UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2013 Commission File Number 1-9750

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or othe r jurisdiction of incorporation or organiz ation)

38-2478409
(I.R.S. Employe r Ide ntification No.)

1334 York Avenue New York, New York

(Addre ss of principal e xe cutive office s)

10021
(Zip Code )

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 606-7000 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 No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of the Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer Accelerated filer Smaller reporting company

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No As of April 30, 2013, there were 68,280,749 outstanding shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the registrant. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PART I Item 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION Financial Statements (UNAUDITED): Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements Item 2 Management s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 3 4 5 6 7 24

Item 3 Item 4 PART II Item 1 Item 1A Item 4 Item 5 Item 6 SIGNATURE

EXHIBIT INDEX

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Controls and Procedures OTHER INFORMATION Legal Proceedings Risk Factors Mine Safety Disclosures Other Information Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

38 39

39 39 39 39 45 46
48

2#

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SOTHEBY S CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (Thousands of dollars, except per share data)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012

Revenues: Auction and related revenues Finance revenues Dealer revenues

License fee revenues Other revenues Total revenues Expenses: Direct costs of services Dealer cost of sales Marketing expenses Salaries and related costs General and administrative expenses Depreciation and amortization expense Total expenses Operating loss Interest income Interest expense Other income Loss before taxes Equity in earnings of investees, net of taxes
Income tax benefit Net loss Basic and diluted loss per share - Sotheby s common shareholders Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding Cash dividends paid per common share

94,175 4,933 1,083

1,186 368 101,745 8,449 700 4,687 60,695 44,011 4,516 123,058 (21,313) 386 (12,515) 1,699 (31,743) 2 (9,396)

97,410 3,575 2,678

901 395 104,959 7,391 2,512 4,397 56,226 38,919 4,220 113,665 (8,706) 609 (10,108) 1,742 (16,463) 221 (5,578)
(10,664) (0.16) 67,457 0.08

$ $ $

(22,345) $ (0.33) $ 67,951 $

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 3#

SOTHEBY S CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (UNAUDITED) (Thousands of dollars)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012

Net loss Other comprehensive (loss) income: Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of ($477) and $383 Amortization of previously unrecognized net pension losses included in net loss, net of tax of $83 and $0 Other comprehensive (loss) income Comprehensive (loss) income

(22,345) $ (24,100) 279 (23,821)

(10,664 ) 16,734 16,734 6,070

(46,166) $

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

4#

SO THEBY S CO NDENSED CO NSO LIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Thousands of dollars) March 31, 2013 A S S ETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,186, $6,628, and $7,745 Notes receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $1,478, $1,341, and $900 Inventory Deferred income taxes and income tax receivable Prepaid expenses and other current assets
T otal Current Assets Notes receivable Fixed assets, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $166,862, $165,847, and $155,610 Goodwill and other intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $6,023, $6,197, and $6,277 Equity method investments Deferred income taxes and income tax receivable T rust assets related to deferred compensation liability Pension asset Other long-term assets T otal Assets L I A B I L I T I E S A N D S H A R E H O L D E R S E Q U I T Y Current Liabilities: Due to consignors Current portion of long-term debt, net Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Client deposit $ 331,236 183,492 93,652 63,000 $ 599,614 181,250 148,822 $ 256,571 3,051 75,021 $

De ce mbe r 31, 2012

March 31, 2012

608,200 6,892 467,030 121,417 91,797 40,168 48,732

1,384,236 309,730 370,538 14,406 15,140 52,928 50,088 18,136 55,318 2,270,520

768,347 31,974 597,487 129,972 92,187 23,497 27,659

1,671,123 317,068 375,031 14,660 15,136 59,135 47,926 18,034 56,982

444,274 5,538 316,339 105,246 113,164 30,499 27,585

1,042,645 201,470 373,041 14,675 15,244 51,505 46,429 29,564 13,322

2,575,095

1,787,895

Accrued and deferred income taxes Other current liabilities T otal Current Liabilities Long-term debt, net Accrued and deferred income taxes Deferred compensation liability Other long-term liabilities T otal Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (see Note 9) Shareholders Equity: Common Stock, $0.01 par value Authorized shares at March 31, 2013 200,000,000 Issued and outstanding shares - 68,280,749, 67,779,637, and 67,740,599 Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss T otal Shareholders Equity Noncontrolling interest

5,144 31,025 707,549 515,160 17,968 47,657 37,041 1,325,375

27,864 7,329 964,879 515,197 19,047 45,223 37,923 1,582,269

6,974 6,241 347,858 466,492 19,809 44,860 6,772 885,791

683

677

677

366,330 652,006 (74,196 ) 944,823 322

368,173 674,351 (50,375 ) 992,826

353,512 585,099 (37,184 ) 902,104

T otal Equity T otal Liabilities and Shareholders Equity $

945,145 2,270,520 $

992,826 2,575,095 $

902,104 1,787,895

Se e accompanying Note s to Conde nse d Consolidate d Financial State me nts

5#

SOTHEBY S CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Thousands of dollars)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 Operating Activities: Net loss Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization expense Deferred income tax expense Share-based payments Net pension benefit Asset provisions Amortization of debt discount
Excess tax benefits from share-based payments Other Changes in assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable Due to consignors Inventory Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other long-term assets Income tax receivable and deferred income tax assets Accrued income taxes and deferred income tax liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other liabilities Net cash used by operating activities Investing Activities: Funding of notes receivable Collections of notes receivable Capital expenditures Proceeds from the sale of land and buildings (54,841) 65,955 (4,308) (90,853) 36,608 (5,457) 714 119,530 (253,328) (1,564) (1,554) (855) (11,751) (22,744) 14,433 (166,084) 237,328 (532,828) (1,898) (2,904) (3,514) (7,515) (28,977) (69,592) (407,599)

March 31, 2012 $ (10,664) 4,220 3,396 4,920 (676) 1,499 2,820
(3,302) 88

(22,345) 4,516 4,263 4,432 (287) 749 2,933

(2,715) 203

Distributions from equity investees Decrease in restricted cash Net cash provided (used) by investing activities Financing Activities: Repayment of York Property M ortgage Dividends paid Contribution from noncontrolling interest Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options Excess tax benefits from share-based payments Funding of employee tax obligations upon the vesting of share-based payments Net cash used by financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Decrease in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental information on non-cash investing and financing activities: $

24,191 30,997 (622) 322 2,155 2,715 (11,343) (6,773) (18,287) (160,147) 768,347 608,200 $

100 23,936 (34,952) (805) (5,519) 3,302 (11,295) (14,317) 10,509 (446,359) 890,633 444,274

See Note 5 for information regarding non-cash transfers between Accounts Receivable (net) and Notes Receivable (net). See Note 6 for information regarding the $21.8 million current asset related to Sotheby s Convertible Note Hedges and the $21.8 million current liability related to the embedded conversion option in Sotheby s 3.125% Convertible Notes. These amounts were recorded in the first quarter of 2013, with offsetting amounts recorded in Shareholders Equity and Deferred Income Taxes. S ee accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial S tatements

6#

SOTHEBY S NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) 1. Basis of Presentation The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included herein have been prepared by Sotheby s pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC ). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ) in the United States of America (the U.S. ) have been condensed or omitted from this report, as is permitted by such rules and regulations; however, management of Sotheby s believes that the disclosures herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading and that all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of results are reflected in the interim periods presented. It is suggested that these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in Sotheby s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K. 2. Seasonality of Business The worldwide art auction market has two principal selling seasons, which generally occur in the second and fourth quarters of the year. In the aggregate, second and fourth quarter Net Auction Sales (which represents the hammer, or sale, price of property sold at auction) represented 84% and 81% of total Net Auction Sales in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Accordingly, Sotheby s auction results are seasonal, with peak revenues and operating income generally occurring in those quarters. Consequently, first and third quarter results have historically reflected a lower volume of auction activity when compared to the second and fourth quarters and, typically, a net loss due to the fixed nature of many of Sotheby s operating expenses.
3. (Loss) Earnings Per Share Basic (loss) earnings per shareBasic (loss) earnings per share attributable to Sotheby's common shareholders is computed under the two-class method using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The two-class method requires that the amount of net income attributable to participating securities be deducted from consolidated net income in the computation of basic earnings per share. In periods with a net loss, the net loss attributable to participating securities is not deducted from consolidated net loss in the computation of basic loss per share as the impact would be anti-dilutive. Sotheby's only participating securities are unvested restricted stock units, which have non-forfeitable rights to dividends. Diluted (loss) earnings per shareDiluted (loss) earnings per share attributable to Sotheby's common shareholders is computed in a similar manner to basic (loss) earnings per share under the two-class method, using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and, if dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Sotheby's potential common shares include the following: Unvested performance share units held by employees and incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options. Unvested performance share units are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share if the profitability targets inherent in such awards have been achieved as of the balance sheet date. Incremental common shares issuable upon the exercise of employee stock options are included in the computation of diluted earnings per share in quarterly periods when the average price of Sotheby's common stock exceeds the exercise price of the stock options. (See Note 11 for information related to Sotheby s share-based compensation programs.)

Deferred stock units issued pursuant to the Sotheby's Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors. In reporting periods when the average price of Sotheby's Common Stock exceeds the conversion price of its 3.125% Convertible Notes (the Convertible Notes ) and the embedded conversion option meets the conditions for equity classification, the net shares that would be delivered to settle the conversion premium assuming all of the Convertible Notes are redeemed. (See Note 6 for information related to the Convertible Notes.) In reporting periods when the average price of Sotheby's common stock exceeds the exercise price of the warrants that were sold in conjunction with the issuance of the Convertible Notes (the Warrants ), the net shares that would be delivered to settle the Warrants. (See Note 6 for information related to the Warrants.)

7#

For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, 2.2 million and 2.3 million potential common shares, respectively, related to share-based payments were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share because Sotheby's reported a net loss for the period, and, therefore, their inclusion in the computation would be anti-dilutive. The table below summarizes the computation of basic and diluted loss per share for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts):
Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012

Numerator: Net loss attributable to Sotheby s Less: Net income attributable to participating securities Net loss attributable to Sotheby s common shareholders Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding

$ $

(22,345) $ (22,345) $ 67,951

(10,664) (10,664) 67,457

Basic and diluted loss per share - Sotheby s common shareholders 4. Segment Reporting

(0.33) $

(0.16)

Sotheby s operations are organized under three segments Auction, Finance, and Dealer. The table below presents Sotheby s revenues and (loss) income before taxes by segment for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 Auction Finance De ale r All O the r Re conciling ite ms Total

Revenues Segment (loss) income before taxes

Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2012

$ $

94,175 $ (36,908) $
Auction

7,117 5,163
Finance

$ $

1,083 $ (942) $
De ale r

1,554 948
All O the r

$ $

(2,184) $ (4) $

101,745 (31,743)
Total

Re conciling ite ms

Revenues Segment (loss) income before taxes

$ $

97,410 $ (19,479) $

4,986 3,631

$ $

2,678 $ (957) $

1,296 743

$ $

(1,411) $ (401) $

104,959 (16,463)

In the table of segment information above, the reconciling item related to Revenues represents charges from the Finance segment to the Auction segment for interest-free or other below market consignor advances with maturities typically ranging between 3 and 6 months (see Note 5). The reconciling item related to segment (loss) income before taxes represents Sotheby's pre-tax share of earnings related to its equity investees. Such earnings are included in the table above as part of the Dealer segment loss, but are presented net of taxes in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, Auction segment revenues consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012

Auction commission revenues Private sale commission revenues Principal activities Other auction and related revenues Total auction and related revenues

78,564 $ 13,624 (575) 2,562 94,175 $

76,858 15,279 269 5,004 97,410

Principal activities consist mainly of gains and losses related to auction guarantees including: (i) Sotheby's share of overage or shortfall related to guaranteed property offered or sold at auction, (ii) subsequent writedowns to the carrying value of guaranteed property that initially failed to sell at auction, and (iii) subsequent recoveries and losses on the sale of guaranteed property that initially failed to sell at auction. Other auction and related revenues principally includes commissions and other fees earned by Sotheby's on private sales brokered by third parties, fees charged to clients for catalogue production and insurance, catalogue subscription revenues and advertising revenues.

8#

The table below presents Sotheby's assets by segment, as well as a reconciliation of segment assets to consolidated assets as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
March 31, 2013 De ce mbe r 31, 2012 March 31, 2012

Auction Finance Dealer All Other Total segment assets Unallocated amounts: Deferred tax assets and income tax receivable Consolidated assets 5. Receivables

$ 1,686,220 $ 403,701 86,560 943 2,177,424 93,096 $ 2,270,520 $

1,977,620 427,871 85,748 1,224 2,492,463 82,632 2,575,095

$ 1,299,804 303,499 101,955 633 1,705,891 82,004 $ 1,787,895

Accounts Receivable, NetSotheby's Auction segment functions principally as an agent by offering works of art for sale at auction and by brokering private art sales. In its role as agent, Sotheby's accepts property on consignment and matches sellers (also known as consignors) to buyers through the auction or private sale process. Sotheby's invoices the buyer for the purchase price of the property (including the commission owed by the buyer), collects payment from the buyer and remits to the consignor the net sale proceeds after deducting its commissions, expenses and applicable taxes and royalties. Sotheby's auction commissions include those paid by the buyer ("buyer's premium") and those paid by the seller ("seller's commission") (collectively, "auction commission revenue"), both of which are calculated as a percentage of the hammer price of the property sold at auction. For private sales, Sotheby's enters into a legally binding agreement with the seller, which outlines the terms of the arrangement including the desired sale price and the amount or rate of commission to be earned upon completion of the sale. Under Sotheby s standard auction payment terms, payments from the buyer are due no more than 30 days from the sale date and payments to the consignor are due 35 days from the sale date. For private sales, payment from the buyer is typically due on the sale date, with the net sale proceeds being due to the consignor shortly thereafter. Extended payment terms are sometimes provided to a buyer and, for auctions, can vary considerably from selling season to selling season. Such terms typically extend the payment due date to a date that is no longer than one year from the sale date. In limited circumstances, the payment due date may be extended to a date that is beyond one year from the sale date. Any changes from the standard auction and private sale payment terms are subject to management approval under Sotheby's policy. When providing extended payment terms, Sotheby s attempts to match the timing of cash receipt from the buyer with the timing of payment to the consignor, but is not always successful in doing so. As of March 31, 2013, $35.7 million of buyer receivables (of which $32.1 million is related to one buyer) and $30.6 million of Due to Consignors were classified within Other Long-Term Assets and Other Long-Term Liabilities, respectively, based on their corresponding payment due dates. The property related to these buyer receivables has not been released to the buyer and is in the possession of Sotheby's.
Under the standard terms and conditions of its auction and private sales, Sotheby s is not obligated to pay the consignor for property that has not been paid for by the buyer. If a buyer defaults on payment, the sale may be cancelled, and the property will be returned to the consignor. Alternatively, the consignor may reoffer the property at a future Sotheby's auction or negotiate a private sale with Sotheby's acting as its agent. In certain instances and subject to management approval under Sotheby s policy, the consignor may be paid the net sale proceeds before payment is collected from the buyer and/or the buyer may be allowed to take possession of the property before making payment. In situations when the buyer takes possession of the property before making payment, Sotheby s is liable to the seller for the net sale proceeds whether or not the buyer makes payment. As of March 31, 2013, Accounts Receivable (net) includes $185.5 million related to situations when Sotheby's has paid the consignor before payment was collected from the buyers, of which $4.1 million is associated with a purchase made by a related party (see Note 14). Included in the $185.5 million is $34 million owed by one buyer that was collected by Sotheby's in April 2013. As of December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, Accounts Receivable (net) includes $170 million, and $102.4 million, respectively, related to situations when Sotheby's has paid the consignor before payment was collected from the buyer. As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, Accounts Receivable (net) also includes $70 million, $83.7 million, and $53.1 million related to situations when the buyer has taken possession of the property before making payment to Sotheby s. As of March 31, 2013, $56.1 million of receivables due from one buyer comprised approximately 11% of total buyer receivables. The property related to these receivable balances has not been released to the buyer and is in the possession of Sotheby's. 9#

