10-K 1 a42639.txt LAZARE KAPLAN INTERNATIONAL INC. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. For the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006 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 1-7848 LAZARE KAPLAN INTERNATIONAL INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 13-2728690 (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 19 West 44th Street 10036 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 972-9700 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered ------------------- ----------------------------------------- Common Stock ($1 par value) American Stock Exchange Preferred Share Purchase Rights American Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [ ] No [X] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes [ ] No [X] 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one): Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [X] Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [X] As of November 30, 2005 the aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing price for the registrant's common equity on the American Stock Exchange at that date was $20,005,812. As of July 31, 2006, 8,197,134 of the registrant's common stock were outstanding DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 2006 definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission - incorporated by reference into Part III. 2006 Annual Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2006 to be filed with the Commission-incorporated by reference into Parts II and IV. Part1 Item 1. Business The Company Lazare Kaplan International Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in 1972 under the laws of the state of Delaware as the successor to a business which was founded by Mr. Lazare Kaplan in 1903. The Company is engaged in the cutting, polishing and selling of ideally proportioned diamonds which it markets internationally under the brand name "Lazare Diamonds(R)". Ideally proportioned diamonds are distinguished from non-ideal cut ("commercial") diamonds by the symmetrical relationship of their facets, which optimize the balance of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a polished diamond. Due to these characteristics, Lazare Diamonds command a premium in the marketplace. The Company believes there are only a few companies worldwide engaged primarily in the production of ideally proportioned diamonds and that it is one of the largest U.S. providers of ideal cut diamonds. In addition, the Company cuts and polishes fine make commercial diamonds at diamond cutting facilities in Russia, South Africa and Namibia which it markets to wholesalers, distributors and, to a growing extent, retail jewelers. All rough stones purchased by the Company are either selected for manufacturing or resold as rough diamonds in the marketplace. The Company believes that the combination of its cutting and polishing operations and its trading operations enables the Company to purchase larger quantities of rough diamonds from which it may select those rough diamonds best suited for the Company's current needs. The Company's marketing strategy in the selling of Lazare Diamonds is directed primarily toward quality conscious consumers throughout the United States, South America, the Far East, the Middle East and Europe. The Company focuses its distribution efforts for Lazare Diamonds on selectivity with a view towards helping retailers who carry the product maintain a competitive advantage. Lazare Diamonds can be found at some of the most prestigious jewelry stores around the world, including those with international reputations and those known only in their communities as being the highest quality retail jewelers. This strategy helps ensure that the Company's product is presented in an environment consistent with its superior quality and image. The Company also sells to certain jewelry manufacturers and diamond wholesalers. The Company has developed a comprehensive grading system which, when coupled with the "ideal cut" standard, allows jewelers to order inventory by category rather than through the more cumbersome process of visual selection. In addition, the Company designs, manufactures (through independent contractors) and sells a line of high quality jewelry which features Lazare Diamonds. An important element of the Company's strategy is the promotion of the Lazare Diamond brand name. Every Lazare Diamond bears a laser inscription on its outer perimeter, invisible to the naked eye, containing the Lazare Kaplan logo and an identification number unique to the stone. The laser signature also allows consumers to register their Lazare Diamonds with the Company under its program, The Lazare Diamond Registry(R), thereby providing proof of ownership in case of loss or theft. One of the Company's important suppliers of rough diamonds is the Diamond Trading Company ("DTC"), the rough diamond sales arm of the De Beers Group. Based on published reports, the Company believes that more than half of the world's current rough diamond output is sold by the DTC. The Company has been a client of the DTC for approximately 60 years. In order to diversify its sources of rough diamond supply, the Company has an office in Antwerp to supplement its rough diamond needs by secondary market purchases and has entered into relationships with other primary source suppliers. The Company believes that its success in maintaining quantities and qualities of polished inventory that best meet its customers' needs is achieved through its ability to fully integrate its diverse rough and polished diamond sources. The Company operates various manufacturing facilities. The Company's domestic manufacturing operation, located in Puerto Rico, is believed by the Company to be the largest diamond cutting facility in the United States. The Company believes its work force in Puerto Rico is the most highly skilled in the diamond industry. This facility generally produces polished diamonds having weights of 1/5 of a carat and greater. The Company also operates manufacturing facilities in Moscow and Barnaul, Russia, Namibia and South Africa. The facilities in Russia are operated pursuant to an agreement with AK ALROSA of Russia. The facility in Namibia is operated under a strategic cooperation agreement with NamGem Diamond Manufacturing Company (PYT) Ltd. 2 The facility in South Africa is operated by Nozala Diamonds (Pty) Ltd, a joint cutting and polishing operation with Nozala Investments (Pty) Ltd, a broadly based women's empowerment investment group. Diamond Supply The Company's overall revenues are, in part, dependent upon the availability of rough diamonds, the world's known sources of which are highly concentrated. Based upon published reports, the Company believes that Angola, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Namibia, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Sierra Leone and South Africa account for more than 90% of present world rough gem diamond production. The DTC is the primary world-wide marketing mechanism of the rough diamond industry. Sales for the DTC are made in London and South Africa to a select group of clients ("sightholders") which, according to published reports, number approximately 95, including the Company. Based upon published reports, the Company believes that more than half of the world's current rough diamond output is sold by the DTC and its affiliated companies. In order to maintain their purchasing relationship, the DTC's clients have traditionally been expected to purchase substantially all of the diamonds offered to them by the DTC. Companies that are not sightholders must either purchase their requirements from sightholders or seek access to that portion of the world supply not marketed by