UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x	Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2004.

¨	Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number: 333-74589

NATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Indiana		35-2064429
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

700 West Morris Street, P.O. Box 1602 Indianapolis, Indiana		46206
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(317) 636-6092

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

The number of shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of National Wine & Spirits, Inc. outstanding as of February 8, 2005 was 5,330,521, of which 104,520 were voting stock.

NATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS, INC.

Quarterly Report

For the period ended December 31, 2004

INDEX


		Page Number
PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.	Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets *(unaudited)* December 31, 2004 and March 31, 2004	3

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations *(unaudited)* Three Months Ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004; Nine Months Ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004	4

	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows *(unaudited)* Nine Months Ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004	5

	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	13

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	26

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	26

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	27

Item 5.	Other Information	27

Item 6.	Exhibits	27

	Signatures	28

Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

NATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

(unaudited)


	December 31, 2004			March 31, 2004
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,308		$	1,466
Accounts receivable:
Trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $976 and $1,081		39,867			25,427
Vendor, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $125 and $125		6,132			3,745
Inventory		87,337			80,196
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,471			4,493

Total current assets		140,115			115,327

Property and equipment, net		28,439			31,484
Other assets:
Notes receivable, less reserve of $0 and $221		—			197
Cash surrender value of life insurance		4,606			4,366
Investment in Commonwealth Wine & Spirits, LLC		5,560			5,593
Intangible assets, net of amortization		24,225			27,646
Goodwill		1,246			1,246
Deferred pension costs		642			642
Deposits and other		594			599

Total other assets		36,873			40,289

Total assets	$	205,427		$	187,100

Liabilities And Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	38,004		$	40,503
Outstanding checks in excess of bank balance		1,739			91
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes		7,395			7,018
Excise taxes payable		4,228			4,813
Current portion of distribution rights obligations		3,876			4,115
Other accrued expenses		13,215			9,492

Total current liabilities		68,457			66,032

Deferred pension liability		3,061			3,061
Distribution rights obligations		17,211			19,057
Long-term debt		95,907			86,357

Total liabilities		184,636			174,507

Stockholders’ equity:
Voting common stock, $.01 par value. 200,000 shares authorized, 104,520 shares issued and outstanding		1			1
Nonvoting common stock, $.01 par value. 20,000,000 shares authorized, 5,226,001 shares issued and outstanding		53			53
Additional paid-in capital		25,009			25,009
Accumulated deficit		(1,853	)		(10,051	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss-unrealized net pension loss		(2,419	)		(2,419	)

Total stockholders’ equity		20,791			12,593

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	205,427		$	187,100

See accompanying notes

NATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)


	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	December 31, 2004			January 2, 2004			December 31, 2004			January 2, 2004
Net product sales	$	150,588		$	148,995		$	411,143		$	408,335
Distribution fees		8,514			7,535			23,267			20,935

Total revenue		159,102			156,530			434,410			429,270

Cost of products sold		124,746			124,239			335,149			333,049

Gross profit		34,356			32,291			99,261			96,221

Selling, general and administrative expenses:
Warehouse and delivery		9,286			9,769			28,148			28,190
Selling		12,424			12,114			38,118			38,560
Administrative		10,520			12,006			32,739			34,794
Management Fees		(4,231	)		(2,440	)		(12,487	)		(7,634	)

		27,999			31,449			86,518			93,910

Income from operations		6,357			842			12,743			2,311

Interest expense:
Related parties		(53	)		(52	)		(144	)		(139	)
Third parties		(2,363	)		(2,411	)		(7,035	)		(6,887	)
Gain from repurchase of long term debt		—			—			108			700

		(2,416	)		(2,463	)		(7,071	)		(6,326	)

Other income (expense):
Interest income		—			3			3			18
Arbitration award		—			—			2,263			—
Rental and other income (expense)		34			(10	)		34			33
Equity in income (losses) of Commonwealth Wine & Spirits, LLC		408			389			436			420

Total other income (expense)		442			382			2,736			471

Net income (loss)	$	4,383		$	(1,239	)	$	8,408		$	(3,544	)

See accompanying notes.

NATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended
	December 31, 2004			January 2, 2004
Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$	8,408		$	(3,544	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment		3,651			4,599
Amortization of intangible assets		4,446			4,368
Equity in earnings of Commonwealth Wine & Spirits, LLC		(436	)		(420	)
Provision for bad debt expense		(105	)		340
Gain on repurchase of long term debt		(108	)		(700	)
(Gain) loss on sales of assets		21			(263	)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance		(240	)		(375	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable		(16,722	)		2,083
Inventories		(7,141	)		(179	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		22			10
Deposits and other		4			(3	)
Accounts payable		(2,499	)		(2,126	)
Accrued expenses and taxes		3,515			(916	)

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) operating activities		(7,184	)		2,874

Investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(1,043	)		(844	)
Purchases of intangible assets		(88	)		(19	)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment		459			171
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets		100			—
Distributions from Commonwealth Wine & Spirits, LLC		469			445
Collections on notes receivable		197			95

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) investing activities		94			(152	)

Financing activities:
Cash provided by outstanding checks in excess of bank balance		1,648			3,528
Proceeds from line of credit borrowings		148,500			101,300
Principal payments on line of credit borrowings		(137,000	)		(92,100	)
Principal payments on long-term debt, including purchases of senior notes		(1,842	)		(8,681	)
Payments of distribution rights obligations		(3,164	)		(2,290	)
Distributions to stockholders		(210	)		(6,009	)

Net cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) financing activities		7,932			(4,252	)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		842			(1,530	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year		1,466			5,820

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	2,308		$	4,290

See accompanying notes.