Notes Receivable, NetAs of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, Notes Receivable (net) consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
March 31, 2013 De ce mbe r 31, 2012 March 31, 2012

Finance segment: Secured loans Auction segment: Auction guarantee advances Unsecured loan Dealer segment: Secured loans Total Notes Receivable (net)

400,603 $ 24,877 2,142 3,525

425,138 $ 16,224 2,142 3,536 447,040 $

294,646 3,523 2,142 6,405 306,716

431,147 $

Notes Receivable (Finance Segment) Through its Finance segment, Sotheby s provides certain collectors and art dealers with financing secured by works of art that Sotheby's either has in its possession or permits borrowers to possess. The Finance segment generally makes two types of secured loans: (1) advances secured by consigned property to borrowers who are contractually committed, in the near term, to sell the property at auction (a consignor advance ); and (2) general purpose term loans secured by property not presently intended for sale (a term loan ).
A consignor advance allows a seller to receive funds upon consignment for an auction or private sale that will typically occur up to one year in the future. Consignor advances normally have maturities ranging between three and six months and may sometimes be issued interest-free as an incentive to the consignor for entering into the consignment agreement. Such interest-free consignor advances can represent a significant portion of the Finance segment loan portfolio as of the end of certain quarterly reporting periods in advance of peak selling seasons. Interest bearing consignor advances typically carry a variable rate of interest. Term loans allow Sotheby's to establish or enhance mutually beneficial relationships with borrowers and may generate future auction or private sale consignments and/or purchases. Term loans normally have initial maturities of up to two years and typically carry a variable market rate of interest. In certain situations, term loans are also made to refinance clients' auction and private sale purchases. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Finance segment made $6.7 million and $21.7 million, respectively, of such loans. These loans are accounted for as non-cash transfers between Accounts Receivable (net) and Notes Receivable (net) and are, therefore, not reflected within investing activities in the statements of cash flows. Upon repayment, the cash received in settlement of such loans is classified within operating activities in the statements of cash flows. As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, Notes Receivable (net) included $76.4 million, $77.4 million, and $53.7 million, respectively, of such loans.
The collection of secured loans can be adversely impacted by a decline in the art market in general or in the value of the particular collateral. In addition, in situations when there are competing claims on the collateral and/or when a borrower becomes subject to bankruptcy or insolvency laws, Sotheby s ability to realize on its collateral may be limited or delayed. Sotheby s target loan-to-value ( LTV ) ratio, which is defined as principal loan amount divided by the low auction estimate of the collateral, is 50% or lower. However, loans are also made at an initial LTV higher than 50%. In addition, as a result of the periodic revaluation of loan collateral, the LTV ratio of certain loans may increase above the 50% target due to decreases in the low auction estimates of the collateral. The revaluation of loan collateral is performed by Sotheby s specialists on an annual basis or more frequently if there is a material change in circumstances related to the loan or the disposal plans for the collateral. 10#

Management believes that the LTV ratio is the critical credit quality indicator for Finance segment secured loans. The table below provides information regarding the LTV ratio of Finance segment secured loans as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
March 31, 2013 De ce mbe r 31, 2012 March 31, 2012

Aggregate LTV ratio of Finance segment secured loans Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50% Low auction estimate of collateral related to Finance segment secured loans with an LTV above 50%

$ $

46% 131,618 200,711

$ $

48% 120,662 184,205

$ $

44% 188,172 308,659

The table below provides other credit quality information regarding Finance segment secured loans as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
March 31, 2013 De ce mbe r 31, 2012 March 31, 2012

Total secured loans Loans past due

Loans more than 90 days past due Non-accrual loans Impaired loans Allowance for credit losses: Allowance for credit losses - impaired loans Allowance for credit losses based on historical data Total Allowance for Credit Losses - secured loans

$ $
$ $ $ $ $

400,603 27,269
24,727 1,478 1,478

$ $
$ $ $ $ $

425,138 33,737
32,665 1,341 1,341

$ $
$ $ $ $ $

294,646 2,148
1,437 900 900

Management considers a loan to be past due when principal payments are not paid in accordance with the stated terms of the loan. As of March 31, 2013, $27.3 million of the Notes Receivable (net) balance was considered to be past due, of which $24.7 million was more than 90 days past due. Management is continuing to accrue Finance Revenue on these past due loans. The collateral securing these loans has low auction estimates of approximately $60.2 million and $55.6 million, respectively. In April 2013, a portion of this collateral was sold for approximately $12 million, and the resulting proceeds will be used to reduce the balance of past due loans. In consideration of the April 2013 sale of loan collateral, the value of the remaining collateral securing these past due loans, current collateral disposal plans, and negotiations with the borrowers, management believes that the principal and interest amounts due for past due loans will be collected. A non-accrual loan is a loan for which future Finance Revenue is not recorded due to management s determination that it is probable that future interest on the loan is not collectible. Any cash receipts subsequently received on non-accrual loans are first applied to reduce the recorded principal balance of the loan, with any proceeds in excess of the principal balance then applied to interest owed by the borrower. The recognition of Finance Revenue may resume on a non-accrual loan if sufficient additional collateral is provided by the borrower or if management becomes aware of other circumstances that indicate that it is probable that the borrower will make future interest payments on the loan. As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, there were no Finance segment non-accrual loans outstanding.
A loan is considered to be impaired when management determines that it is probable that a portion of the principal and interest owed by the borrower will not be recovered after taking into account the estimated realizable value of the collateral securing the loan, as well as the ability of the borrower to repay any shortfall between the value of the collateral and the amount of the loan. If a loan is considered to be impaired, Finance Revenue is no longer recognized and bad debt expense is recorded for any principal or interest that is deemed uncollectible. As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, there were no impaired loans outstanding. 11#

During the period January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013, activity related to the Allowance for Credit Losses was as follows (in thousands of dollars): Allowance for credit losses as of January 1, 2012 Change in loan loss provision Allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2012 Change in loan loss provision Allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2013 $ $ 875 466 1,341 137 1,478

As of March 31, 2013, loans to two borrowers totaling $54.8 million (LTV of 47%) and $46.6 million (LTV of 70%), respectively, each comprised approximately 13% and 11%, respectively, of the net Notes Receivable balance. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, Finance segment results included revenues of $1.2 million (24%) related to these two loans. No other loan exceeds 10% of the net Notes Receivable balance. As of March 31, 2013, unfunded commitments to extend additional credit through Sotheby's Finance segment were $11.2 million, of which $0.9 million is committed to an employee of Sotheby s who is not an Executive Officer. As of March 31, 2013, this same employee had an outstanding Finance segment loan of approximately $0.1 million. Notes Receivable (Auction Segment) Sotheby s is obligated under the terms of certain auction guarantees to advance a portion of the guaranteed amount prior to auction. Such auction guarantee advances are recorded on Sotheby's balance sheet within Notes Receivable (net). As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, auction guarantee advances totaled $24.9 million, $16.2 million, and $3.5 million, respectively (see Note 10). Under certain circumstances, Sotheby's, through its Auction segment, finances the purchase of works of art by unaffiliated art dealers through unsecured loans. The property purchased pursuant to such unsecured loans is sold privately or at auction with any profit or loss shared by Sotheby's and the art dealer. As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, one such unsecured loan totaled $2.1 million. Sotheby's is no longer accruing interest with respect to this unsecured loan, but management believes that the $2.1 million balance is collectible based on discussions with the borrower. Notes Receivable (Dealer Segment) Sotheby's Dealer segment, with assistance of Finance segment employees, provides secured loans to certain art dealers to finance the purchase of works of art. In these situations, the Dealer segment acquires a partial ownership interest in the purchased property in addition to providing the loan. Upon its eventual sale, the loan is repaid, and any profit or loss is shared by Sotheby's and the dealer according to their respective ownership interests. As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, such loans totaled $3.5 million, $3.5 million, and $6.4 million, respectively. Weighted Average Interest RatesFor the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the weighted average interest rates earned on consolidated Notes Receivable (net) were 4.7% and 5.5%, respectively. 6. Debt Revolving Credit FacilityOn August 31, 2009, Sotheby's and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the Credit Agreement ) with an international syndicate of lenders led by General Electric Capital, Corporate Finance ( GE Capital ). On December 19, 2012, Sotheby's, GE Capital, and the lenders named therein amended and restated the Credit Agreement (the A&R Credit Agreement ) to, among other things, extend the maturity date from September 1, 2014 to December 19, 2017, increase the borrowing capacity from $200 million to $300 million, and provide further flexibility to Sotheby's. The following summary does not purport to be a complete summary of the A&R Credit Agreement, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the A&R Credit Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K that was filed by Sotheby's with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2012. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this summary have the meanings set forth in the A&R Credit Agreement. The A&R Credit Agreement provides for a $300 million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility ), with a sub-limit of $100 million for borrowings in the U.K. and Hong Kong, and has a feature whereby any time until June 19, 2017, Sotheby's may request, subject to Lenders' approval, to increase the borrowing capacity by an amount not to exceed $50 million. The amount of borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility is limited by a borrowing base which is determined with reference to the levels of Sotheby's loan portfolio, art inventory balances, and Net Tangible Assets. In addition, up to $20 million of the borrowing capacity of the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to issue letters of credit. As of March 31, 2013, no Revolving Credit Facility borrowings were outstanding and the amount of borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility was approximately $268.3 million, as calculated under the borrowing base. Sotheby's has not borrowed or issued any letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility since its inception.

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available in either U.S. Dollars, Pounds Sterling, or Hong Kong Dollars. The U.S. Borrowers and, subject to certain limitations, the U.K. Borrowers and Sotheby's Hong Kong, are jointly and severally liable for all obligations under the A&R Credit Agreement. In addition, certain subsidiaries of the Borrowers guarantee the obligations of the Borrowers under the A&R Credit Agreement. Sotheby's obligations under the A&R Credit Agreement are secured by liens on all or substantially all of the personal property of the Borrowers and the Guarantors. The A&R Credit Agreement contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants including, but not limited to, limitations on capital expenditures, limitations on net outstanding auction guarantees (i.e., auction guarantees less the impact of related risk and reward sharing arrangements) and limitations on the use of proceeds from borrowings under the A&R Credit Agreement. However, the A&R Credit Agreement does not limit dividend payments and Common Stock repurchases provided that: (i) there are no Events of Default, (ii) the Aggregate Borrowing Availability equals or exceeds $100 million, and (iii) the Total Liquidity Amount equals or exceeds $150 million. The A&R Credit Agreement also contains certain financial covenants, which are only applicable during certain defined compliance periods. These financial covenants were not applicable for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2013.

Sotheby s has paid approximately $12.9 million in life-to-date arrangement and amendment fees related to the Credit Agreement and the A&R Credit Agreement, of which $2.5 million relates to the December 2012 amendment and restatement. These fees are being amortized on a straight-line basis to Interest Expense over the term of the facility. Additionally, Sotheby's is charged commitment fees ranging from 0.375% to 0.5% per year for undrawn amounts committed under the Revolving Credit Facility depending upon the level of borrowings. The commitment fee under the A&R Credit Agreement is 0.5%. Long-Term DebtAs of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, Long-Term Debt consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
March 31, 2013 De ce mbe r 31, 2012 March 31, 2012

York Property Mortgage, net of unamortized discount of $8,020, $8,911, and $11,584 2015 Senior Notes, net of unamortized discount of $0, $0, and $717 Convertible Notes, net of unamortized discount of $1,754, $3,796, and $9,692 2022 Senior Notes Less current portion: York Property Mortgage Convertible Notes
Total

218,538 180,114 300,000 (3,378) (180,114)

218,375 178,072 300,000 (3,178) (178,072)

218,113 79,254 172,176 (3,051)

515,160

515,197

466,492

(See the captioned sections below for detailed information related to the York Property Mortgage, the 2022 Senior Notes, the 2015 Senior Notes, and the Convertible Notes.) York Property MortgageOn February 6, 2009, Sotheby's purchased the land and building located at 1334 York Avenue, New York, New York (the York Property ) from RFR Holding Corp. ( RFR ) for a purchase price of $370 million. The York Property is home to Sotheby's sole North American auction salesroom and principal North American exhibition space, including S|2, Sotheby's private sale exhibition gallery. The York Property is also home to Sotheby's U.S. Dealer and Finance operations, as well as its corporate offices. Sotheby's financed the $370 million purchase price through an initial $50 million cash payment made in conjunction with the signing of the related purchase and sale agreement on January 11, 2008, an $85 million cash payment made when the purchase was consummated on February 6, 2009, and the assumption of an existing $235 million mortgage on the York Property. 13#

The York Property Mortgage matures on July 1, 2035, but has an optional pre-payment date of July 1, 2015 and bears an annual rate of interest of approximately 5.6%, which increases subsequent to July 1, 2015. It is Sotheby's current intention to either pre-pay or refinance the mortgage on or about July 1, 2015, subject to economic and financial market conditions and available cash balances. In conjunction with the final accounting for the York Property purchase in February 2009, the York Property Mortgage was recorded on Sotheby's balance sheet at its $212.1 million fair value. The resulting $22.9 million debt discount is being amortized to Interest Expense over the remaining expected term of the loan through July 2015. Sotheby's paid fees of $2.4 million in conjunction with the assumption of the York Property Mortgage, which are also being amortized to Interest Expense through July 2015. As of March 31, 2013, the fair value of the York Property Mortgage was approximately $232 million and is based on a present value calculation utilizing an interest rate obtained from a third party source. As such, this fair value measurement is considered to be a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy as per Accounting Standards Codification 820, Fair Value Measurements ("ASC 820"). The York Property and the York Property Mortgage are held by 1334 York, LLC, a separate legal entity of Sotheby's that maintains its own books and records and whose results are ultimately consolidated into Sotheby's financial statements. The assets of 1334 York, LLC are not available to satisfy the obligations of other Sotheby's affiliates or any other entity. 2022 Senior NotesOn September 27, 2012, Sotheby s issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes, due October 1, 2022. The 2022 Senior Notes were offered only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A and to nonU.S. Persons under Regulation S under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act ). Holders of the 2022 Senior Notes do not have registration rights, and the 2022 Senior Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act.
The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2022 Senior Notes were approximately $293.7 million, after deducting fees paid to the initial purchasers, and were used, in part, to redeem $80 million of outstanding 2015 Senior Notes on November 23, 2012, as discussed below. The remaining proceeds are being used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of other existing indebtedness, including the Convertible Notes, which are due on June 15, 2013. The 2022 Senior Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by certain of Sotheby's existing and future domestic subsidiaries to the extent and on the same basis that such subsidiaries guarantee borrowings under the A&R Credit Agreement. Interest on the 2022 Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in cash on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The 2022 Senior Notes are redeemable by Sotheby's, in whole or in part, on or after October 1, 2017, at specified redemption prices set forth in the underlying indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. Prior to October 1, 2017, the 2022 Senior Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date, plus a premium equal to the greater of 1% of the principal amount of the 2022 Senior Notes and a make-whole premium (as defined in the underlying indenture). In addition, at any time prior to October 1, 2015, Sotheby's may redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the 2022 Senior Notes with the net cash proceeds of certain equity offerings at the redemption price of 105.25% plus accrued and unpaid interest. The 2022 Senior Notes are not callable by holders unless Sotheby's is in default under the terms of the underlying indenture.