the DTC. The DTC has been and continues to be an important supplier of rough diamonds to the Company. The DTC periodically invites its clients to submit their requirements as to the amount and type of stones they wish to purchase. Employees of the Company attend offerings of rough diamonds ("sights") held by the DTC periodically during the year in London. At sights, the Company purchases, at the DTC's stated price, an assortment of rough diamonds known as a "series", the composition of which attempts to take into account the qualitative and quantitative requirements of the Company based on requests submitted to the DTC by the Company. The Company has been a sightholder for approximately 60 years. The loss of its status as a sightholder could have a material adverse effect on the Company. In 2000, the DTC announced significant changes in its approach to rough diamond marketing. In brief, the DTC stated that it would stop open market purchases, alter its market control and pricing policies and focus on selling its own mining productions through its "Supplier of Choice" marketing programs. These policy changes were intended to drive consumer demand for diamond jewelry by fostering the development of efficient distribution networks that stimulate demand, support the emergence of internationally recognized brands to meet consumer needs, supply clients with a consistent supply of rough diamonds and encourage and support additional investment in marketing and advertising programs with the goal of developing an industry led by advertising and marketing support. The Company is currently a Sightholder under the DTC's Supplier of Choice Program. The Company believes it is well positioned to benefit from these changes in the DTC's approach to diamond marketing. However, there can be no assurance that this policy change will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. During the third quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company signed a cooperation agreement with NamGem for the cutting and polishing of diamonds in Namibia. NamGem is Namibia's flagship venture in the international diamond polishing industry. Under the terms of the agreement the Company provides marketing and technical manufacturing assistance to NamGem. The Company purchases rough diamonds and supervises the manufacturing of those deemed suitable to cut and polish. The Company pays NamGem for manufacturing on a fee for services basis. All rough and polished diamonds are bought and sold by the Company for its account. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 the Company signed a four year technical cooperation agreement regarding the marketing of rough diamonds with SODIAM, the government entity responsible for the development and marketing of diamonds produced in Angola. The Company began active buying operations in the Angolan informal sector during the first quarter of fiscal 2005. During the third fiscal quarter of 2006 the Company's rough buying operation expanded to include buying in the Angolan formal sector. In November 2004, the Company signed an agreement with Nozala Investments (PTY) LTD., a broadly based women's empowerment investment group, for cooperation in South Africa's diamond sector. The 3 agreement contemplates diamond mining, cutting, polishing, and distribution. The joint venture is in line with the South African Government's recently announced program to promote new entrants and investment in the domestic diamond sector, increasing the sector's contribution to economic development. Cutting and polishing activities which concentrate on local sources of rough diamond supply, commenced during the third fiscal quarter of 2006. In order to diversify its sources of supply, the Company has entered into arrangements with other primary source suppliers and manufacturers. The Company also has established an office in Antwerp to supplement its rough and polished diamond needs by making purchases in the secondary market. Through February 2009, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Pegasus Overseas Ltd. ("POL") has an exclusive agreement with Diamond Innovations Inc. ("DI") under which POL will market natural diamonds that have undergone a high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) process to improve the color of certain gem diamonds without reducing their all-natural content. The process is permanent and irreversible and it does not involve treatments such as irradiation, laser drilling, surface coating or fracture filling and is conducted before the final cutting and polishing by the Company. The process is used only on a select, limited range of natural diamonds with qualifying colors, sizes and clarities for both round and fancy cuts. The estimated number of gemstones with characteristics suitable for this process is a small fraction of the overall diamond market. POL sells only diamonds that have undergone the HPHT process under the brand name Bellataire(R). Each Bellataire diamond is laser inscribed with a unique identification number. In November 2005, the Company (including certain of its subsidiaries) amended certain terms of its agreement with DI relating to the sourcing, manufacture and marketing of Bellataire diamonds. The amendment and related agreements seek to increase the sales and profitability of Bellataire diamonds by more closely aligning the economic interests of the parties through shared management of product sourcing, manufacturing and marketing as well as the sharing of related costs. The Company has rough diamond supply arrangements in Russia for the cutting and polishing of diamonds in Russia. See "Cutting and Polishing". The Company believes that it has good relations with its suppliers, that its trade reputation and established customer base will continue to assure access to primary sources of diamonds and that its sources of supply are sufficient to enable the Company to meet its present and foreseeable needs. However, the Company's sources of supply could be affected by political and economic developments in producing countries over which the Company has no control. While the Company believes that alternative sources of supply may be available, any significant disruption of the Company's access to its primary source suppliers could have a material adverse effect on its ability to purchase rough diamonds. As a concerned member of the international diamond industry and global community at large, the Company fully supports and complies with policies which prohibit the trade in conflict diamonds, prevent money laundering and combat the financing of terrorism, a position which reflects the Company's leadership in the industry. The Company fully complies with clean diamond trading and anti-money laundering legislation adopted by the United States Government such as the USA Patriot Act and the Clean Diamond Trade Act, and supports relevant resolutions of concerned regional governments and international organizations including the OECD and the United Nations. The Company is a founding member of the United Nations Global Compact which was launched in 2000 to "initiate a global compact of shared values and principles which will give a human face to the global market". The Company will continue to join various industry and trade associations in condemning and combating the trade in illicit diamonds and to comply fully with World Diamond Congress resolutions for industry self-regulation in respect of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, including implementation of the prescribed System of Warranties and Code of Conduct. Furthermore, the Company long ago adopted the highest professional and ethical standards in every aspect of our business and is fully compliant with the DTC's recently developed Diamond Best Practices Principles. 