National Wine & Spirits, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Business and Principles of Consolidation

National Wine & Spirits, Inc. (“NWS” or the “Company”), an S-Corporation, is a holding company, which operates primarily in the wine and liquor wholesale distribution business. Based in Indianapolis, National Wine & Spirits Corporation (“NWSC”) is a wholesale distributor of liquor and wines throughout Indiana and also operates a division for the distribution of cigars and accessories. Based in Chicago, NWS-Illinois, LLC (“NWS-LLC”) is a wholesale distributor of liquor, wines, and beer throughout Illinois. NWS Michigan, Inc. (“NWSM”) and National Wine & Spirits, LLC (“NWSM-LLC”) are distributors of liquor and non-alcoholic products throughout Michigan. NWSM distributes products as an Authorized Distribution Agent (“ADA”) for the State of Michigan and derives revenue from distribution fees. Accordingly, NWSM’s results represent the entire “All Other” segment as described in Note 8. Based in Connecticut, U.S. Beverage, LLC (“USB”) distributes and markets import and craft beer along with malt based products throughout the United States.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NWS, NWSC, NWS-LLC, NWSM, NWSM-LLC, and USB, all of which NWS wholly owns or owns 100% of the voting stock. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated from the consolidated financial statements. Substantially all revenues result from the sale of liquor, beer and wine or distribution fees there from. NWS performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending March 31, 2005. The condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited), and notes thereto, should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements disclosed in NWS’ annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2004.

There were no amounts included in comprehensive income (loss) for the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2004 other than net income (loss).

National Wine & Spirits, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Unaudited)

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fiscal Year

The Company’s fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31 of the year stated. The Company reports results using a fiscal quarter method whereby each quarter is reported as of the last Friday of the thirteen week period. The results for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2004 include thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks and two days, respectively. The results for the three and nine month periods ended January 2, 2004 include fourteen weeks and thirty-eight weeks and four days, respectively.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

None applicable to the Company.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts from prior year’s financial statement have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

2. Inventory

Inventory is comprised of the following:


	December 31, 2004			March 31, 2004
	*(in thousands)*
Inventory at FIFO	$	98,448		$	91,070
Less: LIFO reserve		(11,111	)		(10,874	)

	$	87,337		$	80,196

3. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Cash paid for interest during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004 was $5,218,000 and $5,401,000, respectively.

National Wine & Spirits, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Unaudited)

4. Debt

Long-term debt is comprised of the following:


	December 31, 2004		March 31, 2004
	*(in thousands)*
Senior notes payable (A)	$	77,079	$	79,029
Bank revolving line of credit (B)		14,500		3,000
Notes payable to stockholders		4,328		4,328

		95,907		86,357
Less: current maturities		—		—

	$	95,907	$	86,357

(A)

On January 25, 1999, the Company issued $110,000,000 of unsecured senior notes with a maturity of January 15, 2009. Interest on the senior notes is 10.125% and is payable semiannually. These senior notes are guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries. The guarantors are either wholly owned or the Company owns 100% of the voting stock and there are no non-guarantor subsidiaries. The guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several.

The bond indenture restricts the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends, engage in mergers or consolidations, make capital expenditures and otherwise restrict corporate activities. At December 31, 2004, the Company was in compliance with the required indenture provisions.

On or after January 15, 2004, the Company may redeem some or all of the senior notes at any time at stated redemption prices plus accrued interest and liquidated damages.

(B)

On March 31, 2003, NWS entered into a credit agreement with LaSalle Bank National Association, as lender and agent, and National City Bank of Indiana that provides a revolving line of credit for borrowings of up to $40 million, including standby or commercial letters of credit of up to $5 million, through April 1, 2008. Lines of credit borrowings are collateralized by and based upon eligible accounts receivable and inventories, as defined, and are guaranteed by NWS’ subsidiaries. Interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR rate or the higher of the prime lending rate or the federal funds rate, plus a margin percentage. As of December 31, 2004, total advances on the revolving line of credit were $14,500,000, of which $6,000,000 bore interest at 4.13% based upon LIBOR rate pricing, and $8,500,000 that bore interest at 5.50% based upon prime rate pricing. Commercial letters of credit of $4.0 million were issued for the self-insured portion of NWS’ casualty insurance policies.

National Wine & Spirits, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Unaudited)

In addition, the agreement places restrictions on the Company and its subsidiaries regarding additional indebtedness, dividends, mergers or consolidations and capital expenditures. Further, the Company must maintain certain interest coverage and funded debt coverage ratios. The Company was in compliance with these debt covenants at December 31, 2004.

On June 30, 2004, the Company amended its $40 million revolving credit facility. The amendment permits the Company to repurchase up to $10.0 million of its senior notes subject to certain availability levels. In the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004, the Company repurchased $1,950,000 of its senior notes. The notes were purchased at $1,799,000 and unamortized bond issuance costs of $43,000 were written off in connection with the notes.