As of March 31, 2013, the $300 million principal amount of 2022 Senior Notes had a fair value of approximately $306 million based on a broker quoted price derived via a pricing model using observable and unobservable inputs. As such, this fair value measurement is considered to be a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy as per ASC 820. 2015 Senior NotesOn June 17, 2008, Sotheby's issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of 7.75% Senior Notes, due June 15, 2015. The net proceeds from the issuance of the 2015 Senior Notes were approximately $145.9 million, after deducting the initial purchasers' discounts and fees. The 2015 Senior Notes had an effective interest rate of 8%. On November 23, 2012, Sotheby's redeemed all of the remaining $80 million of outstanding 2015 Senior Notes for a redemption price of $97 million, which includes a redemption premium of $14 million and accrued interest of $2.7 million. The redemption of the 2015 Senior Notes resulted in a $15 million loss recognized in the fourth quarter of 2012, which included the write-off of approximately $1 million in unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts. 14#

Convertible NotesOn June 17, 2008, Sotheby's issued $200 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% Convertible Notes, due June 15, 2013. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Convertible Notes were approximately $194.3 million, after deducting transaction costs. Each of Sotheby's existing and future domestic subsidiaries have jointly, severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed the Convertible Notes on a senior unsecured basis to the extent such subsidiaries guarantee borrowings under the A&R Credit Agreement. Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable semi-annually in cash on June 15 and December 15 of each year. Sotheby's may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to their stated maturity date. As of March 31, 2013, the $181.9 million principal amount of outstanding Convertible Notes had a fair value of $204.5 million based on a broker quoted price derived via a pricing model using observable and unobservable inputs. As such, this fair value measurement is considered to be a Level 3 fair value measurement in the fair value hierarchy as per ASC 820. Upon conversion, the principal amount of the Convertible Notes are payable in cash based on a conversion rate, as adjusted, of 29.5920 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price, as adjusted, of approximately $33.79 per share (the Conversion Price ). The Convertible Notes may be converted at any time beginning on March 15, 2013 and ending on the close of business on June 14, 2013. Prior to March 15, 2013, the Convertible Notes could only be converted under certain conditions, including, if during any fiscal quarter (and only during such fiscal quarter), the closing price of Sotheby's Common Stock exceeded $43.93 per share (i.e., 130% of the Conversion Price, as adjusted) for at least 20 trading days in the period of 30 consecutive trading days at the end of the previous quarter (the Stock Price Trigger ). Prior to March 15, 2013, upon conversion, Sotheby's could pay or deliver cash, shares of Common Stock, or a combination thereof, at its election. In March 2013, Sotheby's notified the holders of the Convertible Notes of its irrevocable election to settle the Conversion Obligation (i.e., principal amount plus any conversion premium) related to any conversion requests received after March 15, 2013 solely in cash. In accordance with the terms of the Convertible Notes, the Conversion Obligation will be based on a formula, which is the sum of 1/30th of the product of the applicable conversion rate and the daily per share volume weighted average stock price for 30 consecutive trading days from May 1, 2013 through June 12, 2013.
Sotheby s will simultaneously recover the cash paid to fund any conversion premium through the exercise of its Convertible Note Hedges, as discussed below. The settlement of the Conversion Obligation related to the outstanding Convertible Notes and the corresponding Convertible Note Hedges will occur in June 2013. The settlement of these transactions is not expected to have a material effect on Sotheby s earnings. On January 1, 2009, upon the adoption of ASC 470-20, Debt - Debt With Conversion and Other Options, the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes were separately accounted for in Sotheby's financial statements. The liability component was initially valued at $161.8 million using Sotheby's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate, which was estimated to be 7.75% at the date of adoption, and was accounted for as Long-Term Debt. The equity component (i.e., the embedded conversion option) was initially valued at $38.2 million ($21 million, net of taxes) and was accounted for as a component of Additional Paid-In Capital within Shareholders' Equity. The corresponding debt discount is being amortized to Interest Expense over the life of the Convertible Notes using the effective interest rate method. The amount recorded in Shareholders' Equity is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification.

As a result of the cash settlement of conversion requests totaling a principal amount of $18.1 million received in June 2011, $8.2 million ($5.4 million, net of taxes) of the amount originally attributed to the embedded conversion option and initially recorded within Shareholders' Equity no longer met the conditions for equity classification as of June 30, 2011. As a result, this amount was reclassified to Other Current Liabilities on Sotheby's June 30, 2011 balance sheet and was subsequently settled in August 2011. As of March 31, 2013, management evaluated the embedded conversion option and concluded that it no longer met the conditions for equity classification as a result of Sotheby's irrevocable election to settle any remaining Conversion Obligation related to the Convertible Notes solely in cash. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2013, the $21.8 million fair value of the embedded conversion option was reclassified to Other Current Liabilities, with a corresponding reduction to Shareholders Equity of $12 million, net of taxes. As of March 31, 2013, the unamortized discount related to the Convertible Notes was $1.8 million. Convertible Note Hedges and Warrant Transactions On June 11, 2008, in conjunction with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, Sotheby's entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the Convertible Note Hedges ) that allow Sotheby's to purchase its Common Stock from affiliates of Bank of America and Goldman Sachs & Co. (collectively, the Counterparties ) at a price equal to the Conversion Price of the Convertible Notes. The Convertible Note Hedges are intended to offset the impact of any potential conversion premium upon future conversions of the Convertible Notes and will be settled in an identical manner to the Convertible Notes.

15#

As discussed above, in March 2013, Sotheby's notified the holders of the Convertible Notes of its irrevocable election to settle the Conversion Obligation related to any conversion requests received after March 15, 2013 solely in cash. Accordingly, in March 2013, Sotheby s notified the Counterparties of this settlement election, which will enable Sotheby's to recover the cash paid to fund any conversion premium. The settlement of these Convertible Note conversion requests and the corresponding Convertible Note Hedges will occur in June 2013. The settlement of these transactions is not expected to have a material effect on Sotheby s earnings. The Convertible Note Hedges initially met the conditions for equity classification and, as a result, in June 2008, the related $40.6 million cost ($22.5 million, net of taxes) was recorded on Sotheby's balance sheet as a component of Additional Paid-In Capital within Shareholders' Equity. As previously discussed in this note, in June 2011, Sotheby's received conversion requests totaling a principal amount of $18.1 million from holders of the Convertible Notes. As a result, in June 2011, Sotheby's notified the Counterparties of these conversion requests, which enabled it to receive $4.4 million in cash to offset the conversion premium paid upon settlement of this portion of the Convertible Notes in August 2011. As a result of the cash settlement of this portion of the Convertible Note Hedges, $8.2 million ($5.3 million, net of taxes) of the amount originally recorded in Shareholders' Equity no longer met the conditions for equity classification as of June 30, 2011. As a result, this amount was reclassified on Sotheby's June 30, 2011 balance sheet to Other Current Assets and was subsequently settled in August 2011. As of March 31, 2013, management evaluated the Convertible Note Hedges and concluded that the remaining amount in Shareholders Equity no longer met the conditions for equity classification as a result of Sotheby's irrevocable election to settle the remaining Convertible Note Hedges solely in cash. Accordingly, as of March 31, 2013, the $21.8 million fair value of the remaining Convertible Note Hedges was reclassified to Other Current Assets, with a corresponding increase to Shareholders Equity of $12 million, net of taxes.
On June 11, 2008, Sotheby's also entered into warrant transactions, whereby it sold to the Counterparties warrants (the Warrants ) to acquire, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, approximately 5.9 million shares of Common Stock at approximately $44.50 per share, as adjusted. The Warrants may be exercised subject to a daily limit of approximately 118,000 warrants for each day in the 50 trading days beginning on September 17, 2013 and ending on November 25, 2013 (the "Trading Period"). If, on a particular day during the Trading Period, the daily limit of approximately 118,000 is not exercisable, such Warrants will expire. As of June 11, 2008, the Warrants met all of the applicable criteria for equity classification and, as a result, the $22.3 million in net proceeds received from the sale of the Warrants was recorded on Sotheby's balance sheet within Additional Paid-In Capital in Shareholders' Equity. As of March 31, 2013, management evaluated the Warrants and concluded that they should not be accounted for separately as a derivative financial instrument because they continue to be indexed to Sotheby's Common Stock. Accordingly, the $22.3 million in net proceeds received from the sale of the Warrants remains recorded as a component of Additional Paid-In Capital within Shareholders' Equity. Future Principal and Interest PaymentsThe aggregate future principal and interest payments due under Sotheby's Long-Term Debt during the five year period after the March 31, 2013 balance sheet date are as follows (in thousands of dollars):

April 2013 to March 2014 April 2014 to March 2015 April 2015 to March 2016 April 2016 to March 2017 April 2017 to March 2018

$ $ $ $ $

216,538 31,754 239,267 15,750 15,750

The York Property Mortgage matures on July 1, 2035, but has an optional pre-payment date of July 1, 2015 and bears an annual rate of interest of approximately 5.6%, which increases subsequent to July 1, 2015. It is Sotheby's current intention to either pre-pay or refinance the mortgage on or about July 1, 2015, subject to economic and financial market conditions and available cash balances. 16#

Interest ExpenseFor the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, Interest Expense consists of the following (in thousands of dollars):
Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012

Revolving credit facility: Amortization of amendment and arrangement fees Commitment fees Sub-total York Property Mortgage 2022 Senior Notes and 2015 Senior Notes Convertible Notes Other interest expense Total Interest Expense

302 $ 362 664 4,103 3,938 3,463 347

429 312 741 4,182 1,587 3,311 287 10,108

12,515 $

Other interest expense consists primarily of the amortization of debt issuance costs related to the 2022 Senior Notes, 2015 Senior Notes, and the Convertible Notes. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, Interest Expense related to the Convertible Notes consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012

Contractual coupon interest expense Discount amortization Total 7. Defined Benefit Pension Plan

$ $

1,421 $ 2,042 3,463 $

1,420 1,891 3,311

Sotheby s sponsors a defined benefit pension plan covering a portion of its U.K. employees (the U.K. Pension Plan ). The table below summarizes the components of the net pension benefit related to the U.K. Pension Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):

Thre e Months Ende d March 31,

2013

2012

Service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Amortization of previously unrecognized net pension losses Net pension benefit

914 $ 3,316 (4,879) 362

926 3,256 (4,858) (676)

(287) $

Sotheby s expects to contribute approximately $2.4 million to the U.K. Pension Plan in 2013, of which $0.6 million was contributed through March 31, 2013. 8. Client Deposit In March 2013, Sotheby's received a $63 million client deposit representing a portion of the purchase price, exclusive of Sotheby's commission, that was ultimately paid to a consignor for a private sale transaction that was not yet completed as of March 31, 2013. This private sale transaction was completed in the second quarter of 2013. 17#

9. Commitments and Contingencies Employment ArrangementsAs of March 31, 2013, Sotheby s had employment arrangements with certain senior employees, which expire at various points between December 2013 and March 2017. Such arrangements may provide, among other benefits, for minimum salary levels and for compensation under Sotheby's incentive compensation programs that is payable only if specified Company and individual goals are attained. Additionally, under certain circumstances, certain of these arrangements provide annual share-based payments, the accelerated vesting of certain share-based payments, severance payments, other cash compensation, and the continuation of benefits upon termination of employment. The aggregate remaining commitment for salaries and other cash compensation related to these employment arrangements, excluding any participation in Sotheby s incentive compensation programs, was approximately $14.8 million as of March 31, 2013. Tax ContingenciesSotheby's is subject to laws and regulations in many countries involving sales, use, value-added, and other indirect taxes which are assessed by various governmental authorities and imposed on certain revenue-producing transactions between Sotheby's and its clients. The application of these laws and regulations to Sotheby's unique business and global client base, and the estimation of any related liabilities, is complex and requires a significant amount of judgment. These indirect tax liabilities are generally not those of Sotheby s unless it fails to collect the correct amount of sales, value-added, or other indirect taxes. Failure to collect the correct amount of indirect tax on a transaction may require Sotheby s to record a liability and corresponding charge to General and Administrative Expenses. As of December 31, 2012, the total liability related to such tax contingencies was $4.9 million. In January 2013, Sotheby s paid approximately $4.7 million of this liability to the appropriate state taxing authority. As of March 31, 2013, the total liability related to such tax contingencies was $0.2 million.
Guarantee of Collection A guarantee of collection is a guarantee to a consignor that, under certain conditions, Sotheby's will pay the consignor for property which has sold at auction but has not been paid for, within a certain amount of time, by the purchaser. It is not a guarantee that the property will be sold at a certain minimum price. Sotheby's has guaranteed to a consignor, who is an affiliate of a related party, the collection of up to approximately $35 million in potential sales proceeds related to property that will be offered at auction in the second quarter of 2013. In the event a purchaser does not pay for any of the property sold under this guarantee of collection, Sotheby's would be required to pay the net sale proceeds due to the consignor up to $35 million within thirty-five days of the sale, but would then take title to the property and have the right to pursue the defaulting buyer and/or reoffer the property at a future sale. If the purchaser of the property requests and is granted extended payment terms, Sotheby s would be obligated to pay the total net sale proceeds due to the consignor within thirty-five days after the sale. If Sotheby's makes a payment under the guarantee of collection and either collects from the defaulting buyer or sells the property at a future sale within two years of the auction, then Sotheby's would be entitled to retain such funds up to the amount of the payment Sotheby's made under the guarantee of collection, plus a portion of any excess funds, and Sotheby's would be required to remit the remainder of any excess funds to the consignor. If any of the property under this guarantee of collection does not sell Sotheby's has no obligation to pay the consignor for those items. As of March 31, 2013, the carrying value of the liability representing the estimated fair value of Sotheby's obligation to perform under this guarantee of collection was not material.

Legal ActionsSotheby s becomes involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business, including the matter described below. Management is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes in this matter, as well as potential ranges of probable or reasonably possible losses. A determination of the amount of losses, if any, to be recorded or disclosed as a result of these contingencies is based on a careful analysis of each individual exposure with, in some cases, the assistance of outside legal counsel. The amount of losses recorded or disclosed for such contingencies may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or a change in settlement strategy. Management does not believe that the outcome of any of these pending claims or proceedings will have a material adverse effect on Sotheby s consolidated results of operations, financial condition and/or cash flows. Estate of Robert Graham, et al. v. Sotheby's, Inc. is a purported class action commenced in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in October 2011 on behalf of U.S. artists (and their estates) whose artworks were sold by Sotheby's in the State of California or at auction by California sellers and for which a royalty was allegedly due under the California Resale Royalties Act (the Resale Royalties Act ). Plaintiffs seek unspecified damages, punitive damages and injunctive relief for alleged violations of the Resale Royalties Act and the California Unfair Competition Law. In January 2012, Sotheby s filed a motion to dismiss the action on the grounds, among others, that the Resale Royalties Act violates the U.S. Constitution and is preempted by the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976. In February 2012, the plaintiffs filed their response to Sotheby's motion to dismiss. The court heard oral arguments on the motion to dismiss on March 12, 2012. On May 17, 2012, the court issued an order dismissing the action on the ground that the Resale Royalties Act violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The plaintiffs have appealed this ruling. Sotheby's believes that there are meritorious defenses to the

appeal. It is currently not possible to make an estimate of the amount or range of loss that could result from an unfavorable outcome of this matter. (See Note 6 for information related to Sotheby's debt commitments. See Note 7 for information related to Sotheby's pension commitments. See Note 10 for information related to Sotheby's auction guarantees. See Note 13 for information related to Sotheby's income tax contingencies. See Note 14 for information related to Sotheby's related parties.) 10. Auction Guarantees From time to time in the ordinary course of its business, Sotheby s will guarantee to a consignor a minimum sale price in connection with the sale of property at auction (an auction guarantee ). In the event that the property sells for less than the guaranteed price, Sotheby s must perform under the auction guarantee by funding the difference between the sale price at auction and the amount of the auction guarantee. Sotheby s is generally entitled to a share of the excess proceeds (the overage ) if the property under the auction guarantee sells above the guaranteed price. If the property does not sell, the amount of the auction guarantee must be paid, but Sotheby s has the right to recover such amount through the future sale of the property. In these situations, the guaranteed property is recorded as Inventory on Sotheby's balance sheet at the lower of cost (i.e., the amount paid under the auction guarantee) or management s estimate of the property's net realizable value (i.e., expected sale price upon disposition). The sale proceeds ultimately realized by Sotheby s in these situations may equal, exceed or be less than the amount recorded as Inventory on Sotheby's balance sheet.