4 Cutting and Polishing In March 1999 (in furtherance of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Export-Import Bank of the United States ("Eximbank"), ALROSA and the Company) the Company and ALROSA entered into an agreement (the "ALROSA Agreement") to expand their relationship in the cutting, polishing and marketing of rough gem diamonds for up to $100 million a year. Under the terms of the ALROSA Agreement, the Company and ALROSA agreed to refurbish certain diamond cutting facilities in Russia. At present, the Company's operations in Russia are consolidated in two facilities, both of which are fully operational. These facilities are staffed by Russian technicians and jointly managed and supervised by the Company and ALROSA personnel. Under the ALROSA agreement, the Company sells the resulting polished diamonds through its worldwide distribution network. The proceeds from the sale of these polished diamonds, after deduction of rough diamond cost, are generally shared equally with ALROSA. This agreement does not require the Company to advance funds for the purchase of rough diamonds. Any interruption in the supply of diamonds from Russia could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with NamGem Diamond Manufacturing Company (PTY) Ltd. ("NamGem") for the cutting and polishing of diamonds in Namibia. NamGem is Namibia's flagship venture in the international diamond polishing industry. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company provides technical manufacturing assistance and supervises the manufacture of the Company's rough diamonds deemed suitable to cut and polish. The Company believes that its factory in Puerto Rico is the largest cutting and polishing facility in the United States. Each diamond received in Puerto Rico is evaluated against strict management standards designed to maximize its potential economic contribution to the Company. Expert technicians, assisted by proprietary computer software, determine whether to cut the diamond to ideal or commercial proportions or resell the diamond. The shape of the diamond, its color, clarity, size, potential profitability and salability are among the criteria used in making such determinations. Rough diamonds selected for cutting are analyzed and where desirable are sorted for sawing to achieve the desired shape and to eliminate imperfections. They are then cut and polished into finished gems. Each finished ideal cut diamond (weighing .18 carats and larger) which is marketed as a Lazare Diamond is inscribed with the Lazare Kaplan logo and its own identification number by the Company's patented laser inscription process. The Company believes its work force in Puerto Rico is the most highly skilled in the diamond industry. The Company has undertaken a worker training program at its facility in Puerto Rico to ensure a constant flow of skilled labor to satisfy its needs for further growth. The Company believes that it is recognized in the diamond industry for the high quality and brilliance of the gems it cuts and that it also enjoys a reputation as an imaginative and innovative cutter of large and difficult diamonds. Pricing Rough Diamond Prices Through its control of more than half of the value of the current world rough diamond output, the DTC can exert significant control over the pricing of rough and polished diamonds by adjusting the quantity and pricing of rough diamonds it supplies to the marketplace. Rough diamond prices established by the DTC have been characterized historically by steady increases over the long term; however, prices in the secondary market have experienced a greater degree of volatility, particularly during the late 1970's. Traditionally, the Company has been able to pass along such price increases to its customers. From time to time, however, the Company has absorbed these price increases in the short term to maintain an orderly pricing relationship with its customers. This has, in the past, caused temporary adverse effects on the Company's earnings. A large rapid increase in rough diamond prices could materially adversely affect the Company's revenues and operating margins if the increased cost of rough diamonds could not be passed along to its customers in a timely manner. 5 According to published reports, during 1995 there was an emergence of a two-tier market for rough diamonds. The first tier is comprised of better quality rough diamonds, where supply and demand appear to be in balance. The Company conducts its cutting and polishing operations almost exclusively in this segment of the market. The second tier is comprised of small, less expensive, imperfect rough diamonds. The prices for these diamonds have been considerably more volatile since 1995. Because the Company focuses primarily on better quality rough diamonds, this volatility has not had a significant effect on the Company. However, a significant decrease in the price of better quality rough diamonds could materially adversely affect the Company's revenues, operating margins and inventory value. Polished Diamond Prices Over the past 60 years, increases in the price of rough diamonds have generally resulted in a corresponding increase in the price of polished diamonds. However, during periods of economic uncertainty, there may be a significant time lag before the Company is able to increase polished diamond prices. During the period of high inflation in the late 1970's, investors speculated in hard assets, driving polished diamond prices to exceptionally high levels which in turn caused significant increases in the cost of rough diamonds. However, the moderation of inflation during the early 1980's resulted in a sudden and massive shift of investments from hard assets to financial instruments, resulting in dramatic price declines for polished diamonds which caused a market liquidity crisis as prices of some categories of polished diamonds fell below the inventory costs of such diamonds. Since this period in the early 1980's, the Company believes the pricing of polished diamonds has returned to its historical pattern of responding to increases in the pricing of rough diamonds. The Company has broadened its sales base and implemented strict inventory, pricing and purchasing controls which it believes could lessen the impact of fluctuations in the price of rough and polished diamonds. These include computerized rough diamond evaluation programs and inventory utilization programs. However, there can be no assurance that volatility in the price of polished diamonds could not occur again. Any rapid decrease in the price of polished diamonds could have a material adverse effect on the Company in terms of inventory reserves, lower sales and lower margins. Marketing, Sales and Distribution Marketing Strategy The Company's sales strategy is directed primarily toward quality conscious consumers throughout the United States, South America, the Far East, the Middle East and Europe. The Company focuses its distribution efforts for Lazare Diamonds on selectivity with a view to helping retailers who carry the product maintain a competitive advantage. Lazare Diamonds can be found at some of the most prestigious jewelry stores around the world, including both those with international reputations and those recognized only in their local communities as being the highest quality retail jewelers. This strategy helps ensure that the Company's product is presented in an environment consistent with its superior quality and image. The Company also sells to certain jewelry manufacturers and diamond wholesalers. The Company has developed a comprehensive grading system for its diamonds which, when coupled with the "ideal cut" standard, allows jewelers to order inventory by category rather than through the