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FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the ticker symbol for Fred’s
Inc. and on what exchange is the Company's common stock traded?
Fred’s Inc. is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the
symbol FRED. The Company
has no other publicly traded securities.
What is the CUSIP number for the Company’s
common stock?
Standard & Poor’s Corporation’s Committee on Uniform Security
Identification Procedures (CUSIP) has assigned 356108-10-0 as the
identifying number for Fred’s common stock.
How do I contact the Company’s Stock
Transfer Agent?
Fred’s has appointed American Stock Transfer & Trust Company as
its stock transfer agent. Stockholders seeking information concerning
stock transfers, dividend payments, change of address, and lost certificates
should contact American Stock Transfer directly. Its address is American
Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 59 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038.
You may reach American Stock Transfer by telephone at (800) 937-5449.
Does the Company pay a cash dividend?
Yes, Fred’s historically has paid a regular quarterly dividend. The
current rate is $0.02 per common share per quarter, adjusted for stock
splits. Dividends are usually paid in September, December, March,
and June.
Does Fred’s offer a Dividend Reinvestment
Program?
No, the company does not offer a Dividend Reinvestment Program.
May an investor purchase stock directly
from Fred’s instead of going through a broker?
Fred’s does not offer a Direct Stock Purchase Plan. Share purchases
should be directed to a broker of your choice.
How many stores does Fred’s own or
operate?
The Company currently operates approximately 700 merchandise stores,
including 24 franchised stores in 15 states. Included in the store
totals are over 290 Company-operated pharmacies.
Does Fred’s have franchised locations?
Fred’s has 24 franchised store locations; however, the Company does
not intend to add additional franchisees.
What is Fred’s growth strategy for
store expansion in the future?
Fred’s has averaged over 10% new store growth in recent years. In
2007, the Company plans to open 35 to 40 new stores, 15 to 25 Company-operated
pharmacies, and close 20 stores and three pharmacies, resulting in
net growth in selling square footage in the range of 1%-3%.
How does Fred’s compete with other
discount retail chains? What is its competitive strategy?
Fred’s Company stores are significantly larger than its major competitors,
carrying a wider merchandise selection. Fred’s stores take credit
cards, double manufacturer coupons on Saturday, offer a large selection
of household goods, electronics, and apparel items, provide layaway
services, and almost one-half have in-store pharmacies.
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