Sotheby s may reduce its financial exposure under auction guarantees through contractual risk and reward sharing arrangements under which a counterparty commits to bid a predetermined price on the guaranteed property (an irrevocable bid ). Ordinarily, an irrevocable bid is either obtained concurrent with the issuance of the related auction guarantee or the issuance of the auction guarantee is conditional upon the receipt of an irrevocable bid. From time-to-time, auction guarantees are issued that are not conditional on the receipt of an irrevocable bid, and the corresponding irrevocable bid is secured after Sotheby's has issued the auction guarantee. If the irrevocable bid is the winning bid, the counterparty purchases the property at the predetermined price plus the applicable buyer s premium, which is the same amount that any other successful bidder would pay at that price. If the irrevocable bid is not the winning bid, the counterparty is generally entitled to receive a share of the auction commission earned on the sale and/or a share of any overage. Prior to 2009, Sotheby's usually assumed the entire financial risk under its auction guarantees. However, beginning in 2009, Sotheby's changed its strategy with respect to auction guarantees and since then has generally entered into auction guarantees only when it is able to reduce its financial exposure through irrevocable bid arrangements. While it is management's intent to seek to reduce Sotheby's auction guarantee exposure through the use of irrevocable bids, management may not always be able to secure irrevocable bids on terms that are acceptable to Sotheby's and in some limited instances may not choose to seek an irrevocable bid. Sotheby's irrevocable bid counterparties are typically major international art dealers or major art collectors. Sotheby s could be exposed to losses in the event any of these counterparties do not perform according to the terms of these contractual arrangements. In the first quarter of 2013, Sotheby's recorded $1.7 million as a client goodwill gesture within General and Administrative Expenses as a result of an accommodation made to an irrevocable bid counterparty.
As of March 31, 2013, Sotheby s had outstanding auction guarantees totaling $60.2 million. Each of these auction guarantees has a minimum guaranteed price that is within the range of the pre-sale auction estimates for the underlying property. Sotheby's financial exposure under these auction guarantees is substantially reduced by irrevocable bid arrangements. If each irrevocable bid is the winning bid at auction, the total purchase price owed to Sotheby's, including buyer's premium, would be no less than $65.5 million. The property related to these auction guarantees will be offered at auctions in the second and fourth quarters of 2013. As of March 31, 2013, $24.9 million of the guaranteed amount had been advanced by Sotheby's and is recorded on the balance sheet within Notes Receivable (see Note 5). As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, the carrying value of the liability representing the estimated fair value of Sotheby s obligation to perform under its auction guarantees totaled $2.4 million, $3.3 million, and $1.5 million, respectively, and is recorded on Sotheby's balance sheet within Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities. As of May 3, 2013, Sotheby's had outstanding auction guarantees totaling $95.4 million. Each of these auction guarantees has a minimum guaranteed price that is within the range of the pre-sale auction estimates for the underlying property. Sotheby's financial exposure under these auction guarantees is substantially reduced by irrevocable bids. If each irrevocable bid is the winning bid at auction, the total purchase price owed to Sotheby's, including buyer's premium, would be no less than $103.3 million. The property related to these auction guarantees will be offered at auctions in the second and fourth quarters of 2013. As of May 3, 2013, $20.4 million of the aggregate guaranteed amount had been advanced by Sotheby's.

19#

11. Share-Based Payments Share-Based PaymentsShare-based payments to employees include performance-based stock awards, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, and stock options. Each of these share-based payments is explained below. Compensation expense related to share-based payments is recorded as a component of Salaries and Related Costs in the statement of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, compensation expense related to share-based payments was as follows (in thousands of dollars):

Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012

Pre-Tax After-Tax

$ $

4,432 $ 3,646 $

4,920 3,737

For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, Sotheby's realized $2.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of excess tax benefits related to share-based payment arrangements. These tax benefits represent the amount by which the tax deduction resulting from the exercise or vesting of share-based payments exceeded the tax benefit initially recognized in the financial statements upon the amortization of compensation expense for these awards. Such excess tax benefits are recognized in the balance sheet as an increase to Additional Paid-in Capital and are classified within financing activities in the statement of cash flows.

As of March 31, 2013, unrecognized compensation expense related to the unvested portion of share-based payments was $34.8 million. This compensation expense is expected to be amortized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.3 years. Sotheby s does not capitalize any compensation expense related to share-based payments to employees. Sotheby's Restricted Stock Unit Plan The Sotheby's Restricted Stock Unit Plan (the Restricted Stock Unit Plan ) provides for the issuance of Restricted Stock Units ( RSU's ) to employees, subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of Sotheby's Board of Directors (the Compensation Committee ). In making awards under the Restricted Stock Unit Plan, the Compensation Committee takes into account the nature of the services rendered by employees, their present and potential future contributions to Sotheby's success, and such other factors as the Compensation Committee in its discretion deems relevant. RSU's generally vest evenly over a four year service period. Prior to vesting, holders of RSU's do not have voting rights, but are entitled to receive dividend equivalents. Dividend equivalents paid to holders of unvested RSU's are not forfeitable. RSU's may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered until they vest. Performance Share UnitsPerformance Share Units ( PSU's ) are RSU's that generally vest ratably over four years, if Sotheby's achieves certain profitability targets. Prior to vesting, holders of PSU's do not have voting rights and are not entitled to receive dividend equivalents. Dividend equivalents are credited to holders of PSU's and are only paid for the portion of PSU's that vest. PSU's may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered until they vest. The Compensation Committee believes that PSU's better align Sotheby's variable compensation strategy with its financial performance and the cyclical nature of the art market and further align the interests of Sotheby's management with its shareholders. Accordingly, Sotheby's intends to grant future share-based payment awards solely in the form of PSU's with both performance and service conditions.

In the first quarter of 2013, Sotheby's issued 696,488 PSU's with a fair value of approximately $24.9 million as follows: (i) 600,702 PSU's with a fair value of $21.5 million related almost entirely to Sotheby's incentive compensation programs and (ii) 95,786 PSU's with a fair value of $3.4 million issued to Mr. Ruprecht in accordance with the terms of his employment agreement. Summary of RSU s and PSU sFor the three months ended March 31, 2013, changes to the number of outstanding RSU s and PSU s were as follows (shares in thousands):
Numbe r of RSU s and PSU s We ighte d Ave rage Grant Date Fair Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2013 Granted Vested Canceled Outstanding at March 31, 2013

1,912 696 (703) (2) 1,903

$ $ $ $ $

30.39 35.75 21.97 36.82 35.46

20#

The aggregate fair value of Restricted Stock, RSU s, and PSU's that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $26.9 million and $28.1 million, respectively, based on the closing price of Sotheby's Common Stock on the dates the shares vested. As of March 31, 2013, 0.8 million shares were available for future awards pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Plan. On May 8, 2013, Sotheby's stockholders approved the Second Amended and Restated Sotheby's Restricted Stock Unit Plan, which, among other things, increased the maximum number of shares authorized for issuance by 3 million shares. Accordingly, as of May 8, 2013, 3.8 million shares were available for future awards pursuant to the Restricted Stock Unit Plan, as amended. Stock OptionsStock options issued pursuant to the Sotheby's 1997 Stock Option Plan are exercisable into authorized, but unissued shares of Sotheby's Common Stock. Stock options vest evenly over four years and expire ten years after the date of grant. As of March 31, 2013, 35,350 shares of Common Stock were available for the issuance of stock options under the Stock Option Plan. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, changes to the number of stock options outstanding were as follows (options and aggregate intrinsic value in thousands):
We ighte d Ave rage Re maining Contractual Te rm (in Ye ars)

O ptions

We ighte d Ave rage Exe rcise Price

Aggre gate Intrinsic Value

Outstanding at January 1, 2013 Exercised Outstanding at March 31, 2013 Exercisable at March 31, 2013

348 $ (97) $ 251 126 $ $

21.92 22.11 21.84 21.58 6.7 $ 6.6 $ 3,911 1,999

The aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $1.7 million and $0.5 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, cash proceeds received as a result of stock option exercises were $2.2 million. The $0.7 million of cash proceeds received from stock options exercised in the first quarter of 2012 was received in April 2012. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the excess tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options was $0.3 million and $0.1 million, respectively. DividendsIn December 2012, the Board of Directors declared and Sotheby s paid accelerated first and second quarter of 2013 cash dividends totaling $0.20 per share (approximately $13.6 million). This accelerated dividend was in lieu of quarterly dividends that would have otherwise been declared and paid in the first and second quarters of 2013. The declaration and payment of future dividends to shareholders is at the discretion of Sotheby s Board of Directors and will depend on many factors, including Sotheby s financial condition (in particular, U.S. liquidity), cash flows, legal requirements and other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant.
21#

12. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The following is a summary of the changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 Fore ign Curre ncy Ite ms De fine d Be ne fit Pe nsion Ite ms Total

Balance at January 1, 2013 Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Net other comprehensive (loss) income Balance at March 31, 2013

(16,084) $ (26,202) (26,202)

(34,291) $ 2,102 279 2,381 (31,910) $

(50,375) (24,100) 279 (23,821) (74,196)

(42,286) $

Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2012

Fore ign Curre ncy Ite ms

De fine d Be ne fit Pe nsion Ite ms

Total

Balance at January 1, 2012 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss Net other comprehensive income (loss) Balance at March 31, 2012

(34,012) $ 17,486 17,486

(19,906) $ (752) (752) (20,658) $

(53,918) 16,734 16,734 (37,184)

(16,526) $

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income principally includes the change in the foreign currency translation adjustment account during the period, as well as unrealized gains and losses related to the U.K. Pension Plan. Such amounts are reported on a cumulative basis in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss on the balance sheet. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the $0.3 million (net of tax) reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss was recognized on a pre-tax basis within Salaries and Related Costs in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (see Note 7). For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income before reclassifications of $2.1 million and ($0.8) million, respectively, related to changes in the foreign currency translation adjustment account associated with accumulated unrealized losses related to the U.K. Pension Plan. 13. Uncertain Tax Positions As of March 31, 2013, Sotheby s liability for unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and penalties, was $33.3 million, representing a decrease of $2.1 million when compared to the liability of $35.4 million as of December 31, 2012. This decrease is primarily the result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for certain tax years. As of March 31, 2012, Sotheby s liability for unrecognized tax benefits was $34.3 million.
As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect Sotheby s effective tax rate was $17.1 million, $17.4 million, and $17.6 million, respectively. Sotheby s believes it is reasonably possible that a decrease of $4.7 million in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits can occur within 12 months of the March 31, 2013 balance sheet date as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations and expected settlements of currently ongoing tax audits. Sotheby's is subject to taxation in the U.S. and various state and foreign jurisdictions and, as a result, is subject to ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions. Sotheby's various U.S. state and foreign tax returns are currently under examination by taxing authorities. The earliest open tax year for the major jurisdictions in which Sotheby's does business, which includes the U.S. (including various state and local jurisdictions), the U.K., and Hong Kong, is 2005. Sotheby s recognizes interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of Income Tax Expense (Benefit). The accrual for such interest and penalties decreased by $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. 22#

Sotheby's policy is to record interest expense related to sales, value added and other non-income based taxes as Interest Expense in its statements of operations. Penalties related to such taxes are recorded as General and Administrative Expenses in its statements of operations. Interest expense and penalties related to income taxes are recorded as a component of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) in Sotheby's statements of operations. 14. Related Party Transactions From time-to-time, in the ordinary course of business, related parties such as members of Sotheby's Board of Directors and employees, transact with Sotheby's to buy and sell property at auction and through private sales. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012, Sotheby s recognized total Auction and Related Revenues of $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, related to the sale and purchase of property by related parties. These revenues represent less than 1% of total revenues for those periods. As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, Accounts Receivable (net) included $4.1 million, $3.9 million, and $17.3 million, respectively, associated with auction or private sale purchases made by related parties. These receivables represented approximately 1%, 1%, and 5%, respectively, of Accounts Receivable (net) as of these dates. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Sotheby's owed approximately $48 million to a consignor that is a trust to which a member of Sotheby's Board of Directors is indirectly related, representing approximately 14% and 8%, respectively, of the Due to Consignors balance as of those dates. As of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, Notes Receivable (net) included a $0.1 million Finance segment loan to an employee who is not an Executive Officer. In addition, Sotheby's has issued a guarantee of collection to an affiliate of a related party for property that will be offered at auction in the second quarter of 2013 (see Note 9).

15. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU")No. 201302 ("ASU 2013-02"), which requires entities to disclose additional information regarding changes within its accumulated other comprehensive income, but does not change the manner in which entities account for items included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Sotheby's adopted ASU 2013-02 upon its effective date in the first quarter of 2013 (see Note 12). In January 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-01, which clarifies the scope of financial instruments and transactions subject to the offsetting disclosure requirements established by ASU 2011-11. More specifically, ASU 2013-01 limits such disclosure requirements to certain derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities borrowing and lending transactions. Sotheby's adopted ASU 2013-01 upon its effective date in the first quarter of 2013. This standard did not have an impact on Sotheby's disclosures in this Form 10-Q. In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-04, which provides new accounting and disclosure guidance for joint-and-several obligations. ASU 2013-04 is effective for public entities in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and is to be applied retrospectively to obligations with joint-and-several liabilities existing at the beginning of an entity's fiscal year of adoption. Management is currently assessing the potential impact of this standard on Sotheby's financial statements.