more cumbersome process of visual selection. In addition, the Company designs, manufactures (through independent contractors) and sells a line of high quality jewelry that features Lazare Diamonds. A key element of the Company's strategy is the promotion of the Lazare Diamond brand name directly to consumers. The Company is able to market its diamonds under a brand name to retailers because (a) the ideal cut differentiates the Company's diamonds from commercial diamonds in the marketplace and (b) each Lazare Diamond is inscribed with the Company's logo and identification number using the Company's patented laser inscription process, thus authenticating the diamonds. The Company holds domestic and various international patents for this process. In addition, in March 2006 an additional U.S. patent was issued to the Company relating to microinscribed gemstones. The Company has additional domestic and international patents-pending. The Company's decision to pursue the brand name strategy is reinforced by two factors - a rising trend among informed consumers to purchase quality, brand name products, and the need among upscale jewelers to 6 set themselves apart in an increasingly competitive market by carrying and promoting a highly differentiated product. Building awareness and acceptance of the Lazare Diamond brand name is accomplished through a comprehensive marketing program which includes sales training, cooperative advertising, sales promotion and public relations. A wide assortment of sales promotion materials has been designed to facilitate jewelers' sales of the Company's diamonds and fine jewelry line to consumers. Public relations events are offered which help build traffic in retail stores. The Company has a program to build both free standing and in-counter boutiques in the stores of a select group of its retail clients. The Company believes these marketing programs have been and will continue to be instrumental in increasing sales. The Company intends to continue concentrating its Lazare Diamond(R) marketing efforts towards the quality retail jeweler. The Lazare Diamond Registry program has been established by the Company to enable consumers to register their Lazare Diamonds with the Company using the laser inscribed identification number, thereby providing proof of ownership in case of loss or theft. The Company markets high quality commercial cut diamonds and diamond jewelry through its worldwide distribution network to wholesalers, distributors and retailer jewelers. In addition, Bellataire(R) diamonds and jewelry are marketed through upscale retailers and select distributors throughout the world. Bellataire diamonds are all natural diamonds that have been restored to their intrinsic beauty through a patented high pressure, high temperature (HPHT) process that improves the color of a limited group of gem diamonds. The Company has developed its own E-commerce site (www.lazarediamonds.com). This site directly links the Company to its retailers, which serves to further strengthen the ties with its retail client base. Sales and Distribution While the purchase and sale of rough diamonds is concentrated among relatively few parties, industry wide retailing of polished diamonds occurs through over 40,000 jewelry stores in the United States, over 25,000 retailers in Japan and over 60,000 retail stores in Europe. The Company's sales efforts for its polished diamonds are directed primarily toward the fine quality segment of these retailers (the majority of which are independently owned and operated), wholesalers and distributors and, to a lesser extent, to jewelry manufacturers. Full time regional sales representatives located throughout the United States, Latin America, Japan, Hong Kong and Europe, are generally compensated, in whole or in part, on a commission or incentive basis and handle sales throughout the respective territories in which they operate. The Company's U.S. sales force is supported by a New York based in-house sales and service department. Sales to certain of the Company's largest accounts are handled by headquarters personnel. Most of the Company's major accounts are customers of long standing. The Company has been actively working to expand its foreign business activities, particularly in the Far East countries of Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, China and Malaysia and recently throughout Latin America, Italy and the Middle East. The Company uses a comprehensive sorting and inventory classification system for grading color and clarity of its ideal cut polished diamonds. This system, combined with the fact that the Company's stones are uniformly cut to ideal proportions, reduces and in some cases eliminates the need for customers to view diamonds before placing orders. The system enables customers to standardize their inventories, order by mail or telephone and minimize their inventory investment. 7 The percentages of the Company's total domestic and foreign net sales to its customers, which include a combination of both rough diamonds and polished diamonds sales taken together, for the past three fiscal years are set forth below: -------------------- 2006 2005 2004 --------------------------------------------- United States 13% 20% 30% Far East 7% 9% 9% Europe, Israel & Other 80% 71% 61% --------------------------------------------- 100% 100% 100% ==================== The world's rough diamond trading markets are primarily located in Belgium, India, and Israel; therefore, the majority of the Company's rough diamond sales have been transacted with foreign customers. The Company believes that due to the possible international resale of diamonds by its customers, the above percentages may not represent the final location of retail sales of its product. All of the Company's foreign sales, other than those made in Japan, are denominated in United States dollars. The profitability of foreign sales of either polished or rough diamonds is consistent with that of domestic sales of similar merchandise. Competition The polished and rough diamond business is highly competitive. While the Company believes that it has achieved a reputation as a leading cutter and distributor of high quality diamonds, it faces competition in sales to its customers in the United States and abroad from many other suppliers. In addition, the Company sells rough diamonds in the competitive world market. A substantial number of cutters and polishers and traders, some of which the Company believes to be larger or to have greater financial resources than the Company, sell diamonds of all qualities to the Company's customers. The Company believes there are significant barriers to entry by potential competitors into the business of manufacturing and distributing high quality cut diamonds. Among the most important of these barriers are the need for significant working capital to purchase rough diamonds and hold polished inventory, the long-term relationships required to have access to adequate supplies of rough diamonds, the limited number of persons with the skills necessary to consistently cut significant amounts of high quality cut diamonds, the difficulty in obtaining access to upscale channels of distribution, the importance of public recognition of an established brand name, a reputation for diamond cutting excellence, and the procurement of computer systems to report on and monitor the manufacturing and distribution network. Employees At July 31, 2006, the Company had 223 full-time employees including 12 regional sales representatives. The Company maintains an apprenticeship program at its facility in Puerto Rico, through which it trains its cutters, who are highly skilled workers. The Company provides paid vacations, sick leave, group life, disability, hospitalization and medical insurance for its employees. The Company has a 401(k) retirement plan for its U.S. and Puerto Rico employees. The Company believes that it has satisfactory relationships with its employees. None of the Company's employees are represented by a union. 