5. Commitments

The Company recorded a charge to cost of products sold in settlement of purchase commitments of approximately $950,000 during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2004. This amount is not expected to be recovered through the profit of future sales and was recorded in the Company’s product sales segment. Additionally, the Company has reached an agreement with the same supplier during February 2005 to receive inventory and certain future contractual benefits in exchange for a payment of approximately $4,000,000.

6. Intangible Assets

Intangible assets consist of the following:


		December 31, 2004				March 31, 2004
		*(in thousands)*
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	Weighted Average Life	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization		Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Distribution rights	7	$	30,937	$	9,088	$	30,820	$	6,170
Loan acquisition costs	10		4,030		2,311		4,076		2,011
Non-compete agreements	5		—		—		200		193

Total	7	$	34,967	$	11,399	$	35,096	$	8,374


Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization		Carrying Amount				Carrying Amount
Distribution rights		$	657			$	924

National Wine & Spirits, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Unaudited)

As a result of the declining demand and lower than expected sales performance for a product line in the Company’s product sales segment, management performed an impairment analysis of the related distribution rights that are not subject to amortization. Management determined that the related distribution rights were impaired and recorded a charge of $267,000 to amortization expense during the nine month period ended December 31, 2004 to adjust the intangible asset to fair value. Fair value was calculated based on the discounted future cash flows of the product line’s expected contribution margin.

During the nine month period ending December 31, 2004, realignment of certain Company represented brands caused the revision of the distribution periods for the brands. The Company revalued these contracts using the current discount rate and recorded an addition to intangibles and distribution rights obligations of $1,080,000.

7. Employee Benefit Plans

The Company funds a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its warehousemen and drivers. Eligible employees can participate after one year of service and the attainment of age 21 with entry on January 1 and July 1. Benefits are based on length of eligible service, form of payment, and vest after 5 years of employment. The Company makes quarterly contributions to the plan based on amounts permitted by law as well as voluntary contributions to maintain or increase the funded percentage of the plan. The Company uses a December 31 measurement date. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the three months ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, and the nine months ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, are as follows:


	Pension Benefits
	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	December 31, 2004			January 2, 2004			December 31, 2004			January 2, 2004
	*(in thousands)*						*(in thousands)*
Service cost-benefits earned during the year	$	127		$	80		$	380		$	241

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation		107			96			321			288
Expected return on plan assets		(96	)		(81	)		(288	)		(243	)
Prior service cost and other amortization (net)		44			44			132			132

Net amount charged to income	$	182		$	139		$	545		$	418

National Wine & Spirits, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Unaudited)

During the nine months ended December 31, 2004, $701,000 has been contributed to the company sponsored defined benefit pension plan. The Company presently anticipates contributing an additional $200,000 to fund the plan during the fiscal year for a total of $901,000.

8. Segment Reporting

The Company’s reportable segments are business units that engage in product sales and all other activities. The majority of the all other activities relate to distribution fee operations. The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on these segments. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to the financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2004.


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	December 31, 2004		January 2, 2004		December 31, 2004		January 2, 2004
	*(in thousands)*				*(in thousands)*
Revenue from external customers
Product sales	$	150,588	$	148,995	$	411,143	$	408,335
All other		8,514		7,535		23,267		20,935
Segment income (loss) from operations
Product sales		4,192		213		9,550		(23	)
All other		2,165		631		3,193		2,334
Segment assets
Product sales		195,622		195,648		195,622		195,648
All other		9,805		11,843		9,805		11,843

9. Litigation

The Company is a party to various lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business. While the ultimate resolution of lawsuits or claims against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management is vigorously defending all claims and does not expect that these matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.

The Company received notification on July 21, 2004 of an award in favor of the Company, in connection with a certain lawsuit, subject to rights of appeal by both parties. The award for approximately $2.3 million was received by the Company during September 2004 and recorded as a non-operating income item in the product sales segment.

National Wine & Spirits, Inc.

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (continued)

(Unaudited)

10. Management Fees

NWS-LLC entered into a management services agreement with a nationwide wholesaler of wine and spirits during the year ended March 31, 2003 and, effective December 1, 2003, NWS modified certain terms of the agreement related to NWS’s operations in the State of Illinois. NWS formerly shared profits and losses of NWS-LLC equally with the other wholesaler. Under the new terms of the agreement, effective December 1, 2003, the other wholesaler committed to fund 80% of operating losses and receive 80% of operating profits. NWS funds 20% of any such losses and receives 20% of any such profits.

Effective August 28, 2004, the parties modified the terms of the agreement, whereas, the other wholesaler committed to fund 100% of operating losses and receive 100% of operating profits until such time the incremental difference in 80% and 100% of operating losses is recouped in operating profits. The agreement will then revert back to the 80% terms. Ownership of NWS-LLC or the NWS-LLC’s operating assets has not changed. However, if certain conditions are met, the other wholesaler may purchase NWS-LLC’s assets for a purchase price based upon 80% of the then current net assets of NWS-LLC and a 20% equity interest in the successor Illinois organization, as defined in the agreement.