23#

ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Seasonality The worldwide art auction market has two principal selling seasons, which generally occur in the second and fourth quarters of the year. In the aggregate, second and fourth quarter Net Auction Sales (as defined below) represented 84% and 81% of total Net Auction Sales in 2012 and 2011, respectively. Accordingly, Sotheby's auction results are seasonal, with peak revenues and operating income generally occurring in those quarters. Consequently, first and third quarter results have historically reflected a lower volume of auction activity when compared to the second and fourth quarters and, typically, a net loss due to the fixed nature of many of Sotheby's operating expenses. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures GAAP refers to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (or MD&A ) are financial measures presented in accordance with GAAP and also on a non-GAAP basis. Net Liquidity, as presented in MD&A under "Statistical Metrics," is a supplemental financial measure that is not required by or presented in accordance with GAAP. Sotheby's defines Net Liquidity as the amount of cash and cash equivalents that would remain assuming that all accounts receivable were collected and that all consignor payables, accounts payable, current accrued liabilities, and any client deposits were paid as of each balance sheet date.This measure, among others, is used by management to assess the amount of Sotheby's available liquidity, excluding borrowings available under its revolving credit facility, in consideration of the fact that Sotheby's is predominantly an agency business that collects and remits cash on behalf of its clients. Net Liquidity should not be considered as an alternative to cash and cash equivalents as reported in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of Net Liquidity to cash and cash equivalents reported in accordance with GAAP is presented below under Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2013 This discussion should be read in conjunction with Note 4 ( Segment Reporting ) of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Overview As discussed above, due to the seasonality of Sotheby's auction business and the fixed nature of many of its operating expenses, the first quarter typically reflects a net loss. Sotheby's reported a first quarter net loss of ($22.3) million in 2013, as compared to a net loss of ($10.7) million in the prior year. The higher net loss is principally the result of lower auction commission margins attributable to competitive pressures to win high-value consignments, and to a lesser extent, a higher level of expenses. See the discussion below for greater detail on the significant factors impacting Sotheby s results for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the comparison to the prior period. Outlook Sotheby's results for the first quarter of 2013 were significantly impacted by sales growth in the categories of Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary Art, where the climate for the most high-value consignments remains very competitive and with such consignments often earning thinner commission margins, particularly in comparison to the prior year. In order to enhance its revenue stream and strengthen profit margins, Sotheby's enacted a change to its buyer's premium rate structure that became effective March 15, 2013. This pricing change did not have a material impact on Sotheby's Auction Commission Margin for the first quarter of 2013, but, based on sales results and business-getting efforts to date, it is expected to contribute to an increase in margins in the second quarter of 2013 when compared to the first quarter of 2013 and in comparison to the second quarter of 2012. Net Auction Sales for the second quarter of 2013 have performed well to-date, and prices and demand continue to be strong. Management remains confident in the global art market and is encouraged by the level and quality of consignments to be offered in Sotheby's remaining second quarter auctions. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements. In addition, the art market has historically been cyclical; please refer to Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors," which summarizes the factors that could significantly influence and cause variability in Sotheby's operating results and liquidity.)

24#

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 The table below presents a summary of Sotheby s results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, as well as a comparison between the two periods (in thousands of dollars):
Favorable /(Unfavorable ) Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012 $ Change % Change

Revenues: Auction and related revenues Finance revenues Dealer revenues License fee revenues
Other revenues Total revenues Expenses Operating loss Net interest expense Other income Loss before taxes Equity in earnings of investees, net of taxes Income tax benefit Net loss Statistical Metrics: Aggregate Auction Sales (a) Net Auction Sales (b) Items sold at auction with a hammer (sale) price greater than $1 million Total hammer (sale) price of items sold at auction with a price greater than $1 million Auction Commission Margin (c)
Private Sales (d) Consolidated Sales (e) Average Loan Portfolio (f) Net Liquidity (g)

94,175 4,933 1,083 1,186

368 101,745 123,058 (21,313) (12,129) 1,699 (31,743) 2 (9,396)

97,410 3,575 2,678 901

395 104,959 113,665 (8,706) (9,499) 1,742 (16,463) 221 (5,578)

(3,235) 1,358 (1,595) 285

(27) (3,214) (9,393) (12,607) (2,630) (43) (15,280) (219) 3,818

(3%) 38% (60%) 32%

(7%) (3%) (8%) * (28%) (2%) (93%) (99%) 68% * 22% 23% (3%) 35% (17%)
(16%) 12% 59% 32%

(22,345)

(10,664)

(11,681)

$ 614,159 $ 523,386 76 $ 307,969 15.0%

$ $ $ $ 157,184 772,426 407,673 558,304

$ 502,141 $ 425,829 78 $ 228,351 18.1%

$ $ $ $ 186,687 691,506 255,751 421,859

$ 112,018 $ 97,557 (2) $ 79,618 N/A

$ (29,503) $ 80,920 $ 151,922 $ 136,445

Legend: * Represents a change in excess of 100%. (a) Represents the hammer (sale) price of property sold at auction plus buyer s premium. (b) Represents the hammer (sale) price of property sold at auction. (c) Represents total auction commission revenues as a percentage of Net Auction Sales. (d) Represents the total purchase price of property sold in private sales brokered by Sotheby s, including commissions. (e) Represents the sum of Aggregate Auction Sales, Private Sales, and Dealer revenues. (f) Represents the average loan portfolio of Sotheby's Finance segment. (g) See Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures above and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures below. 25#

Revenues For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, revenues consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
Favorable /(Unfavorable ) Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012 $ Change % Change

Auction and related revenues: Auction commission revenues Private sale commission revenues Principal activities Other auction and related revenues** Total auction and related revenues Other revenues: Finance revenues Dealer revenues License fee revenues Other

78,564 $ 13,624 (575) 2,562 94,175 4,933 1,083 1,186 368

76,858 $ 15,279 269 5,004 97,410 3,575 2,678 901 395

1,706 (1,655) (844) (2,442) (3,235) 1,358 (1,595) 285 (27)

2% (11%) * (49%) (3%) 38% (60%) 32% (7%)

Total other revenues Total revenues * $

7,570 101,745 $

7,549 104,959 $

21 (3,214)

% (3%)

Represents a change in excess of 100%.

** Principally includes commissions and other fees earned by Sotheby's on sales brokered by third parties, fees charged to clients for catalogue production and insurance, catalogue subscription revenues and advertising revenues. Auction and Related Revenues For the three months ended March 31, 2013, auction and related revenues decreased $3.2 million (3%) principally due to a significant decline in Auction Commission Margin. To a lesser extent, the comparison of auction and related revenues to the prior year is also impacted by $2.1 million in fees earned by Sotheby's in 2012 on sales brokered by third parties that were not repeated in the current year, as well as an 11% decline in private sale commission revenues. See below for a detailed discussion of the significant factors impacting the comparison of auction and related revenues between the current and prior periods. Auction Commission RevenuesIn its role as auctioneer, Sotheby s accepts property on consignment and matches sellers (also known as consignors) to buyers through the auction process. Sotheby s invoices the buyer for the purchase price of the property (including the commission owed by the buyer), collects payment from the buyer, and remits to the seller the net sale proceeds after deducting its commissions, expenses and applicable taxes and royalties. Sotheby s commissions include those paid by the buyer ( buyer s premium ) and those paid by the seller ( seller s commission ) (collectively, auction commission revenue ), both of which are calculated as a percentage of Net Auction Sales.
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, despite a $97.6 million (23%) increase in Net Auction Sales, auction commission revenues improved only $1.7 million (2%) as Auction Commission Margin declined from 18.1% to 15.0%. See "Net Auction Sales and Auction Commission Margin below for a more detailed discussion of these statistical metrics. Net Auction SalesFor the three months ended March 31, 2013, Net Auction Sales increased $97.6 million (23%), primarily due to a $117 million (49%) improvement in sales of Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary Art, as higher average sale prices were achieved in the current year winter sales series in London. 26#

Auction Commission Margin Auction Commission Margin represents total auction commission revenues as a percentage of Net Auction Sales. Typically, the Auction Commission Margin is higher for lower value works of art or collections, while higher valued property earns a lower Auction Commission Margin. Auction Commission Margin may be adversely impacted by arrangements whereby Sotheby's buyer's premium is shared with a consignor in order to secure a high-value consignment. Auction Commission Margin may also be adversely impacted by the use of auction guarantees. For example, when issuing an auction guarantee, Sotheby's may enter into a risk and reward sharing arrangement with a counterparty whereby Sotheby's financial exposure under the auction guarantee is reduced in exchange for sharing its buyer's premium. Also, in situations when guaranteed property sells for less than the guaranteed price, all or a portion of Sotheby's buyer's premium is used to reduce the principal loss on the transaction. (See Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information on Sotheby's use of auction guarantees.) In order to enhance revenue and strengthen Auction Commission Margin, Sotheby's enacted a change to its buyer's premium rate structure that became effective March 15, 2013. In salesrooms in the U.S., the buyer's premium is now 25% of the hammer (sale) price on the first $100,000, 20% of the hammer (sale) price above $100,000 up to and including $2,000,000 and 12% of any remaining amount over $2,000,000. In foreign salesrooms, with certain exceptions, these U.S. dollar thresholds have been translated into an equivalent fixed local currency amount. Prior to March 15, 2013, in U.S. salesrooms, the buyer's premium rate structure was 25% of the first $50,000 of hammer (sale) price; 20% on the portion of hammer (sale) price above $50,000 up to and including $1 million; and 12% on any remaining amount over $1 million.
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, Auction Commission Margin decreased from 18.1% to 15.0%. This decline is primarily attributable to competitive pressures to win high-value consignments, which resulted in a higher level of buyer's premium shared with consignors in the quarter. To a lesser extent, the decline in Auction Commission Margin is also due to sales mix, as there was a 35% increase in the total hammer (sale) price of lots sold over $1 million. The pricing change enacted on March 15, 2013 did not have a material impact on Sotheby's results for the first quarter of 2013, as a large majority of Sotheby's auctions for the period had been conducted prior to that date. Private Sale Commission RevenuesPrivate sale commission revenues are earned through the direct brokering of purchases and sales of art. Private sales are initiated either by a client wishing to sell property with Sotheby s acting as its exclusive agent in the transaction or a prospective buyer who is interested in purchasing a certain work of art privately. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, the $1.7 million (11%) decrease in private sale commission revenues is primarily attributable to a very profitable high-value private sale completed in the prior period for which there was no comparable transaction in the current period, the impact of which is partially offset by an increase in the volume of private selling activity in the current period. Private sales continue to be a strategic focus for management and have become increasingly important to Sotheby s overall financial performance.

Other Auction and Related RevenuesOther auction and related revenues principally includes commissions and other fees earned by Sotheby's on sales brokered by third parties, fees charged to clients for catalogue production and insurance, catalogue subscription revenues and advertising revenues. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, other auction and related revenues decreased $2.4 million (49%) due to $2.1 million in fees earned by Sotheby's in 2012 on sales brokered by third parties for which there were no comparable transactions in the current year. Finance Revenues For the three months ended March 31, 2013, Finance revenues increased $1.4 million (38%) principally due to a $151.9 million (59%) increase in the average loan portfolio balance. This growth in the loan portfolio occurred steadily throughout 2012 and is attributable to a number of factors such as the increased client demand for art-related financing, the improved global reach of Sotheby's art-financing activities, and an increase in term loans made to refinance clients' auction and private sale purchases. See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Finance segment loans. (Note: For the purposes of Management s Discussion and Analysis, Finance revenues are presented on a consolidated basis and do not include intercompany revenues earned by the Finance segment from the Auction segment, which are eliminated in consolidation. See Note 4 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.) 27#

Dealer Revenues and Cost of Sales Dealer revenues principally include revenues earned from the sale of Noortman Master Paintings ("NMP") inventory and artworks purchased by Sotheby's for resale. To a lesser extent, Dealer revenues also include retail wine sales and commissions earned by NMP from the brokering of private art sales. Dealer cost of sales includes the net book value of items sold during the period and any writedowns to the carrying value of Dealer inventory. The table below summarizes Dealer revenues, cost of sales, and gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
Favorable /(Unfavorable ) Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012 $ Change % Change

Dealer revenues Dealer cost of sales Dealer gross profit

$ $

1,083 $ (700) 383 $

2,678 $ (2,512) 166 $

(1,595) 1,812 217

(60%) 72% *

* Represents a change in excess of 100% In the first quarter of 2013, Dealer segment results reflect a continued decline in NMP sales revenues, partially offset by a slightly higher level of private sales commissions and a modest increase in retail wine sales during the period. Expenses For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, expenses consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
Favorable / (Unfavorable ) Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012 $ Change % Change

Direct costs of services Dealer cost of sales Marketing expenses Salaries and related costs General and administrative expenses Depreciation and amortization expense Total expenses Direct Costs of Services

8,449 $ 700 4,687 60,695 44,011 4,516 123,058 $

7,391 $ 2,512 4,397 56,226 38,919 4,220 113,665 $

(1,058) 1,812 (290) (4,469) (5,092) (296) (9,393)

(14%) 72% (7%) (8%) (13%) (7%) (8%)

Direct costs of services consists largely of sale specific marketing costs such as auction catalogue production and distribution expenses, sale advertising and promotion expenses, and traveling exhibition costs. Also included in direct costs of services are salerelated shipping expenses, as well as debit and credit card fees associated with buyers from China. The level of direct costs incurred in any period is generally dependent upon the volume and composition of Sotheby s auction and private sale offerings. For example, direct costs attributable to auctions of single-owner or other high-value collections are typically higher than those associated with standard various-owner auctions, mainly due to higher promotional costs for catalogues, special events and traveling exhibitions, as well as higher shipping expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, direct costs of services increased $1.1 million (14%) due to an increase in auctionrelated direct costs consistent with the level and composition of auction offerings during the period. The overall increase in direct costs of services is partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease in private sale expenses. Marketing Expenses Marketing expenses are costs related to the promotion of the Sotheby s brand, consisting of costs associated with corporate marketing activities and client service initiatives, as well as strategic sponsorships of and charitable donations to cultural institutions. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, marketing expenses increased $0.3 million (7%) largely due to increased sponsorships of museums and other cultural institutions. 28#

Salaries and Related Costs For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, salaries and related costs consisted of the following (in thousands of dollars):
Favorable / (Unfavorable ) Thre e Months Ende d March 31, 2013 2012 $ Change % Change

Full-time salaries Incentive compensation expense Share-based payment expense Payroll taxes Employee benefits Other compensation expense* Total salaries and related costs

34,917 $ 3,273 4,432 6,204 7,441 4,428 60,695 $

32,899 $ 1,948 4,920 5,427 6,955 4,077 56,226 $

(2,018) (1,325) 488 (777) (486) (351) (4,469)

(6%) (68%) 10% (14%) (7%) (9%) (8%)

* Principally includes expense related to the cost of temporary labor and overtime, and certain retention-based, new-hire and other employment arrangements.
For the three months ended March 31, 2013, salaries and related costs increased $4.5 million (8%) due in part to higher full-time salaries resulting from strategic headcount and salary increases, as well as a higher rate of private sale incentive compensation costs. Also contributing to the net increase in salaries and related costs are higher levels of payroll taxes, employee benefits, and other compensation expense, as well as a decrease in share-based payment expense, all of which are discussed below. Share-Based Payment ExpenseShare-based payment expense consists of amortization expense related to performance-based equity compensation awards, restricted stock units, and stock options. Equity compensation awards are granted annually in the first quarter of the year, and the value of each annual award is generally dependent upon Sotheby s financial results for the year prior to the grant date. The amount of compensation expense recognized for share-based payments is based on management s estimate of the number of shares ultimately expected to vest as a result of employee service. In addition, for performance-based equity compensation awards, the amount and timing of expense recognition is significantly impacted by management s quarterly assessment of the likelihood and timing of achieving certain profitability targets. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, share-based payment expense decreased $0.5 million (10%) reflecting adjustments resulting from management's quarterly assessment process. (See Note 11 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information related to Sotheby s share-based compensation programs.) Payroll TaxesFor the three months ended March 31, 2013, payroll taxes increased $0.8 million (14%) due in part to the higher levels of full-time salaries and incentive compensation, as well as increased costs for certain employment arrangements, as discussed below in "Other Compensation Expense." Also contributing to the increase in payroll taxes are higher social security tax rates that became effective on January 1, 2013 in the U.S.
Employee BenefitsEmployee benefits include the cost of Sotheby s retirement plans and health and welfare programs, as well as certain employee severance costs. Sotheby s material retirement plans include defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans for its employees in the U.K. and defined contribution and deferred compensation plans for its U.S. employees. Generally, the amount of employee benefit costs recognized in a period is dependent upon headcount and overall compensation levels, as well as Sotheby s financial performance. Additionally, the level of expense related to Sotheby s defined benefit pension plan in the U.K. (the "U.K. Pension Plan") is significantly influenced by interest rates, investment performance in the debt and equity markets, and actuarial assumptions. Also, the amount recorded for Sotheby s Deferred Compensation Plan (the DCP ) is dependent upon changes in the fair value of the DCP liability during a period, which result from gains and losses in deemed participant investments. Gains in deemed participant investments increase the DCP liability and, therefore, increase employee benefit costs. Losses in deemed participant investments decrease the DCP liability and, therefore, decrease employee benefit costs. On a consolidated basis, the cost increases (decreases) related to the DCP liability are offset by market gains (losses) in the trust assets related to the DCP liability, which are reflected within other income (expense). 29#