8 Item 1A. Risk Factors Supply The world's sources of rough diamonds are highly concentrated in a limited number of countries. Varying degrees of political and economic risk exist in these countries. As a consequence, the diamond business is subject to various sovereign risks beyond the Company's control, such as changes in laws and policies affecting foreign trade and investment. In addition, the Company is subject to various political and economic risks, including the instability of foreign economies and governments, labor disputes, war and civil disturbances and other risks that could cause production difficulties or stoppages, restrict the movement of inventory or result in the deprivation or loss of contract rights or the taking of property by nationalization or expropriation without fair compensation. Any significant disruption of the Company's sources of supply, or restriction of inventory movement could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Based upon published reports, the Company believes that more than half of the world's current diamond output is sold by the Diamond Trading Company ("DTC"), the rough diamond sales arm of the De Beers Group. The DTC is the primary world-wide marketing mechanism of the rough diamond industry. Sales for the DTC are made in London and South Africa to a select group of clients ("sightholders") which, according to published reports, number approximately 95, including the Company. The DTC has been and continues to be an important supplier of rough diamonds to the Company. The Company has been a sightholder for approximately 60 years. The loss of its status as a sightholder could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company's cooperation arrangement with ALROSA is a significant part of its operations. Any interruption in the supply of diamonds from Russia could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Rough Pricing Through its control of more than half of the value of the current world rough diamond output, the DTC can exert significant control over the pricing of rough and polished diamonds by adjusting the quantity and pricing of rough diamonds it supplies to the marketplace. Historically, the Company has been able to pass along such price increases to its customers. From time to time, however, the Company has absorbed these price increases in the short term to maintain an orderly pricing relationship with its customers. This has, in the past, caused temporary adverse effects on the Company's earnings. A large rapid increase in rough diamond prices could materially adversely affect the Company's revenues and operating margins if the increased cost of rough diamonds could not be passed along to its customers in a timely manner. Conversely, a significant decrease in the price of better quality rough diamonds could materially adversely affect the Company's revenues, operating margins and inventory value. Polished Pricing Any rapid decrease in the price of polished diamonds could have a material adverse effect on the Company in terms of inventory reserves, lower sales and lower margins. Competition The polished and rough diamond business is highly competitive. A substantial number of cutters and polishers and traders, some of which the Company believes to be larger or to have greater financial resources than the Company, sell diamonds of all qualities to the Company's customers. Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments Not applicable. 9 Item 2. Properties In June 2003, the Company entered into a lease for 17,351 square feet of office space, a portion of which will be devoted to sales rooms, at 19 West 44th Street, New York City, for a term expiring September 30, 2019 at an annual rental rate of approximately $594,000 (subject to escalations). This location serves as the Company's corporate headquarters. The Company also owns a manufacturing facility in Caguas, Puerto Rico. The Caguas facility consists of approximately 12,650 square feet. The Company leases office space in Antwerp, Belgium for a term expiring May 31, 2015 at an annual rental rate of approximately $50,000. The Company has the right to terminate the lease on May 31, 2009, and 2012. The Company also leases office space in Antwerp, Belgium for a term expiring August 11, 2013 at an annual rental rate of approximately 52,000 Euros (approximately $64,000). The lease is cancelable by either the Company or the landlord on August 11, 2008 and 2010. The Company owns a 330 square meter office in Antwerp, Belgium, a portion of which is devoted to sales rooms. The Company leases office space in Hong Kong for a term expiring May 31, 2008 at an annual rental rate of 672,000 Hong Kong dollars (approximately $87,000). The Company leases office space in Tokyo for a term expiring August 31, 2008 at an annual rental rate of 18,200,000 Japanese Yen (approximately $150,000). The Company believes that its facilities are fully equipped and adequate to fulfill its operating and manufacturing needs. Item 3. Legal Proceedings In May 2006, the Company initiated litigation against Photoscribe Technologies, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York asserting infringement of the Company's intellectual property rights with respect to laser inscription of diamonds. The complaint seeks injunctive relief as well as damages. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders None Executive Officers of the Company The following table sets forth information regarding executive officers of the Company. NAME POSITION AGE ---- -------- --- Maurice Tempelsman Chairman of the Board 77 Leon Tempelsman Vice Chairman of the Board and President 50 William H. Moryto Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 48 10 All officers were elected by the Board of Directors at its meeting following the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held in November 2005. All officers hold office until the Board of Directors meeting following the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified. Maurice Tempelsman is the Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company and a general partner of Leon Tempelsman & Son ("LTS"), a partnership with interests in the international diamond and mining industries. He has held these positions since 1984. Maurice Tempelsman is the father of Leon Tempelsman. Leon Tempelsman is the Vice Chairman of the Board, the President and a director of the Company and a general partner of Leon Tempelsman & Son. He has held these positions since 1984. Leon Tempelsman is the son of Maurice Tempelsman. The Company believes that neither the Tempelsmans nor LTS currently engages directly or indirectly in any activities competitive with those of the Company. William H. Moryto has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since May 2000. Part II Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The Company's common stock (par value $1 per share) is traded on the American Stock Exchange. Market prices and other information with respect to the Company's common stock are hereby incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report. The following table presents a summary of share repurchases made by the Company during the quarter ended May 31, 2006 under the Company's share repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors. Total Number of Maximum Total Average Shares Purchased Dollar Value Number of Price as Part of Publicly that May Yet Shares Paid per Announced Be Purchased Period Purchased Share Programs Under the Programs --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mar-06 5,775 $ 8.13 5,775 $ 31,767 Apr-06 - $ - - $ 31,767 May-06 - $ - - $ 31,767 ------------------------------------------------ Total 5,775 $ 8.13 5,775 ================================================ On April 6, 2006, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a resolution to continue to purchase in the open market, at any time and from time to time during the fiscal year ending May 31, 2007, shares of the Company's common stock with an aggregate value not to exceed $2.0 million. Item 6. Selected Financial Data Selected financial data are hereby incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report. Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is hereby incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report. 11 Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk At May 31, 2006, the Company had borrowings totaling approximately $112.1 million outstanding under various credit agreements. The interest rates on these borrowings are variable and therefore the general level of U.S. and foreign interest rates affects interest expense. Increases in interest expense resulting from an increase in interest rates could impact the Company's results of operations. The Company's policy is to take actions that would mitigate such risk when appropriate. These actions include staggering the term and rate of its borrowings to match anticipated cash flow. International business represents a major portion of the Company's revenues and profits. All purchases of rough diamonds worldwide are denominated in U.S. dollars. All of the Company's foreign sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, with the exception of those sales made by the Company's subsidiary, Lazare Kaplan Japan Inc., which are denominated in Japanese yen. The functional currency for Lazare Kaplan Japan is the Japanese yen and, as of May 31, 2006 and 2005, the Company recognized cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments with regard to the activities of Lazare Kaplan Japan in the amount of $(425,000) and $(241,000) respectively, which are shown as a component of stockholders' equity in the accompanying balance sheets. Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data (a) The following financial statements and supplementary data are hereby incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report. (i) Report of BDO Seidman, LLP (ii) Report of Ernst & Young, LLP (iii) Consolidated Income Statements for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2006. (iv) Consolidated Balance Sheets as at May 31, 2006 and May 31, 2005. (v) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2006. (vi) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended May 31, 2006. (vii) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure On September 22, 2004, the Company changed its independent accountants from Ernst & Young, LLP to BDO Seidman, LLP. There are no disagreements, as described in Item 304 of Regulation S-K, between the Company and Ernst & Young, LLP. Item 9A. Controls and Procedures The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in reaching a reasonable level of assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. 12 The principal executive officer and principal financial officer also conducted an evaluation of internal control over financial reporting ("Internal Control") to determine whether any changes in Internal Control occurred during the quarter ended May 31, 2006 that may have materially affected or which are reasonably likely to materially affect Internal Control. Based on that evaluation, there has been no change in the Company's internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended May 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting. Item 9B. Other Information None. Part III Except for information regarding Executive Officers of the Company, which, in accordance with Instruction G to Form 10-K, is included in Part I hereof, the information called for by Part III (Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14) is incorporated by reference herein to the Company's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission within 120 days after the close of its fiscal year ended May 31, 2006. Part IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (a) 1. The response to this portion of Item 15 is set forth in Item 8 of Part II hereof. 2. The schedule and reports of the independent registered public accounting firms thereon. 3. The exhibits listed in the exhibit index attached hereto. 13 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Lazare Kaplan International Inc. The audits referred to in our report dated August 17, 2006 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Lazare Kaplan International Inc., which are incorporated in Item 8 of the Form 10-K by reference to the annual report to stockholders for the year ended May 31, 2006 included the audits of the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index for the years ended May 31, 2006 and 2005. This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based upon our audits. In our opinion such financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein for the years ended May 31, 2006 and 2005. BDO Seidman, LLP August 17, 2006 14 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Lazare Kaplan International Inc. We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Lazare Kaplan International Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 31, 2004, and have issued our report thereon dated August 19, 2004. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a). This schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audit. In our opinion, the May 31, 2004 financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. Ernst & Young, LLP New York, New York August 19, 2004 15 LAZARE KAPLAN INTERNATIONAL INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Additions --------------------------- Balance at Charged to Charged to Balance at beginning costs and other accounts Deductions end Description of period expenses describe describe of period ------------------------------- ----------- ---------- -------------- ---------- ---------- YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2006: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 360,000 $ 168,000 $ - $ (13,000)(A) $ 515,000 ----------- ---------- -------------- ---------- ---------- YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2005: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 365,000 $ 59,000 $ - $ (64,000)(A) $ 360,000 ----------- ---------- -------------- ---------- ---------- YEAR ENDED MAY 31, 2004: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 523,000 $ 44,000 $ - $ (114,000)(A) $ 365,000 ----------- ---------- -------------- ---------- ----------