As part of the agreement, NWS-LLC recorded approximately $4,231,000 and $2,440,000 as a reduction of operating expenses during the three months ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, respectively. NWS-LLC recorded approximately $12,487,000 and $7,634,000 as a reduction of operating expenses during the nine months ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, respectively.

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

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with “Selected Consolidated Financial Data” and NWS’ historical consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to years are to NWS’ fiscal year ended March 31.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-Q, including, but not limited to the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business” sections, contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “plans to,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. In particular, any statement, express or implied, concerning future operating results or the ability to generate revenues, income or cash flow to service the Company’s debt are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations will prove to be correct, all forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by such cautionary statements, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

Overview

National Wine & Spirits, Inc. (the “Company”) is one of the largest distributors of wine and spirits in the United States. Substantially all of the Company’s current operations are in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, and from United States Beverage, L.L.C. (USB), the Company’s national import, craft and specialty beer marketing and distribution business. The Company’s reported revenues include net product sales in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and from USB, with distribution fees from the Michigan distribution operation.

The Company evaluates its operations and liquidity upon two reportable segments, which are business units that engage in product sales and all other activities. Product sales operations are conducted in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and nationwide through the USB distribution business. The majority of other activities relate to distribution fee operations in Michigan.

EBITDA is used throughout this Item as a financial indicator. Each reference to EBITDA herein is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with this paragraph and the following two paragraphs and the reconciliation below. EBITDA, as used herein, is defined as net income or loss plus interest expense, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to income or net cash flow from operating activities and should not be construed as an indication of operating performance or as a measure of liquidity.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure within the meaning of Regulation G. EBITDA is presented because it is a widely accepted financial indicator used by investors and analysts to analyze and compare companies on the basis of debt service capability. Management uses EBITDA to set targets and monitor and assess financial performance. EBITDA is not intended to represent cash flows for the periods presented, nor has it been presented as an alternative to net income or loss as an indicator of operating performance and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance and cash flow prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The most comparable GAAP measure for EBITDA is net income or loss. Following is a reconciliation between net income or loss and EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004, and the nine months ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004:


	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	December 31, 2004		January 2, 2004			December 31, 2004		January 2, 2004
	(in thousands)					(in thousands)
Net Income (loss)	$	4,383	$	(1,239	)	$	8,408	$	(3,544	)
Interest expense		2,416		2,463			7,071		6,326
Depreciation		936		1,391			3,651		4,599
Amortization		1,252		2,157			4,446		4,368

EBITDA	$	8,987	$	4,772		$	23,576	$	11,749

The EBITDA information reflected herein may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Executive Summary

The Company’s net income and EBITDA showed increases from the prior year’s quarter due to increased gross profit on stable spirits case volume, reduced expenses in the administrative area, and increased management fees. Net income was $4.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2004 as compared to a net loss of $1.2 million during the same quarter last year. EBITDA of $9.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 was $4.2 million above the prior year’s quarter. The Company’s long term debt increased from March 31, 2004 due to seasonal advances on its revolving credit facility but was $2.0 million below January 2, 2004 levels. Availability under its $40.0 million revolving credit facility at December 31, 2004 was $21.5 million.

The Company was notified by Brown-Forman Beverages during January 2005 that its Illinois business, which operates under the name Union Beverage, was chosen as its exclusive distributor in the state of Illinois. The agreement is effective on March 1, 2005 for the Brown-Forman spirits brands which include Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Canadian Mist, Early Times and Woodford Reserve, among others. Union Beverage is jointly managed by the Company and Glazer’s.

The Company reached an agreement with Pernod Ricard USA, LLC during February 2005 to receive inventory and certain future contractual benefits in exchange for a payment of approximately $4.0 million.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

The Company’s total revenue for the quarter increased by $2.6 million primarily due to increased product sales and distribution fees of $1.6 million and $1.0 million, respectively. Gross profit from product sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 increased by $1.1 million primarily due to price increases put in place during the current fiscal year in selected markets. Total operating expenses for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 were reduced by $3.5 million as compared to the prior year’s comparable quarter, primarily due to increased management fees of $1.8 million and reduced expenses in the administrative area of $1.5 million, which more than offset increased selling expenses.

Results of Operations

The following table includes information regarding total cases shipped by NWS during the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2004 and January 2, 2004:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	December 31, 2004	January 2, 2004	Percent Change		December 31, 2004	January 2, 2004	Percent Change
	(Cases in thousands)				(Cases in thousands)
Wine (product sales operations)	710	746	(4.8	)%	1,844	1,865	(1.1	)%
Spirits (product sales operations)	679	668	1.6	%	1,780	1,750	1.7	%
Spirits (distribution fee operations)	788	853	(7.6	)%	2,297	2,288	0.4	%

Total wine and spirits	2,177	2,267	(4.0	)%	5,921	5,903	0.3	%

Other (including USB sales)	1,500	1,333	12.5	%	6,690	7,561	(11.5	)%

Total	3,677	3,600	2.1	%	12,611	13,464	(6.3	)%

USB’s results are included in the other category for the current and prior years.