For the three months ended March 31, 2013, employee benefit costs increased $0.5 million (7%) primarily due to a $0.4 million decrease in the net pension credit related to the U.K. Pension Plan, as discussed below, as well as a $0.3 million increase in severance costs. These increases are partially offset by a lower level of investment gains associated with the DCP when compared to the prior period. The decrease in the net pension credit related to the U.K. Pension Plan is primarily due to actuarial losses incurred in 2012, a portion of which are being amortized to the statement of operations in 2013 (see Note 7 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). For the year ending December 31, 2013, the net pension credit related to the U.K. Pension Plan is expected to be approximately $1.2 million, representing a decrease of approximately $1.6 million when compared to 2012. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements.) Other Compensation ExpenseOther compensation expense typically includes the cost of temporary labor and overtime, as well as expense related to certain retention-based, new-hire and other employment arrangements. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, other compensation expense increased $0.4 million (9%) primarily due to a higher level of expense associated with various employment arrangements. The increase in other compensation expense is partially offset by net savings in costs associated with Sotheby's unionized property handlers in New York, as the prior period included temporary labor costs incurred as a result of the union lockout ($0.8 million), the impact of which was partially offset by overtime costs related to the reinstated union workforce in the first quarter of 2013 ($0.2 million).
General and Administrative Expenses For the three months ended March 31, 2013, general and administrative expenses increased $5.1 million (13%), primarily due to a $3.7 million (29%) increase in professional fees largely as a result of a higher level of technology and business consulting costs incurred in support of Sotheby's strategic initiatives. To a lesser extent, the increase in general and administrative expenses is the result of an increase in client goodwill gestures and other claims, as well as a higher level of facilities-related costs in London and New York. The increase in client goodwill gestures is attributable, in part, to a $1.7 million accommodation made to an irrevocable bid counterparty in the first quarter of 2013 (see Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). The net increase in general and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is partially offset by $0.5 million in security costs incurred in the first quarter of 2012 to minimize the disruption of business associated with the lockout of Sotheby's unionized art handlers in New York, as well as a decrease in bad debt expense primarily as a result of a $0.5 million loss recognized in the prior period related to an uncollectible auction receivable. Net Interest Expense For the three months ended March 31, 2013, net interest expense increased $2.6 million (28%) primarily due to incremental interest expense resulting from the September 2012 issuance of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.25% Senior Notes, due October 1, 2022 (the "2022 Senior Notes").

Management currently expects to utilize approximately $182 million of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2022 Senior Notes to settle the remaining principal amount of Sotheby's 3.125% Convertible Notes (the "Convertible Notes") upon their maturity in June 2013. Following the maturity of the Convertible Notes, Sotheby's expects to achieve annualized interest expense savings of approximately $4.7 million due to the lower interest rate on the 2022 Senior Notes (5.25%) when compared to the weighted average effective interest rate on the 2015 Senior Notes and the Convertible Notes (7.83%), partially offset by higher long-term debt levels. (See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below and statement on Forward Looking Statements.) Income Tax Benefit The quarterly income tax provision is calculated using an estimated annual effective income tax rate for the period based on actual historical information and forward looking estimates. The estimated annual effective income tax rate may fluctuate due to changes in forecasted annual pre-tax income, changes in the jurisdictional mix of forecasted pre-tax income and changes to actual or forecasted permanent book to tax differences (i.e., non-deductible expenses). Furthermore, the effective income tax rate may fluctuate as the result of positive or negative changes to the valuation allowance for net deferred tax assets, the impact of future tax settlements with federal, state or foreign tax authorities, or the impact of tax law changes. Management identifies items which are unusual and non-recurring in nature and treats these as discrete events. The tax effect of discrete items is booked entirely in the quarter in which the discrete event occurs. 30#

As discussed above, changes in the jurisdictional mix of forecasted pre-tax income could result in pre-tax income being higher or lower than anticipated in countries with lower statutory tax rates, which could cause Sotheby's effective income tax rate to fluctuate. The impact of such changes could be meaningful in countries with statutory tax rates that are significantly lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35%. This is particularly true in countries where Sotheby's has significant auction operations such as the U.K., Hong Kong and Switzerland, where the statutory tax rates are approximately 23%, 17%, and 23%, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2012, pre-tax income of the U.K., Hong Kong, and Switzerland was $55.3 million, $17.5 million, and $17 million, respectively, which cumulatively comprised 73% of foreign pre-tax income and 56% of consolidated pre-tax income. Management anticipates that Sotheby's annual effective income tax expense rate for 2013, excluding discrete items, will be approximately 30%. This anticipated annual effective income tax expense rate is lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at lower rates, partially offset by state and local income taxes and additional U.S. tax on earnings from foreign subsidiaries. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements.) Sotheby's effective income tax benefit rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is 30% compared to an effective income tax benefit rate of 34% in the prior year. The change in the income tax benefit rate when compared to the prior period is primarily due to a $0.7 million tax benefit related to a discrete tax contingency reversal recorded in the prior period. American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the U.S. Act ) was enacted on January 2, 2013. The U.S. Act, among other things, reinstated, retroactive to January 1, 2012, certain expired tax provisions relating to the U.S. tax treatment of deemed income earned by foreign subsidiaries. The change in tax law, including the retroactive effect, did not have a material impact on Sotheby's results for the three months ended March 31, 2013, and is not expected to have a material impact on Sotheby's 2013 full year results.

31#

FINANCIAL CONDITION AS OF MARCH 31, 2013 This discussion should be read in conjunction with Sotheby s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. For the three months ended March 31, 2013, total cash and cash equivalents decreased $160.1 million to $608.2 million primarily due to the factors discussed below. Net Cash Used by Operating ActivitiesSotheby's is predominantly an agency business that collects and remits cash on behalf of its clients. Accordingly, the net amount of cash provided or used in a period by Sotheby's operating activities is significantly influenced by the timing of auction and private sale settlements. As discussed in Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, under Sotheby s standard auction payment terms, payments from buyers are due no more than 30 days from the sale date and payments to consignors are due 35 days from the sale date. Accordingly, it is not unusual for Sotheby's to hold significant balances of consignor net sale proceeds at the end of a quarterly accounting period that are disbursed soon thereafter. Additionally, Sotheby's sometimes provides extended payment terms to a buyer and, for auctions, extended payment terms can vary considerably from selling season to selling season. In certain of these situations, the consignor may be paid the net sale proceeds before payment is collected from the buyer, with the collection from the buyer sometimes occurring after the quarterly balance sheet date. The amount of net cash provided or used by Sotheby's operating activities in a period is also a reflection of its net income (loss), the timing of payments made to vendors, the timing of compensation-related payments, and the timing of the collection and/or payment of tax-related amounts.

Net cash used by operating activities of approximately $166.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is principally attributable to a net cash outflow of $133.8 million related to the settlement of auction and private sale transactions during the period. This net cash outflow is particularly influenced by the payment of net sale proceeds to certain consignors for property sold in Sotheby's first quarter London auctions in advance of collecting the purchase price from the buyer. Also contributing to the cash outflows from operating activities is the funding of approximately $49 million in 2012 incentive compensation payments in February 2013 and approximately $26 million in tax-related payments, as well as Sotheby's net loss for the quarter ($22.3 million). These net cash outflows are partially offset by the receipt of a $63 million client deposit in March 2013 related to a private sale transaction that was completed in the second quarter of 2013 (see Note 8 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements). Net Cash Provided by Investing ActivitiesNet cash provided by investing activities of $31 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is principally attributable to a $24.2 million decrease in restricted cash as a result of net auction proceeds paid to consignors during the period in certain foreign countries where auction houses are legally required to maintain consignor funds in segregated accounts. Cash provided by investing activities also reflects a net decrease in client loans during the period as loan settlements exceeded the funding of new loans by $11.1 million. These cash inflows are minimally offset by capital expenditures of $4.3 million during the period. Net Cash Used by Financing ActivitiesNet cash used by financing activities of $6.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is primarily attributable to the funding of employee tax obligations related to share-based payments ($11.3 million), partially offset by excess tax benefits resulting from share-based payments ($2.7 million) and proceeds received from the exercise of employee stock options ($2.2 million).

32#

NET LIQUIDITY Sotheby's defines Net Liquidity as the amount of cash and cash equivalents that would remain assuming that all accounts receivable were collected and that all consignor payables, accounts payable, current accrued liabilities, and any client deposits were paid as of each balance sheet date. This measure, among others, is used by management to assess the amount of Sotheby's available liquidity, excluding borrowings available under its revolving credit facility, in consideration of the fact that Sotheby's is predominantly an agency business that collects and remits cash on behalf of its clients. (See "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.") As of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012, Net Liquidity was as follows (in thousands of dollars):
March 31, 2013 De ce mbe r 31, 2012 March 31, 2012

Cash and cash equivalents Add: Restricted cash Add: Accounts receivable, net Subtract: Due to consignors

608,200 $ 6,892 467,030 (331,236)

768,347 $ 31,974 597,487 (599,614)

444,274 5,538 316,339 (256,571)

Subtract: Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Subtract: Client deposit Net Liquidity 2013. $

(129,582) (63,000) 558,304 $

(183,776) 614,418 $

(87,721) 421,859

See "Financial Condition" for a discussion of the factors contributing to the decrease in Net Liquidity during the first quarter of

33#

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS The following table summarizes Sotheby s material contractual obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2013 (in thousands of dollars):
Payme nts Due by Pe riod Total York Property Mortgage (1) Principal payments Interest payments Sub-total Convertible Notes (1) Principal payments Interest payments Sub-total
2022 Senior Notes (1) Principal payments Interest payments Sub-total Other commitments: Operating lease obligations (2) Employment arrangements (3) Auction guarantees (4) Unfunded loan commitments (5) Uncertain tax positions (6) Sub-total T otal $ 112,196 14,782 35,280 11,226 173,484 1,071,293 $ 17,673 8,496 35,280 11,226 72,675 289,213 $ 30,332 5,476 35,808 306,829 $ 23,244 810 24,054 55,554 $ 40,947 40,947 419,697 300,000 157,673 457,673 15,923 15,923 31,500 31,500 31,500 31,500 300,000 78,750 378,750

Le ss Than O ne Ye ar

1 to 3 Ye ars

3 to 5 Ye ars

Afte r 5 Ye ars

226,501 28,917 255,418

3,378 12,519 15,897

223,123 16,398 239,521

181,868 2,850 184,718

181,868 2,850 184,718

(1) See Note 6 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the York Property Mortgage, the Convertible Notes, and the 2022 Senior Notes. (2) These amounts represent undiscounted future minimum rental commitments under non-cancellable operating leases.

(3) These amounts represent the remaining commitment for future salaries and other cash compensation, excluding any participation in Sotheby s incentive compensation and share-based payment programs, related to employment arrangements with certain senior employees. (See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.) (4) Represents the amount of auction guarantees outstanding ($60.2 million) net of amounts advanced ($24.9 million) as of March 31, 2013. See Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to auction guarantees. (5) Represents unfunded commitments to extend additional credit through Sotheby's Finance segment. (See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to Sotheby's Finance segment loan portfolio.) (6) Excludes the $21 million liability recorded for uncertain tax positions that would be settled by cash payments to the respective taxing authorities, which are classified as long-term liabilities in the March 31, 2013 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. This liability is excluded from the table above because management is unable to make reliable estimates of the period of settlement with the respective taxing authorities. (See Note 13 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more detailed information related to uncertain tax positions.)

34#

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS For information related to off-balance sheet arrangements see: (i) Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which discusses unfunded Finance segment loan commitments, (ii) Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which discusses a guarantee of collection arrangement, and (iii) Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which discusses auction guarantees. CONTINGENCIES For information related to contingencies see: (i) Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which discusses legal and other tax contingencies, (ii) Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which discusses auction guarantees, and (iii) Note 13 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which discusses income tax contingencies. UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS For information related to uncertain tax positions, see Note 13 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES OverviewSotheby's continues to have significant cash balances and strong liquidity. In the second half of 2012, Sotheby's further improved its short and long-term liquidity by issuing $300 million of 5.25% senior notes, due October 2022, and by amending its credit agreement to provide an extended maturity date, an increased borrowing capacity, and greater operating flexibility. The proceeds from the issuance of the 5.25% senior notes were used, in part, to redeem the remaining $80 million principal amount of 2015 Senior Notes in November 2012 and a large portion of the remaining proceeds are expected to be used to settle the $182 million of Convertible Notes that are due in June 2013. (See Note 6 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and statement on Forward Looking Statements.) Cash and Cash EquivalentsAs of March 31, 2013, Sotheby s had global cash and cash equivalents of approximately $608.2 million, of which $114.7 million was held in the U.S. and $493.5 million was held by foreign subsidiaries. The current focus of Sotheby s investment policy is to preserve principal and ensure liquidity. Accordingly, Sotheby's cash balances are invested in the highest rated overnight deposits. Revolving Credit FacilityOn August 31, 2009, Sotheby's and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the Credit Agreement ) with an international syndicate of lenders led by General Electric Capital, Corporate Finance ( GE Capital ). On December 19, 2012, Sotheby's, GE Capital, and the lenders named therein amended and restated the Credit Agreement (the A&R Credit Agreement ) to, among other things, extend the maturity date from September 1, 2014 to December 19, 2017, increase the borrowing capacity from $200 million to $300 million, and provide further flexibility to Sotheby's. The following summary does not purport to be a complete summary of the A&R Credit Agreement, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the A&R Credit Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K that was filed by Sotheby's with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 20, 2012. Capitalized terms used, but not defined, in this summary have the meanings set forth in the A&R Credit Agreement.
The A&R Credit Agreement provides for a $300 million revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility ), with a sub-limit of $100 million for borrowings in the U.K. and Hong Kong, and has a feature whereby any time until June 19, 2017, Sotheby's may request, subject to Lenders' approval, to increase the borrowing capacity by an amount not to exceed $50 million. The amount of borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility is limited by a borrowing base which is determined with reference to the levels of Sotheby's loan portfolio, art inventory balances, and Net Tangible Assets. In addition, up to $20 million of the borrowing capacity of the Revolving Credit Facility may be used to issue letters of credit. As of March 31, 2013, no Revolving Credit Facility borrowings were outstanding and the amount of borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility was approximately $268.3 million, as calculated under the borrowing base. Sotheby's has not borrowed or issued any letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility since its inception. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility are available in either U.S. Dollars, Pounds Sterling, or Hong Kong Dollars. The U.S. Borrowers and, subject to certain limitations, the U.K. Borrowers and Sotheby's Hong Kong, are jointly and severally liable for all obligations under the A&R Credit Agreement. In addition, certain subsidiaries of the Borrowers guarantee the obligations of the Borrowers under the A&R Credit Agreement. Sotheby's obligations under the A&R Credit Agreement are secured by liens on all or substantially all of the personal property of the Borrowers and the Guarantors. 35#

The A&R Credit Agreement contains certain customary affirmative and negative covenants including, but not limited to, limitations on capital expenditures, limitations on net outstanding auction guarantees (i.e., auction guarantees less the impact of related risk and reward sharing arrangements) and limitations on the use of proceeds from borrowings under the A&R Credit Agreement. However, the A&R Credit Agreement does not limit dividend payments and Common Stock repurchases provided that: (i) there are no Events of Default, (ii) the Aggregate Borrowing Availability equals or exceeds $100 million, and (iii) the Total Liquidity Amount equals or exceeds $150 million. The A&R Credit Agreement also contains certain financial covenants, which are only applicable during certain defined compliance periods. These financial covenants were not applicable for the twelve month period ended March 31, 2013. Liquidity and Capital RequirementsSotheby s generally relies on operating cash flows and existing cash balances, supplemented by Revolving Credit Facility borrowings, if needed, to meet its liquidity and capital requirements. The timing and extent of any borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility is dependent upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, the cyclical nature of the global art market, the seasonality of Sotheby s business, the timing of auction sale settlements, the funding of notes receivable and consignor advances, and the geographic mix of cash and cash equivalent balances.