(A) Amounts written off. 16 Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules (continued) (b) Exhibits (3) Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws (a) Certificate of Incorporation, as amended - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1987 filed with the Commission on August 26, 1987, as amended on January 14, 1988. (b) Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 1, 1990 - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (3)(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1992 filed with the Commission on August 28, 1992. (c) Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 6, 1997 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) (iii) to Company's Registration Statement for the Lazare Kaplan International Inc. 1997 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on November 14, 1997. (d) Certificate of Designations of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on November 6, 1997 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1(b) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on November 14, 1997. (e) By-laws, as amended - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3(e) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005 filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005, as amended and restated through November 4, 2003.. (10) Material Contracts (a) Lazare Kaplan International Inc. Amended and Restated 1988 Stock Option Incentive Plan - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on November 5, 1990. (b) Lazare Kaplan International Inc. 1997 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's proxy statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on November 5, 1997 filed with the Commission on September 17, 1997. (c) Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement for options granted pursuant to the Lazare Kaplan International Inc. 1997 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5(a) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on November 14, 1997. (d) Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for options granted pursuant to the Lazare Kaplan International Inc. 1997 Long Term Stock Incentive Plan - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5(a) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with the Commission on November 14, 1997. (e) Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2002, by and among the Company, as Borrower, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Administrative Agent and Arranger, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Bank Leumi USA, as Bank Lenders - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(e) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal 17 year ended May 31, 2002 filed with the Commission on August 28, 2002. (f) Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2001, between Antwerpse Diamantbank NV and Lazare Kaplan International Inc. relating to $25,000,000 (U.S.) facility Lenders - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(f) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2002 filed with the Commission on August 28, 2002. (g) Agreement, dated as of October 12, 2001, between Antwerpse Diamantbank NV and Lazare Kaplan Belgium, N.V. relating to $15,000,000 (U.S.) facility Lenders - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(g) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2002 filed with the Commission on August 28, 2002. (h) Credit Facility Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2002, between ABN Amro Bank N.V., Tokyo branch, Lazare Kaplan Japan Inc., and Lazare Kaplan International Inc. - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(h) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2003 filed with the Commission on August 26, 2003. (i) Cooperation Agreement, dated July 15, 1996 between the Company and AK Almazi Rossii Sakha - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (2) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Commission on November 18, 1996 (certain portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment). (j) Cooperation Agreement, dated March 23, 1999 between the Company and AK Almazi Rossii Sakha - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(n) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999 filed with the Commission on August 27, 1999 (certain portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment). (k) Processing Agreement, dated as of February 20, 1999, between Pegasus Overseas Ltd. and a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Electric Company - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(o) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1999 filed with the Commission on August 27, 1999 (certain portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment). (l) Rights Agreement, dated as of July 31, 1997, between the Company and ChaseMellon Shareholder Services, LLC - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Form 8-A filed with the Commission on August 26, 1997. (m) Leon Tempelsman Retirement Benefit Plan of Lazare Kaplan International Inc. - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(o) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 1997 filed with the Commission on August 28, 1997. (n) Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Fifth Avenue Group, LLC and the Company dated as of January 18, 2002 - incorporated by reference to Exhibit (w) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2002. (o) Shareholders Agreement by and among Maurice Tempelsman, Leon Tempelsman and Fifth Avenue Group, LLC dated as of January 18, 2002 - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (x) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2002. 18 (p) Form of Irrevocable Proxy from Fifth Avenue Group, LLC to Maurice Tempelsman and Leon Tempelsman - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (y) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2002. (q) Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of January 17, 2002 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services LLC - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit (z) to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2002. (r) Lease Agreement between EBS Forty-Fourth Property Associates LLC and Lazare Kaplan International Inc. dated June 6, 2003. - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(r) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2003, filed with the Commission on August 26, 2003. (s) Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated May 28, 2003, by and among the Company, as Borrower, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Administrative Agent and Arranger, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Bank Leumi USA, as Bank Lenders- incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(s) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2003, filed with the Commission on August 26, 2003. (t) Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated November 24, 2003, by and among the Company, as Borrower, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Administrative Agent and Arranger, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Bank Leumi USA, as Bank Lenders - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(t) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2004, filed with the Commission on August 27, 2004. (u) Cooperation Agreement, dated January 9, 2004, between Lazare Kaplan International Inc. and NamGem Diamond Manufacturing Company (PTY) Ltd. and Namdeb Diamond Corporation (PTY) Ltd. (certain portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment) - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(u) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2004, filed with the Commission on August 27, 2004. (v) Agreement dated April 29, 2004 between Lazare Kaplan International Inc. and Sociedade de Comercializacao de Diamantes de Angola, SARL (SODIAM) (certain portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment) - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(v) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2004, filed with the Commission on August 27, 2004. (w) Amendment to the Credit Facility Agreement, dated December 1, 2003, between ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Tokyo Branch, Lazare Kaplan Japan Inc., and Lazare Kaplan International Inc. - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(w) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2004, filed with the Commission on August 27, 2004. (x) Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated September 13, 2004, by and among the Company, as Borrower, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Administrative Agent and Arranger, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Bank Leumi USA, as Bank Lenders, - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(x) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005. (y) Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated November 24, 2004, by and among the Company, as Borrower, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Administrative Agent and Arranger, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Bank Leumi USA, as Bank Lenders, - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(y) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005. (z) Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated May 6, 2005, by and among the Company, as Borrower, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Administrative Agent and Arranger, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Bank Leumi USA, as Bank Lenders, - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(z) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005. 