Three Months Ended December 31, 2004 Compared With Three Months Ended January 2, 2004

Revenue

Total product revenue increased $1.6 million to $150.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2004, and was primarily the result of stable case volume for spirits and the effect of a price increase that was enacted in certain product sales markets. Product sales case volume in the spirits and wine categories increased 1.6% and decreased 4.8%, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s quarter. The

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

reduction in wine case volume was primarily the result of the Company not representing certain wine brands in its Illinois business during the current year, which accounted for approximately a 62,000 case shortfall during the current year’s quarter. Distribution fee revenue increased $1.0 million to $8.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2004, as compared to the prior year’s comparable quarter. The increase in distribution fees was primarily the result of greater brokerage commissions of approximately $0.8 million due to the representation of additional brands during the current year’s quarter compared to the prior year’s comparable period.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $2.1 million to $34.4 million due to increased product sales revenue, primarily from additional brand representation on an exclusive basis and with higher gross margin percentages. Gross profit percentage on product sales of 17.2% was above the prior year’s comparable quarter of 16.6% primarily due to the effect of a price increase put in place in certain product sales markets. Distribution fees increased by $1.0 million during the current year’s quarter, primarily due to increased brokerage fees and additional brands that are represented during the current year’s quarter compared to the prior year’s quarter.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses declined by $3.5 million from the prior year’s comparable quarter, primarily due to greater management fees of $1.8 million related to the Company’s Illinois business and cost reductions in the administrative area of $1.5 million. Operating expenses for the product sales segment decreased $2.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s quarter. Operating expenses in the Company’s fee operations decreased by approximately $0.6 million primarily due to reduced depreciation, labor, and reduced warehousing costs.

Warehouse and delivery expenses decreased by $0.5 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s quarter. The reduction in warehouse and delivery expenses, as compared to the prior year’s quarter, were primarily from the Company’s fee operations and resulted from reduced depreciation expense of $0.3 million, labor savings of $0.1 million, and reduced warehouse expenses of $0.1 million.

Selling expenses increased $0.3 million from the prior year’s quarter, primarily due to the product sales segment, which increased brand promotion costs by approximately $0.3 million compared to the prior year’s quarter.

Administrative expenses were reduced by $1.5 million for the quarter ended December, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s quarter. The reductions resulted primarily from the product sales segment and included reduced distribution fee amortization of $0.6 million, decreased wages and taxes of $0.2 million, decreased casualty insurance costs of $0.2 million, and decreased professional expense of $0.1 million. Administrative expense for the Company’s fee operations were reduced by $0.1 million and included reductions in casualty and health insurance.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Management fees from Glazer, as part of the management services agreement, were $4.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2004, as compared to $2.4 million for the prior year’s quarter. These increased fees from the prior year’s quarter were due to the modification of the agreement during September 2004.

Income From Operations

The Company’s operating income increased by $5.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 versus the prior year’s comparable quarter. The Company’s increased gross profit percentage on greater revenue, increased management fees of $1.8 million, and reduced administrative expenses of $1.5 million, were the primary reasons for the increase in operating income as compared to the prior year’s comparable quarter. Operating income for the fee operations segment increased $1.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2004, primarily due to the greater distribution fee revenue of $1.0 million and reduced operating costs of $0.6 million compared to the prior year’s quarter.

Interest Expense

Interest expense remained stable at $2.4 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2004, resulting from lower advances during the quarter on the Company’s revolving credit facility which offset increases in the prime and LIBOR interest rates that are the basis for the facility’s interest rate.

Other Income or Expense

Other income of $0.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2004 was primarily due to the Company’s share of income from Commonwealth Wine & Spirits, LLC, and was consistent with the prior year’s comparable quarter.

Net Income or Loss

Net income was $4.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2004, which increased by $5.6 million from the prior year’s quarter. Improvement in the net income, as compared to the prior year’s quarter, resulted from increases in the net income of the product sales and distribution fee segments of $4.0 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

EBITDA

For financial analysis purposes only, the Company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 was $9.0 million as compared to $4.8 million for the prior year’s comparable quarter. Please see the

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

discussion and reconciliation regarding EBITDA as a non-GAAP financial measure set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview”. EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income or loss, or net cash flow from operating activities and should not be construed as an indication of operating performance or as a measure of liquidity.

Nine Months Ended December 31, 2004 Compared With Nine Months Ended January 2, 2004

Revenue

Total revenue increased $5.1 million to $434.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s comparable period. Product sales case volume in the spirits category increased 1.7%, while the case volume in the wine category decreased 1.1% for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s period. Wine case volume was adversely affected due to the Company not representing certain wine brands in its Illinois business during the most recent quarter of its fiscal year. The resulting increase in product sales revenue was primarily driven by the increase in spirits and the effect of a price increase that was enacted in certain product sales markets. Distribution fee revenue increased by $2.3 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, primarily due to greater brokerage commissions of $1.1 million and an increase in the per case distribution fees versus the prior year’s comparable period. Other case volume declined from the prior year’s comparable period primarily due to reduced sales volume of Seagram Smooth, a product introduced by the Company’s USB division during the prior fiscal year.

Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $3.0 million to $99.3 million due to increased product sales revenue, primarily from the additional brand representation in certain markets on an exclusive basis. Gross profit percentage on product sales of 18.5% was comparable to the prior year’s period of 18.4%, primarily due to the effect of price increases that were enacted in certain product sales markets which offset the effect of competitive conditions in the Company’s Illinois market and the settlement of a purchase commitment of $1.0 million during the Company’s first fiscal quarter. Distribution fees increased by $2.3 million during the current year’s period, primarily due to an increase in the per case distribution fee and increased brokerage fees of $1.1 million on additional brands that are represented during the current year compared to the prior year’s comparable period.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses declined by $7.4 million from the prior year’s comparable period. Operating expenses for the product sales segment decreased $8.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, primarily from increased management fees related to the Company’s Illinois business of $4.9 million and reduced brand promotional costs of approximately $2.9 million. Operating expenses in the Company’s fee operations increased by approximately $1.5 million primarily due to greater sales expense as compared to the prior year’s nine month period.

Warehouse and delivery expenses were flat during the nine month period ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s comparable period. Reductions in depreciation expense of $0.8 million offset increased costs of wages of $0.2 million, greater fuel costs of $0.3 million, and repair costs of $0.3 million.

Selling expenses for the product sales segment decreased $1.8 million from the prior year’s comparable period, primarily due to reductions in brand promotion costs of $2.9 million which offset increased wages of $1.2 million. Sales salaries and associated travel expenses for the fee operations increased by approximately $1.4 million due to the addition of the Schieffelin brands and expansion of the Fortune and Diageo brokerage fee operations.

Administrative expenses decreased by $2.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s comparable period. The decrease was primarily from reduced health care costs of $0.7 million, lowered professional fees of $0.5 million, and reduced spending for information services of $0.3 million.

Management fees from Glazer, as part of the management services agreement, were $12.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, as compared to $7.6 million for the prior year’s comparable period. These increased fees from the prior year’s period were due to the modification of the agreement during September 2004.

Income From Operations

Operating income increased by $10.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 to $12.7 million versus the prior year’s comparable period. The Company’s increased gross margin of $3.0 million, reduced administrative expenses of $2.1 million, and greater management fees of $4.9 million were the primary reasons for the increase in operating income as compared to the prior year’s comparable period. Operating income for the fee operations segment increased $0.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, primarily due to the increased distribution and brokerage fees of $2.3 million that more than offset increased selling costs of $1.4 million.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $0.7 million to $7.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s comparable period. The Company repurchased $1.95 million of its senior notes during the nine months ended December 31, 2004 for $1.8 million, which resulted in a gain of $0.1 million after the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. Gains from the repurchase of the Company’s senior notes during the prior year’s comparable period were $0.7 million, resulting from debt repurchases of $9.6 million.

Other Income or Expense

The receipt of an arbitration award of $2.3 million was primarily responsible for the Company’s increase in Other income for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s comparable period.

Net Income or Loss

Net income was $8.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, which increased by $12.0 million from the prior year’s comparable period. Improvement in the net income from the product sales segment of $11.0 million was primarily the reason for the increase in net income for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 as compared to the prior year’s comparable period.

EBITDA

For financial analysis purposes only, the Company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 was $23.6 million as compared to $11.7 million for the prior year’s comparable period. Please see the discussion and reconciliation regarding EBITDA as a non-GAAP financial measure set forth in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview”. EBITDA should not be construed as an alternative to operating income or loss, or net cash flow from operating activities and should not be construed as an indication of operating performance or as a measure of liquidity.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s primary cash requirements have been to fund accounts receivable and inventories for the product markets in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and it’s U.S. Beverage operation. The Company has historically satisfied its cash requirements principally through cash flow from operations, trade terms, bank borrowings and existing cash balances.

The Company amended its $40 million revolving credit facility as of June 30, 2004. The amendment permits the Company to repurchase up to $10.0 million of its senior notes subject to certain availability levels. The Company repurchased $1.95 million of its senior notes during the three months ended October 1, 2004 for $1.8 million, which resulted in a gain of $0.1 million after the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

At December 31, 2004, the Company had $14.5 million of outstanding advances on its $40.0 million revolving line of credit facility and also had $4.0 million in letters of credit outstanding, resulting in availability of $21.5 million. Interest is payable monthly at the LIBOR rate or the higher of the prime lending rate or the federal funds rate, plus a margin percentage. The Company’s prime based and LIBOR based revolver rate of interest on December 31, 2004 was 5.50% and 4.13%, respectively. The $14.5 million of advances consisted of $6.0 million based upon LIBOR rate pricing and $8.5 million based upon prime rate pricing. The line of credit borrowings are collateralized by and based upon eligible accounts receivable and inventories, as defined, and are guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company must maintain certain interest coverage and funded debt coverage ratios, with which the Company was in compliance at December 31, 2004. The Company anticipates that the collateral base for the revolving credit facility will provide adequate availability to fund operations and working capital needs during fiscal 2005.