As of March 31, 2013, Sotheby s had global cash and cash equivalents of approximately $608.2 million, of which $114.7 million was held in the U.S. and $493.5 million was held by foreign subsidiaries. Of the $493.5 million in foreign cash balances, approximately $414.5 million would be subject to additional income taxes if repatriated. Based on current projections and management s planned use of foreign cash balances, it is expected that this $414.5 million in foreign cash will be indefinitely reinvested outside of the U.S. and will not need to be repatriated to fund Sotheby s U.S. operations or debt repayments. Management continually evaluates its assertions regarding the indefinite reinvestment of certain foreign cash balances. If circumstances were to change and cause management to change its assertion with respect to indefinitely reinvested foreign cash balances, Sotheby's would incur additional income tax expense. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements.) Sotheby s short-term operating needs and capital requirements include the funding of working capital, the funding of notes receivable and consignor advances, the funding of the settlement of the 3.125% Convertible Notes, the funding of capital expenditures, and the payment of dividends, as well as the funding of the other short-term commitments due on or before March 31, 2014, as summarized in the table of contractual obligations and commitments above. Capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of $22 million to $27 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements.) The declaration and payment of future dividends to shareholders remains at the discretion of Sotheby s Board of Directors and is dependent upon many factors, including Sotheby s financial condition, cash flows (in particular, its U.S. liquidity), legal requirements, and other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. Dividends of $0.10 per share for the first and second quarter of 2013 were declared by the Board of Directors and paid in the fourth quarter of 2012. It is the intention of Sotheby s to continue to pay quarterly dividends at a rate of $0.10 per share beginning in the third quarter of 2013, subject to approval by the Board of Directors and depending on economic, financial, market and other conditions at the time. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements.)
Sotheby s long-term operating needs and capital requirements include the funding of working capital, the funding of notes receivable and consignor advances, the funding of capital expenditures, and the payment of dividends, as well as the funding of the presently anticipated long-term contractual obligations and commitments summarized in the table of contractual obligations and commitments above. Management believes that operating cash flows and existing cash balances, supplemented by Revolving Credit Facility borrowings, if needed, will be adequate to meet Sotheby s anticipated short-term and long-term commitments, operating needs and capital requirements through the December 19, 2017 expiration of the A&R Credit Agreement. Also, on September 12, 2012, Sotheby's filed an automatically effective Registration Statement on Form S-3ASR with the SEC, which Sotheby's could use to facilitate the raising of further capital through the issuance of debt securities, which may be in the form of notes or other types of debt securities. Sotheby's does not currently intend to issue any additional long-term debt. 36#

Sotheby's continues to have significant cash balances and strong liquidity, especially in consideration of the $293.7 million in net proceeds received from the issuance of the 2022 Senior Notes in September 2012. These proceeds were used, in part, to redeem the remaining $80 million principal amount of 2015 Senior Notes in November 2012 for a price of $96.7 million. Management intends to utilize $181.9 million of the net proceeds to settle the Convertible Notes which mature on June 15, 2013. The remaining net proceeds, along with existing cash balances, will continue to provide Sotheby's flexibility in funding potential future operational and capital needs, including potential further domestic and international growth of the Finance segment loan portfolio, potential opportunistic investments in principal and/or Dealer segment activities, and possible future expenditures related to international growth markets such as China. Additionally, should business operations and liquidity, and in particular, U.S. cash balances and liquidity, remain strong, management will continue to evaluate traditional corporate finance alternatives, including repurchases of shares of Sotheby s Common Stock and/or some action with respect to Sotheby s dividend. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements.) FUTURE IMPACT OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS See Note 15 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting standards. PREMISES UPDATE Management believes Sotheby's worldwide premises are adequate for the current conduct of its business. However, management continually assesses Sotheby's worldwide premises and related fixed assets for its current and future business needs as part of its ongoing efforts to manage infrastructure and enhance long-term shareholder value. In May 2013, Sotheby s engaged external real estate professionals to assist in assessing the value of Sotheby s headquarters building at 1334 York Avenue in New York (the "York Property") and evaluating available alternatives within the New York real estate market. However, there are no current plans to relocate Sotheby s New York operations from the York Property.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES IN CHINA In September 2012, Sotheby's entered into a 10-year equity joint venture agreement with Beijing GeHua Art Company ( GeHua ) to form Sotheby's Beijing Auction Co., Ltd. (or the Beijing Joint Venture ). Sotheby's made its initial investment in the Beijing Joint Venture of approximately $1.2 million (representing an 80% ownership interest) in the first quarter of 2013 and GeHua invested approximately $0.3 million (representing a 20% ownership interest) concurrent with Sotheby's initial investment. The Beijing Joint Venture will allow Sotheby's to take advantage of a planned free port project that GeHua is developing within the Tianzhu Free Trade Zone in Beijing (the Beijing Free Port ), which will serve as a tax-advantaged storage location and provide a platform for art-related auctions and private selling exhibitions of non-cultural relics, traveling exhibitions, and educational activities. The date of completion of the Beijing Free Port and the commencement and scope of any storage, auction or private selling activities by the Beijing Joint Venture, as well as any earnings or losses resulting from the operation of the Beijing Joint Venture, are uncertain. However, management believes that the Beijing Joint Venture will strategically enhance Sotheby's long-term presence in mainland China and allow it to potentially capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Chinese art market, which Sotheby's currently serves through its existing operations in Hong Kong. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements and Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors.")
Sotheby's is also currently in negotiations with the Chinese government to obtain the license required to operate as a ForeignInvested Commercial Enterprise ("FICE") in order to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary, through which Sotheby's would operate independently in China outside of the Beijing Free Port in the same or similar businesses conducted by the Beijing Joint Venture. Management intends to establish the FICE in Beijing in 2013, with an initial focus on private sales, the hosting of traveling exhibitions and other client liaison activities. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements and Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors.") In addition, Sotheby s has entered into exclusive discussions with The European Fine Art Foundation ("TEFAF"), which has managed the world s leading art fair at Maastricht in the Netherlands for 27 years, to explore the possibilities of developing a high-end art fair in Beijing using the Beijing Joint Venture as a platform. Sotheby s, its joint venture partner GeHua, and TEFAF are currently in discussions with Beijing municipal authorities regarding a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding that would broadly outline plans and assign responsibilities for a possible 2014 fair to be named TEFAF International Art Fair, Beijing. It is expected that the parties will continue to negotiate the details of any collaboration and enter into interim non-binding arrangements, with a view towards concluding a formal binding agreement later this year. Any such agreement remains uncertain at this time. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements and Part II, Item 1A, "Risk Factors.")

37#

LEGISLATION In July 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the Dodd-Frank Act ) was signed into law in the U.S. This legislation will significantly change the current banking and financial institution regulatory structure and affect the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of such financial institutions. Management continues to review the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act, many of which are phased-in over time, and to assess its impact on Sotheby s operations. However, while the ultimate effect of the Dodd-Frank Act on the financial services industry in general is uncertain at this time, management does not currently believe that this legislation will have a material impact on Sotheby's business. (See statement on Forward Looking Statements.) See "Income Tax Benefit" in Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 above for information regarding recent tax legislation enacted in the U.S. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This Form 10-Q contains certain forward looking statements; as such term is defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to future events and the financial performance of Sotheby s. Such statements are only predictions and involve risks and uncertainties, resulting in the possibility that the actual events or performance will differ materially from such predictions. Major factors which could cause the actual results to differ materially from the predicted results in the forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, the factors listed below under Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors, which are not ranked in any particular order.

RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES The following is a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents to Net Liquidity as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012, and March 31, 2012 (in thousands of dollars):
March 31, 2013 De ce mbe r 31, 2012 March 31, 2012

Cash and cash equivalents Add: Restricted cash Add: Accounts receivable, net Subtract: Due to consignors Subtract: Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities Subtract: Client deposit Net Liquidity

608,200 $ 6,892 467,030 (331,236) (129,582) (63,000)

768,347 $ 31,974 597,487 (599,614) (183,776)

444,274 5,538 316,339 (256,571) (87,721)

558,304

614,418

421,859

ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Sotheby's continually evaluates the market risk associated with its financial instruments in the normal course of its business. As of March 31, 2013, Sotheby's material financial instruments include: (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) restricted cash, (iii) notes receivable, (iv) the York Property Mortgage, (v) the 2022 Senior Notes, (vi) the Convertible Notes, (vii) the current liability related to the embedded conversion option in the Convertible Notes, (viii) the current asset related to the Convertible Note Hedges, (ix) the DCP liability and related trust assets, and (x) outstanding forward exchange contracts. (See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to notes receivable. See Note 6 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to the York Property Mortgage, the 2022 Senior Notes, the Convertible Notes, and the Convertible Note Hedges.) Management believes that the interest rate risk associated with its financial instruments is minimal as a hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in interest rates is immaterial to its cash flow, earnings, and the fair value of its financial instruments. As of March 31, 2013, a hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening of the U.S. dollar relative to all other currencies would result in a decrease or increase in Sotheby's cash balances of approximately $53 million. 38#

Sotheby s utilizes forward exchange contracts to hedge cash flow exposures related to foreign currency exchange rate movements, which primarily arise from short-term foreign currency denominated intercompany balances and, to a much lesser extent, foreign currency denominated client payable balances. Such forward exchange contracts are typically short-term with settlement dates less than six months from their inception. Additionally, on rare occasions, Sotheby s may purchase foreign currency option contracts to hedge risks associated with foreign currency denominated client payable balances. All derivative financial instruments are entered into by Sotheby s global treasury function, which is responsible for monitoring and managing Sotheby's exposure to foreign currency exchange rate movements. As of March 31, 2013, the notional value of outstanding forward exchange contracts was $12.4 million. Notional values do not quantify risk or represent assets or liabilities of Sotheby s, but are used to calculate cash settlements under outstanding forward exchange contracts. Sotheby s is exposed to credit-related risks in the event of nonperformance by the three counterparties to its outstanding forward exchange contracts. Sotheby s does not expect any of these counterparties to fail to meet their obligations, given their high short-term (A1/P1) credit ratings. ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures As of March 31, 2013, the Company has 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, of the effectiveness of the Company s disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Company s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) were effective as of March 31, 2013.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There was no change in the Company s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company s internal control over financial reporting. PART II: OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS See Note 9 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to legal proceedings.

39#

ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS Sotheby's operating results and liquidity are significantly influenced by a number of risk factors, many of which are not within its control. These factors, which are not ranked in any particular order, are discussed below. The global economy and the financial markets and political conditions of various countries may negatively affect Sotheby's business and clients, as well as the supply of and demand for works of art. The international art market is influenced over time by the overall strength and stability of the global economy and the financial markets of various countries, although this correlation may not be immediately evident. In addition, global political conditions and world events may affect Sotheby's business through their effect on the economies of various countries, as well as on the willingness of potential buyers and sellers to purchase and sell art in the wake of economic uncertainty. Sotheby's business can be particularly influenced by the economies, financial markets and political conditions of the U.S., the U.K., China and the other major countries or territories of Europe and Asia (including the Middle East). Accordingly, weakness in those economies and financial markets can adversely affect the supply of and demand for works of art and Sotheby's business. Furthermore, global political conditions may also influence the enactment of legislation that could adversely impact Sotheby's business. Government laws and regulations may restrict or limit Sotheby's business or impact the value of its real estate assets.
Many of Sotheby's activities are subject to laws and regulations including, but not limited to, import and export regulations, cultural property ownership laws, data protection and privacy laws, anti-money laundering laws, antitrust laws, copyright and resale royalty laws, laws and regulations involving sales, use, value-added and other indirect taxes, and regulations related to the use of real estate. In addition, Sotheby's is subject to local auction regulations, such as New York City Auction Regulations Subchapter M of Title 6 2-121-2-125, et. seq. Such regulations currently do not impose a material impediment to the worldwide business of Sotheby's, but do affect the market generally. A material adverse change in such regulations, such as the Equity for Visual Artists bill introduced in the U.S. Congress which would impose a 7% resale royalty on sales of art through large auction houses, could affect Sotheby's business. Additionally, export and import laws and cultural property ownership laws could affect the availability of certain kinds of property for sale at Sotheby's principal auction locations, increase the cost of moving property to such locations, or expose Sotheby's to legal claims or government inquiries. Foreign currency exchange rate movements can significantly impact Sotheby's results of operations and financial condition. Sotheby's has operations throughout the world, with approximately 56% of its revenues earned outside of the U.S. in 2012. Additionally, Sotheby's has significant assets and liabilities denominated in the Pound Sterling and the Euro. Revenues and expenses relating to Sotheby's foreign operations are translated using weighted average monthly exchange rates during the period in which they are recognized and assets and liabilities relating to Sotheby's foreign operations are translated using month-end exchange rates. Accordingly, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly for the Pound Sterling and the Euro, can significantly impact Sotheby's results of operations and financial condition. Competition in the international art market is intense and may adversely impact Sotheby's results of operations.
Sotheby's competes with other auctioneers and art dealers to obtain valuable consignments to offer for sale either at auction or through private sale. The level of competition is intense and can adversely impact Sotheby's ability to obtain valuable consignments for sale, as well as the commission margins achieved on such consignments. Sotheby's cannot be assured of the amount and quality of property consigned for sale, which may cause significant variability in its financial results. The amount and quality of property consigned for sale is influenced by a number of factors not within Sotheby's control. Many major consignments, and specifically single-owner sale consignments, often become available as a result of the death or financial or marital difficulties of the owner, all of which are unpredictable and may cause significant variability in Sotheby's financial results from period to period. The demand for art is unpredictable, which may cause significant variability in Sotheby's results of operations. The demand for art is influenced not only by overall economic conditions, but also by changing trends in the art market as to which collecting categories and artists are most sought after and by the collecting preferences of individual collectors, all of which are difficult to predict and which may adversely impact the ability of Sotheby's to obtain and sell consigned property, potentially causing significant variability in Sotheby's results of operations from period to period. 40#

