fiscal year and
also allow  distributions  to the Holding  Company to enable it to make interest
payments on the Senior Debentures. The amounts required to satisfy the aggregate
of Finlay Jewelry's interest expense and required  amortization payments totaled
$13.0  million for each of the  thirty-nine  week periods ended October 30, 1999
and October 28, 2000.

SEASONALITY

     Finlay's  business is highly  seasonal,  with a significant  portion of its
sales and income from  operations  generated  during the fourth  quarter of each
year, which includes the year-end holiday season.  The fourth quarter  accounted
for an average of 43% of Finlay's  sales and 81% of its income  from  operations
for 1997,  1998 and 1999.  Finlay has  typically  experienced  net losses in the
first three quarters of its fiscal year,  although  Finlay Jewelry did achieve a
net profit in the  second  quarter  this 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 Finlay's  results of  operations  has not been
material in the periods discussed.






                                       17
<PAGE>


SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     This Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q includes  "forward-looking  statements"
within the meaning of Section 27A of the  Securities Act of 1993 and Section 21E
of the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 (the  "Exchange  Act").  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",  as well as trends in the general economy in the United
States,  competition  in the retail  jewelry  business,  the  seasonality of the
retail  jewelry  business,  Finlay  Jewelry's  ability  to  increase  comparable
department  sales and to open new departments,  Finlay  Jewelry's  dependence on
certain host store  relationships due to the concentration of sales generated by
such host stores,  the  availability  to Finlay Jewelry of alternate  sources of
merchandise  supply in the case of an abrupt loss of any  significant  supplier,
Finlay  Jewelry's  ability  to  continue  to  obtain   substantial   amounts  of
merchandise  on  consignment,   Finlay  Jewelry's   compliance  with  applicable
contractual  covenants,  Finlay  Jewelry's  dependence on key  officers,  Finlay
Jewelry's ability to integrate future  acquisitions into its existing  business,
Finlay  Jewelry's high degree of leverage and the availability to Finlay Jewelry
of  financing   and  credit  on  favorable   terms  and  changes  in  regulatory
requirements  which are  applicable  to Finlay  Jewelry's  business.  Other such
factors  include the ability of the Holding  Company to complete the repurchases
contemplated  under its stock  repurchase  program,  the  adequacy  of  Finlay's
working capital to complete the  repurchases,  the availability and liquidity of
the Holding  Company's  common  stock,  and overall  market  conditions  for the
Holding Company's common stock.

     Readers  are  cautioned  not to rely on these  forward-looking  statements,
which reflect management's analysis,  judgment, belief or expectation only as of
the date hereof.  Finlay  Jewelry  undertakes 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  Finlay
Jewelry files or has filed from time to time with the Commission pursuant to the
Exchange Act.


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Finlay  Jewelry is exposed to market risk through the interest  rate on its
borrowings under the Revolving Credit  Agreement,  which has a variable interest
rate. In seeking to minimize the risks from interest rate  fluctuations,  Finlay
Jewelry  manages   exposures   through  its  regular   operating  and  financing
activities.  In addition,  the majority of Finlay Jewelry's borrowings are under
fixed rate arrangements.  In addition,  Finlay Jewelry is exposed to market risk
related to changes in the price of gold, and selectively uses forward  contracts
to manage this risk.  Finlay  Jewelry  enters  into  forward  contracts  for the
purchase of gold to hedge the risk of gold price  fluctuations  for future sales
of gold  consignment  merchandise.  Finlay  Jewelry  does not enter into forward
contracts or other financial  instruments  for speculation or trading  purposes.
The aggregate amount of forward  contracts was $4.2 million at October 28, 2000,
which expire through April 2001.



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<PAGE>


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6.           EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     A.    EXHIBITS

        2         Not applicable.

        3         Not applicable.

        4         Not applicable.

       10         Not applicable.

       11         Not applicable.

       15         Not applicable.

       18         Not applicable.

       19         Not applicable.

       22         Not applicable.

       23         Not applicable.

       24         Not applicable.

       27         Financial Data Schedule.

       99         Not applicable.

B.       REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

      None.








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<PAGE>


                                   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 8, 2000                 FINLAY FINE JEWELRY CORPORATION

                                       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)



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