Cash used by operating activities was $7.2 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, as compared to cash provided of $2.9 million for the prior year’s comparable period. This comparative decrease in operating cash flow was primarily the result of a reduction in working capital of $22.0 million from the Company’s Illinois business during the prior year’s comparable period which did not occur during the current year. Cash used by working capital for the nine months ended December 31, 2004 was $22.8 million, primarily due to the funding of seasonal accounts receivable of $16.7 million and inventories of $7.1 million. The additional funding of accounts receivable during the quarter ended December 31, 2004 was primarily due to the product sales segment which experienced a 10% increase in sales from the prior year’s December. The funding of $7.1 million for inventories was primarily due to the expansion of brand representation in the Company’s Indiana business. Cash provided by net income (loss) and adjustments for depreciation and amortization were $16.5 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, as compared to $5.4 million for the prior year’s comparable period.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $0.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, compared to cash used of $0.2 million for the prior year’s comparable period. Proceeds from the sale of property and collection of notes receivable were the primary reasons for the $0.2 million of increased cash as compared to the prior year’s comparable period. The Company’s capital expenditures were approximately $0.2 million greater than the prior year’s nine month period, but are below the spending level of previous fiscal years. The Company intends to continue the reduced level of capital expenditures and is expected to spend between $2.0 million and $2.5 million during fiscal 2005.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $7.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $12.2 million from the prior year’s comparable period. Advances under the Company’s revolving line of credit of were $2.3 million greater during the

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

current fiscal year versus the prior year’s period, primarily to fund working capital needs. Distributions to stockholders during the nine months ended December 31, 2004 were $0.2 million, while distributions to stockholders were $6.0 million during the nine months ended January 2, 2004. Stockholder distributions other than for tax liabilities are limited by the revolving credit facility and indenture. The Company anticipates that remaining fiscal 2005 stockholder distributions will be for income tax estimates of the shareholders and distributions for other purposes will be limited by the credit facility and indenture. The Company purchased $9.6 million of its senior notes during the nine months ended January 2, 2004 while $1.95 million of its senior notes were repurchased during the nine months ended December 31, 2004.

The Company’s total assets of $205.4 million at December 31, 2004 increased by $18.3 million from March 31, 2004. The increase in assets was primarily due to greater accounts receivable of $16.8 million and increased inventories of $7.1 million. The Company typically experiences elevated accounts receivable and inventory levels during the December quarter due to seasonal sales volume. Total debt of $95.9 million at December 31, 2004 was $9.6 million higher than at March 31, 2004, but $2.0 million lower than at January 2, 2004. Equity increased to $20.8 million at December 31, 2004 as compared to March 31, 2004 due to net income of $8.4 million.

The Company expects to maintain adequate cash balances, collateral, and revolving credit facility availability to satisfy the Company’s anticipated working capital and debt service requirements during fiscal 2005.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has no off balance sheet arrangements.

Aggregate Contractual Commitments

The following table sets forth NWS’ contractual obligations for the periods set forth as of March 31, 2004:


	Payments Due by Period
*Contractual Obligations*	Total		Less than 1 year	1-3 years	3-5 years		More than 5 years
Long-term debt obligations	$	86,357,000	—	—	$	82,029,000	$	4,328,000
Operating lease obligations		13,513,000	4,133,000	7,009,000		1,998,000		373,000
Distribution rights obligations		26,054,000	4,979,000	9,458,000		7,867,000		3,750,000
Purchase obligations		42,305,000	42,305,000	—		—		—
Defined benefit plan funding⁽¹⁾		922,000	922,000	—		—		—

(1)	The amounts for funding of the defined benefit plan include only those amounts due within fiscal 2005, as future amounts are not estimable at this time.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Other

As a matter of policy, the Company plans to review and evaluate all professional services firms every three to four years. This review will include but is not limited to legal, audit and information systems services.

Inflation

Inflation has not had a significant impact on the Company’s operations but there can be no assurance that inflation will not have a negative effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or debt service capabilities in the future.

Environmental Matters

The Company currently owns and leases a number of properties, and historically it has owned and/or leased others. Under applicable environmental laws, the Company may be responsible for remediation of environmental conditions relating to the presence of certain hazardous substances on such properties. The liability imposed by such laws is often joint and several without regard for whether the property owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, the presence of such hazardous substances. In addition, the presence of such hazardous substances, or the failure to properly remediate such substances, may adversely affect the property owner’s ability to borrow using the real estate as collateral and to transfer its interest in the real estate. Although the Company is not aware of the presence of hazardous substances requiring remediation, there can be no assurance that releases unknown to the Company have not occurred. Except for blending and bottling of a few of the Company’s private label brands, the Company does not manufacture any of the wine or spirit products it sells and believes that it has conducted its business in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Compliance with environmental laws has not had a material effect upon NWS’ capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses during the reporting periods.

The Company continually evaluates its accounting policies and estimates it uses to prepare the consolidated financial statements. In general, management’s estimates are based on historical experience, on information from third party professionals and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the facts and circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates made by management.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

The Company believes its critical accounting policies and estimates, as reviewed and discussed with the audit committee of the Board of Directors, include accounting for impairment of long-lived assets, accounts receivable valuation, inventory valuation, vendor allowances, and pensions.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets. The Company evaluates long-lived assets and intangibles subject to amortization whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In performing the review of recoverability, the Company estimates future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. The estimates of future cash flows, based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, require management’s subjective judgments. The time periods for estimating future cash flows is often lengthy, which increases the sensitivity to assumptions made. Depending on the assumptions and estimates used, the estimated future cash flows projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets can vary within a wide range of outcomes. The Company considers the probability of possible outcomes in determining the best estimate of future cash flows.

Receivables and Credit Policies. The carrying amount of accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance that reflects management’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. Management individually reviews all accounts receivable balances and creates an allowance for doubtful accounts based on the credit worthiness of specific accounts and an estimate of other uncollectible accounts based on historical performance.