19 (aa) Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated July 15, 2005, by and among the Company, as Borrower, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Administrative Agent and Arranger, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Bank Leumi USA, as Bank Lenders - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(aa) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005. filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005. (ab) Revolving Credit Agreement dated September 28, 2004 by and between Lazare Kaplan International, as Borrower and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Lender - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(ab) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005. (ac) Amendment to the Credit Facility Agreement, dated December 1, 2004, between ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Tokyo Branch, Lazare Kaplan Japan Inc., and Lazare Kaplan International Inc. - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(ac) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005. (ad) Amendment to the credit facility dated July 18, 2005 between Antwerpse Diamantbank NV and Lazare Kaplan International Inc. - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(ad) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005. (ae) Amendment to the Leon Tempelsman Retirement Benefit Plan of Lazare Kaplan International Inc., effective as of March 1, 2005 - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(ae) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005. (af) William H. Moryto Retirement Benefit Plan of Lazare Kaplan International Inc., effective as of February 1, 2005 - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(af) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, filed with the Commission on August 25, 2005. (ag) Amendment, dated December 30, 2005, to the Credit Facility between Antwerpse Diamantbank NV and the Company - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(ag) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2005, filed with the Commission on January 13, 2006. (ah) Amendment, dated December 30, 2005, to the Credit Facility between Antwerpse Diamantbank NV and Lazare Kaplan Belgium, N.V. - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(ah) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2005, filed with the Commission on January 13, 2006. (ai) Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement by and among the Company, as Borrower, ABN AMRO Bank N.V., as Administrative Agent and Arranger, and ABN AMRO Bank N.V and Bank Leumi USA, as Lenders, dated December 1, 2005 - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(ai) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2005, filed with the Commission on January 13, 2006. (aj) Amendment, dated December 1, 2005, to the Revolving Credit Agreement by and between the Company, as Borrower and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as Lender - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(aj) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2005, filed with the Commission on January 13, 2006. (ak) Amendment, dated December 1, 2005, to the Credit Facility Agreement among ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Tokyo Branch, Lazare Kaplan Japan Inc., and the Company - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(ak) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2005, filed with the Commission on January 13, 2006. (al) Limited Liability Company Agreement of Bellataire International LLC, executed by DI Bahamas Inc. and LKI Bahamas Ltd. dated as of November 30, 2005 (certain portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment) - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(al) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2005, filed with the Commission on January 13, 2006. (am) Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Bellataire LLC executed by the Company and Diamond Innovations, Inc. dated as of November 30, 2005 (certain portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment) - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10(am) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal period ended November 30, 2005, filed with the Commission on January 13, 2006. (an) Letter Agreement, dated as of November 30, 2005, from Diamond Innovations, Inc. to, and agreed to by, Pegasus Overseas Ltd., the Company, Bellataire International LLC, Bellataire LLC and Bellataire BVBA (certain portions of this agreement have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment). 20 (13) 2006 Annual Report to Security Holders - incorporated herein by reference to the Company's 2006 Annual Report to Stockholders to be filed with the Commission. (14) Code of Conduct for the President and senior financial officers of the Company - incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 14 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2004, filed with the Commission on August 27, 2004. (21) Subsidiaries (23.1) Consent of BDO Seidman, LLP (23.2) Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP (31.1) Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (31.2) Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (32.1) Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (99.1) Amended and restated Audit Committee Charter - incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2004, filed with the Commission on October 7, 2004. (c) Not applicable. 21 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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. LAZARE KAPLAN INTERNATIONAL INC. By /s/ William H. Moryto --------------------- William H. Moryto, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Dated: August 24, 2006 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signature Title Date --------- ----- ---- /s/ Maurice Tempelsman Chairman of the August 24, 2006 ----------------------- Board of Directors (Maurice Tempelsman) /s/ Leon Tempelsman Vice Chairman of the August 24, 2006 ----------------------- Board of Directors and (Leon Tempelsman) President (principal executive officer) /s/ Lucien Burstein Director August 24, 2006 ----------------------- (Lucien Burstein) /s/ Richard A. Berenson Director August 24, 2006 ----------------------- (Richard A. Berenson) /s/ Myer Feldman Director August 24, 2006 ----------------------- (Myer Feldman) /s/ Robert A. Del Genio Director August 24, 2006 ----------------------- (Robert A. Del Genio) /s/ William H. Moryto Vice President and August 24, 2006 ----------------------- Chief Financial Officer (William H. Moryto) (principal financial and accounting officer) 22