The loss of key personnel could adversely impact Sotheby's ability to compete. Sotheby's is largely a service business in which the ability of its employees to develop and maintain relationships with potential sellers and buyers of works of art is essential to its success. Moreover, Sotheby's business is unique, making it important to retain key specialists and members of management. Accordingly, Sotheby's business is highly dependent upon its success in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. The strategic initiatives being implemented by Sotheby's may not succeed. Sotheby's strategic initiatives are focused on extending the breadth and depth of its relationships with its most valuable clients, developing a presence in China and other emerging markets, enhancing its private sales capabilities, and the retention of key personnel. Sotheby's future operating results are dependent, in part, on management's success in implementing these and other strategic initiatives. Furthermore, the inability of Sotheby's to successfully implement its strategic initiatives could result in, among other things, the loss of clients, the loss of key personnel, the impairment of assets, and inefficiencies from operating in new and emerging markets. Also, Sotheby's short-term operating results could be unfavorably impacted by the opportunity and financial costs associated with the implementation of its strategic plans. (See "Strategic Initiatives in China" within Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and statement on Forward Looking Statements.)
Sotheby's recently approved joint venture in China is a foreign-invested enterprise under Chinese law. As such, enforcement of certain of Sotheby's rights within the joint venture are subject to approval from the Chinese government, which could limit the ability of the joint venture to operate and succeed. In September 2012, Sotheby's received approval from the Chinese government to form and operate a 10-year equity joint venture with Beijing GeHua Art Company in China, which management believes will strategically enhance Sotheby's long-term presence in mainland China and allow it to potentially capitalize on the opportunities presented by the Chinese art market. (See "Strategic Initiatives in China" within Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and statement on Forward Looking Statements.) Because the joint venture is a foreign-invested enterprise under Chinese law, all changes in shareholding and constitution of the joint venture will be subject to approval by the Chinese government, including in the event Sotheby's is seeking to terminate the joint venture agreement, exercise its put option, or wind-up the joint venture. Accordingly, Sotheby's ability to successfully operate the joint venture and enforce the joint venture agreement provisions could be constrained by the Chinese government and other unforeseen circumstances. Sotheby's is currently in negotiations with the Chinese government to obtain the license required to operate as a Foreign-Invested Commercial Enterprise in order to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in China. Sotheby's negotiations to obtain the license required to operate as a Foreign-Invested Commercial Enterprise in China may not be successful. Sotheby's establishment of a wholly-owned subsidiary in China is subject to the receipt of a license from the Chinese government. Sotheby's may not be successful in obtaining this license, which could delay or inhibit its ability to further implement its strategic initiatives in China. (See "Strategic Initiatives in China" within Part I, Item 2, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and statement on Forward Looking Statements.)

A breach of the security measures protecting Sotheby's global network of information systems may occur. Sotheby's is dependent on a global network of information systems to conduct its business. A breach of the security measures protecting Sotheby's information systems could adversely impact its operations, reputation, and brand. Sotheby's business continuity plans may not be effective in addressing the impact of unexpected events that could impact its business. Sotheby's inability to successfully implement its business continuity plans in the wake of an unexpected event, such as an act of God or a terrorist attack occurring near one of its major selling and/or sourcing offices and/or any other unexpected event, could disrupt its ability to operate and adversely impact its operations. Sotheby's relies on a small number of clients who make a significant contribution to its revenues, profitability and operating cash flows. Sotheby's relies on a small number of clients who make a significant contribution to its revenues, profitability, and operating cash flows. Accordingly, Sotheby's revenues, profitability, and operating cash flows are highly dependent upon its ability to develop and maintain relationships with this small group of clients, as well as the financial strength of these clients.

Subject to management approval under Sotheby's policy, Sotheby's may pay the consignor before payment is collected from the buyer and/or may allow the buyer to take possession of purchased property before payment is received. In these situations, Sotheby's is exposed to losses in the event the buyer does not make payment. Under the standard terms and conditions of its auction and private sales, Sotheby's is not obligated to pay the consignor for property that has not been paid for by the buyer. However, in certain instances and subject to management approval under Sotheby's policy, the consignor may be paid the net sale proceeds before payment is collected from the buyer while Sotheby's retains possession of the property. In such situations, if the buyer does not make payment, Sotheby's will take title to the property, but could be exposed to losses if the value of the property declines. In certain other situations and subject to management approval under Sotheby's policy, the buyer is allowed to take possession of purchased property before making payment. In these situations, Sotheby's is liable to the seller for the net sale proceeds whether or not the buyer makes payment and would incur losses in the event of buyer default. (See Note 5 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information about auction and private sale receivables.) Sotheby's ability to collect auction receivables may be adversely impacted by buyers from emerging markets, as well as by the banking and foreign currency laws and regulations, and judicial systems of the countries in which it operates and in which its clients reside. Sotheby's operates in 40 countries and has a worldwide client base that has grown in recent years due in part to a dramatic increase in the activity of buyers from emerging markets, and in particular, China. The collection of auction receivables related to buyers from emerging markets may be adversely impacted by the buyer's lack of familiarity with the auction process and the buyer's financial condition. Sotheby's ability to collect auction receivables may also be adversely impacted by the banking and foreign currency laws and regulations regarding the movement of funds out of certain countries, as well as by Sotheby's ability to enforce its rights as a creditor in jurisdictions where the applicable laws and regulations may be less defined, particularly in emerging markets.
Demand for art-related financing is unpredictable, which may cause variability in Sotheby's results of operations. Sotheby's business is, in part, dependent on the demand for art-related financing, which can be significantly influenced by overall economic conditions and by the often unpredictable financial requirements of owners of major art collections. Accordingly, the financial results of Sotheby's Finance segment are subject to variability from period to period. The ability of Sotheby's to realize proceeds from the sale of collateral for Finance segment loans may be delayed or limited. In situations when there are competing claims on the collateral for Finance segment loans and/or when a borrower becomes subject to bankruptcy or insolvency laws, Sotheby's ability to realize proceeds from the sale of its collateral may be limited or delayed. The value of art is subjective and often fluctuates, exposing Sotheby's to losses in the value of its inventory and loan collateral and significant variability in its results of operations. The art market is not a highly liquid trading market. As a result, the valuation of art is inherently subjective, and the realizable value of art often fluctuates over time. Accordingly, Sotheby's is at risk both as to the realizable value of art held in inventory and as to the realizable value of art pledged as collateral for client loans.
In estimating the realizable value of art, management relies on the opinions of Sotheby's specialists, who consider the following complex array of factors when valuing art: (i) whether the artwork is expected to be offered at auction or sold privately, in the ordinary course of Sotheby's business; (ii) the supply and demand for works of art, taking into account economic conditions and changing trends in the art market as to which collecting categories and artists are most sought after; and (iii) recent sale prices achieved in the art market for comparable works of art within a particular collecting category and/or by a particular artist. If management determines that the estimated realizable value of a specific artwork held in inventory is less than its carrying value, a loss is recorded to reflect management's revised estimate of realizable value. In addition, if the estimated realizable value of the art pledged as collateral for a client loan is less than the corresponding loan balance, management assesses whether it is necessary to record a loss to reduce the carrying value of the loan, after taking into account the ability of the borrower to repay any shortfall between the value of the collateral and the amount of the loan. These factors may cause significant variability in Sotheby's financial results from period to period. 42#

Sotheby's could be exposed to losses as a result of various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business. Sotheby's becomes involved in various claims and lawsuits incidental to the ordinary course of its business. Management is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes in these matters, as well as potential ranges of probable or reasonably possible losses. A determination of the amount of losses, if any, to be recorded or disclosed as a result of these contingencies is based on a careful analysis of each individual exposure with, in some cases, the assistance of outside legal counsel. The amount of losses recorded or disclosed for such contingencies may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or a change in settlement strategy. Sotheby's could be exposed to losses in the event of title or authenticity claims arising from the sale of works of art. The assessment of works of art offered for auction or private sale can involve potential claims regarding title and authenticity. Items sold by Sotheby's may be subject to statutory warranties as to title and to a limited guarantee as to authenticity under the Conditions of Sale and Terms of Guarantee that are published in Sotheby's auction sale catalogues and the terms stated in, and the laws applicable to, agreements governing private sale transactions. The authentication of works of art is based on scholarship and research, but necessarily requires a degree of judgment from Sotheby's art experts. In the event of a title or authenticity claim against Sotheby's, Sotheby's may have recourse against the seller of the property and may have the benefit of insurance, but a claim could nevertheless expose Sotheby's to losses and to reputational risk. Auction guarantees create the risk of loss resulting from the potential inaccurate valuation of art. As discussed above, the art market is not a highly liquid trading market and, as a result, the valuation of art is inherently subjective. Accordingly, Sotheby's is at risk with respect to management's ability to estimate the likely selling prices of works of art offered with auction guarantees. If management's judgments about the likely selling prices of works of art offered with auction guarantees prove to be inaccurate, there could be a significant adverse impact on Sotheby's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. (See Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to auction guarantees.) Sotheby's could be exposed to losses in the event of nonperformance by its counterparties in auction guarantee risk and reward sharing arrangements. In certain situations, Sotheby's reduces its financial exposure under auction guarantees through risk and reward sharing arrangements. Sotheby's counterparties to these risk and reward sharing arrangements are typically major international art dealers or major art collectors. Sotheby's could be exposed to losses in the event any of these counterparties do not perform according to the terms of these contractual arrangements. (See Note 10 of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for information related to auction guarantee risk and reward sharing arrangements.) Future costs and obligations related to the Sotheby's U.K. Pension Plan are dependent on unpredictable factors, which may cause significant variability in employee benefit costs. Future costs and obligations related to Sotheby's defined benefit pension plan in the U.K. are heavily influenced by changes in interest rates, investment performance in the debt and equity markets, changes in statutory requirements in the U.K., and actuarial assumptions, each of which is unpredictable and may cause significant variability in Sotheby's employee benefit costs.
43#

Tax matters may cause significant variability in Sotheby's financial results. Sotheby's operates in many tax jurisdictions throughout the world and the provision for income taxes involves a significant amount of management judgment regarding interpretation of relevant facts and laws in the jurisdictions in which Sotheby's operates. Sotheby's effective income tax rate can vary significantly between periods due to a number of complex factors including, but not limited to: (i) future changes in applicable laws; (ii) projected levels of taxable income; (iii) pre-tax income being lower than anticipated in countries with lower statutory rates or higher than anticipated in countries with higher statutory rates; (iv) increases or decreases to valuation allowances recorded against deferred tax assets; (v) tax audits conducted by various tax authorities; (vi) adjustments to income taxes upon finalization of income tax returns; (vii) the ability to claim foreign tax credits; (viii) the repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which Sotheby's has not previously provided for income taxes; and (ix) tax planning. Sotheby's clients reside in various tax jurisdictions throughout the world. To the extent that there are changes to tax laws or tax reporting obligations in any of these jurisdictions, such changes could adversely impact the ability and/or willingness of clients to purchase or sell works of art through Sotheby's. Additionally, Sotheby's is subject to laws and regulations in many countries involving sales, use, value-added and other indirect taxes which are assessed by various governmental authorities and imposed on certain revenue-producing transactions between Sotheby's and its clients. The application of these laws and regulations to Sotheby's unique business and global client base, and the estimation of any related liabilities, is complex and requires a significant amount of judgment. These indirect tax liabilities are generally not those of Sotheby s unless it fails to collect the correct amount of sales, value-added, or other indirect taxes. Failure to collect the correct amount of indirect tax on a transaction may expose Sotheby's to claims from tax authorities. Insurance coverage for artwork may become more difficult to obtain, exposing Sotheby's to losses for artwork in Sotheby's possession. Sotheby's maintains insurance coverage through brokers and underwriters for the works of art it owns and for works of art consigned to it by its clients, which are exhibited and stored at Sotheby's facilities around the world. An inability to adequately insure such works of art due to limited capacity of the global art insurance market could, in the future, have a material adverse impact on Sotheby's business. Due to the nature of its business, valuable works of art are exhibited and stored at Sotheby's facilities around the world. Such works of art could be subject to damage or theft, which could have a material adverse effect on Sotheby's business and reputation. Valuable works of art are exhibited and stored at Sotheby's facilities around the world. Although Sotheby's maintains state of the art security measures at its premises, valuable artworks may be subject to damage or theft. The damage or theft of valuable artworks despite Sotheby's security measures could have a material adverse impact on Sotheby's business and reputation. Sotheby's maintains insurance coverage for the works of art that are exhibited and stored at its facilities, which could significantly mitigate any potential losses resulting from the damage or theft of such works of art. ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

44#

ITEM 5: OTHER INFORMATION On May 8, 2013, Sotheby's held its annual meeting of stockholders. The matters on which the stockholders voted were: (1) Election of eleven (11) directors to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; (2) Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as Sotheby's independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2013; (3) Approval of the Second Amended and Restated Sotheby's Restricted Stock Unit Plan; and (4) An advisory vote on 2012 named executive officer compensation. The results of the voting are shown below:
(1) ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (PROPOS AL 1)
Name of Nominee John M . Angelo Steven B. Dodge The Duke of Devonshire Daniel M eyer Allen Questrom William F. Ruprecht M arsha E. Simms M ichael I. Sovern Robert S. Taubman Diana L. Taylor Dennis M . Weibling
FOR AG AINST AB STAIN

49,472,953 50,709,702 43,939,000 49,471,264 50,677,943 49,777,643 50,928,234 50,163,987 48,679,424 49,220,305 50,909,027

1,535,500 298,751 7,070,037 1,537,089 306,250 1,230,649 63,532 827,646 2,312,586 1,771,801 82,743

669,383 669,383 668,799 669,483 693,643 669,544 686,070 686,203 685,826 685,730 686,066

(2) RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT REGIS TERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PROPOS AL 2) 56,434,418 Votes were cast; 55,026,586 Votes were cast for the resolution; 853,852 Votes were cast against the resolution; and 553,980 Votes abstained

(3) APPROVAL OF S ECOND AMENDED AND RES TATED S OTHEBY'S RES TRICTED S TOCK UNIT PLAN (PROPOS AL 3) 51,677,836 Votes were cast; 42,174,637 Votes were cast for the resolution; 8,698,398 Votes were cast against the resolution; and 804,801 Votes abstained (4) ADVIS ORY VOTE TO APPROVE 2012 NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENS ATION (PROPOS AL 4) 51,677,836 Votes were cast; 28,281,205 Votes were cast for the resolution; 22,830,447 Votes were cast against the resolution; and 566,184 Votes abstained

45#

ITEM 6: EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits 10.1 Thirteenth Amendment to the Agreement of Partnership dated March 22, 2013, between Sotheby's Nevada Inc. and Acquavella Contemporary Art. Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. XBRL Instance Document. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

31.1 31.2 32.1 32.2 101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL 101.DEF 101.LAB

101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. (b) Reports on Form 8-K (i) On March 4, 2013, Sotheby's filed a current report on Form 8-K under Item 2.02, Results of Operations and Financial Condition, and Item 9.01, Financial Statements and Exhibits. On March 13, 2013, Sotheby's filed a current report on Form 8-K under Item 5.02, "Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Directors."

(ii)

46#

SIGNATURES 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. SOT HEBY S By: /s/ KEVIN M. DELANEY Kevin M. Delaney Senior Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer Date: May 9, 2013

47#

EXHIBIT INDEX 10.1 Thirteenth Amendment to the Agreement of Partnership dated March 22, 2013, between Sotheby's Nevada Inc. and Acquavella Contemporary Art. Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. XBRL Instance Document. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

31.1 31.2 32.1 32.2 101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL

101.DEF 101.LAB 101.PRE

48#