Inventory Valuation. The carrying amount of inventories is reduced by an allowance that reflects management’s estimate of inventory at net realizable value. Management reviews inventory turnover, sales activity, individual product spoilage, and historical destruction data to calculate an allowance for obsolescence.

Vendor Allowances Received. The Company records vendor allowances and discounts in accordance with EITF 02-16: Accounting by a Customer (including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor. The Company receives allowances from vendors as a result of purchasing and promoting their products. Vendor allowances provided as a reimbursement of specific, incremental, and identifiable costs incurred to promote a vendor’s products are recorded as an expense reduction when the cost is incurred. All other vendor allowances, including vendor allowances received in excess of the Company’s cost to promote a vendor’s product, or vendor allowances directly related to purchase of a vendor’s product are initially deferred. The deferred amounts are then recorded as a reduction of cost of good sold when the related product is sold.

Many of the vendor allowance programs are not part of written contracts and collectibility of amounts owed to NWS under such agreements cannot be assured. Management reviews vendor accounts receivable balances for collectibility and records an allowance for management’s best estimate of uncollectible accounts.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The most significant element in determining the Company’s pension income (cost) in accordance with SFAS No. 87 is the expected return on plan assets. In fiscal 2004, the Company reduced its expected long-term rate of return on plan assets to 7.5% from 8.5% during the prior fiscal year. The assumed long-term rate of return on assets reflects the weighted average rate of earnings expected on the classes of funds invested, or to be invested to provide for the plan benefits. An analysis of the composition of the plan’s investments and investment policy compared against the investment’s expected returns results in the expected return on plan assets that is included in pension income (cost). The difference between this expected return and the actual return on plan assets is deferred. The net deferral of past asset gains (losses) can affect future pension income (cost). Over the long term, the Company’s pension plan assets have earned in excess of 9.3%. However, the plan assets have lost an average of 2.0% per year during the last two fiscal years. Should this trend continue, the Company will again be required to reconsider its assumed expected rate of return on plan assets. If the Company were to lower this rate, future pension cost would increase.

At the end of each year, the Company determines the discount rate to be used to calculate the present value of plan liabilities. The discount rate is an estimate of the current interest rate at which the pension liabilities could be effectively settled at the end of the year. In estimating this rate, the Company uses the preceding November’s Moody’s AA Corporate Bond Index rounded down to the nearest ¼ of a percentage point. At March 31, 2004, the Company determined this rate to be 6.0%, a decrease of 50 basis points from the rate used at March 31, 2003. Changes in discount rates over the past three years have not materially affected pension income (cost), and the net effect of changes in the discount rate, as well as the net effect of other changes in actuarial assumptions and experience, have been deferred, in accordance with SFAS No. 87.

The Company’s accumulated pension obligation exceeded the fair value of the related plan assets primarily due to the difference in the actual return on assets compared to the expected return on assets and the reduction in the discount rate assumption. As a result, in fiscal 2004 the Company recorded an increase to accrued pension liability and a non-cash charge to equity of approximately $0.1 million. This charge may be reversed in future periods if asset returns improve or interest rates rise. For the nine months ended December 31, 2004, the Company recognized consolidated pretax pension cost of $0.5 million, increased from the $0.4 million in the nine months ended January 2, 2004. The Company currently expects that the consolidated pension cost for fiscal 2005 will be approximately $0.7 million. The Company’s required minimum amount of fiscal 2005 contributions are approximately $0.9 million. However, the Company may elect to increase the minimum level of contributions in fiscal 2005 based on a number of factors, including performance of pension investments, changes in interest rates, and the funded percentage of the plan.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

The Company uses long-term debt as a primary source of capital in its business. The following table presents the principal cash repayments and related weighted average interest rates by maturity date for the Company’s long-term fixed-rate debt and other types of long-term debt at December 31, 2004:


	2006		2007		2008		2009			2010			Thereafter		Total			Fair Value
Fixed	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	77,079,000		$	—		$	—	$	77,079,000		$	73,996,000
Avg. Rate		—		—		—		10.125	%		—			—		10.125	%
Variable	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	14,500,000		$	4,328,000		$	—	$	18,828,000		$	18,828,000
Avg. Rate		—		—		—		4.93	%		4.00	%		—		4.67	%

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rate risk as a result of its variable rate debt. The Company’s objectives in managing its exposure to changes in interest rates are to limit the effect of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows and to minimize the amount of borrowings under the Company’s revolving line of credit. This approach to managing interest rate risk does not consider the changes in the Company’s competitive environment indirectly related to changes in interest rates and management’s responses to these changes.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2004, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and the Company’s Corporate Controller, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and the Company’s Corporate Controller concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings. No changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 5. Other Information

In connection with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, National Wine & Spirits, Inc. is identifying in exhibit 99 to this quarterly report important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements of the Company made by, or on behalf of, the Company.

Item 6. Exhibits

(a) Exhibits


(31)		Section 302 Certification

(99)		Exhibit 99 – Forward-Looking Statements

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.

Dated as of February 10, 2005


NATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS, INC.

By:		/s/ James E. LaCrosse
		James E. LaCrosse,
		Chairman, President,
		Chief Executive Officer, and
		Chief Financial Officer

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NATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS INC 10-Q