10-Q

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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 October 31, 2013

Commission File Number 1-04129

Zale Corporation

A Delaware Corporation
IRS Employer Identification No. 75-0675400

901 W. Walnut Hill Lane
Irving, Texas 75038-1003
(972) 580-4000

        Zale Corporation (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

        Zale Corporation has submitted electronically and posted on the Company's website all Interactive Data Files required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Company was required to submit and post such files).

        Zale Corporation is an accelerated filer.

        Zale Corporation is not a shell company.

        As of December 2, 2013, 32,848,772 shares of Zale Corporation's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Statements of Operations—Three Months Ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)		1
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss—Three Months Ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)		2
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—October 31, 2013, July 31, 2013 and October 31, 2012 (unaudited)		3
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Three Months Ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)		4
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)		5
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		15
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		23
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		24
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		25
Item 1A.	Risk Factors		25
Item 6.	Exhibits		31

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Revenues	$	362,615		$	357,468
Cost of sales		168,827			167,133
Gross margin		193,788			190,335
Selling, general and administrative		208,159			206,465
Depreciation and amortization		7,661			8,646
Other gains		—			(1,773	)
Operating loss		(22,032	)		(23,003	)
Interest expense		5,609			5,842
Loss before income taxes		(27,641	)		(28,845	)
Income tax benefit		(335	)		(580	)
Net loss	$	(27,306	)	$	(28,265	)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share	$	(0.83	)	$	(0.88	)
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding		32,736			32,298

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

1

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Net loss	$	(27,306	)	$	(28,265	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(3,233	)		514
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps		(2,516	)		—
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net		74			(55	)
Comprehensive loss	$	(32,981	)	$	(27,806	)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

2

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	October 31, 2013			July 31, 2013			October 31, 2012
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	13,945		$	17,060		$	14,572
Merchandise inventories		903,282			767,540			908,415
Other current assets		52,163			53,335			55,057
Total current assets		969,390			837,935			978,044
Property and equipment		677,338			675,705			692,100
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(572,249	)		(570,427	)		(575,014	)
Net property and equipment		105,089			105,278			117,086
Goodwill		97,135			98,372			100,731
Other assets		41,100			38,560			50,767
Deferred tax asset		107,110			107,110			96,929
Total assets	$	1,319,824		$	1,187,255		$	1,343,557
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	297,104		$	220,558		$	334,292
Deferred revenue		79,205			82,110			83,339
Deferred tax liability		107,344			107,016			96,687
Total current liabilities		483,653			409,684			514,318
Long-term debt		505,575			410,050			524,167
Deferred revenue—long-term		104,019			109,135			115,900
Other liabilities		73,622			73,057			37,208
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' investment:
Common stock		488			488			488
Additional paid-in capital		151,563			155,625			160,012
Accumulated other comprehensive income		41,340			47,015			53,828
Accumulated earnings		407,834			435,140			396,863
		601,225			638,268			611,191
Treasury stock		(448,270	)		(452,939	)		(459,227	)
Total stockholders' investment		152,955			185,329			151,964
Total liabilities and stockholders' investment	$	1,319,824		$	1,187,255		$	1,343,557

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net loss	$	(27,306	)	$	(28,265	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Non-cash interest		727			726
Depreciation and amortization		7,661			8,646
Deferred taxes		328			25
Loss on disposition of property and equipment		215			277
Stock-based compensation		990			1,060
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories		(138,100	)		(166,704	)
Other current assets		379			(8,668	)
Other assets		503			1,498
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		76,521			128,331
Deferred revenue		(7,553	)		(9,375	)
Other liabilities		(1,310	)		49
Net cash used in operating activities		(86,945	)		(72,400	)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Payments for property and equipment		(9,286	)		(7,102	)
Purchase of available-for-sale investments		(3,532	)		(1,674	)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments		955			311
Net cash used in investing activities		(11,863	)		(8,465	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement		1,355,900			1,437,700
Payments on revolving credit agreement		(1,260,100	)		(1,366,800	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		261			35
Payments on capital lease obligations		(269	)		(237	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		95,792			70,698
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash		(99	)		136
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		(3,115	)		(10,031	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		17,060			24,603
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	13,945		$	14,572

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        References to the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" in this Form 10-Q are references to Zale Corporation and its subsidiaries. We are, through our wholly owned subsidiaries, a leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry in North America. At October 31, 2013, we operated 1,057 specialty retail jewelry stores and 625 kiosks located primarily in shopping malls throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

        We report our operations under three segments: Fine Jewelry, Kiosk Jewelry and All Other. Fine Jewelry is comprised of our three core national brands, Zales Jewelers®, Zales Outlet® and Peoples Jewellers® and our two regional brands, Gordon's Jewelers® and Mappins Jewellers®. Each brand specializes in fine jewelry and watches, with merchandise and marketing emphasis focused on diamond products. Zales Jewelers® is our national brand in the U.S. providing moderately priced jewelry to a broad range of guests. Zales Outlet® operates in outlet malls and neighborhood power centers and capitalizes on Zale Jewelers'® national marketing and brand recognition. Gordon's Jewelers® is a value-oriented regional jeweler. Peoples Jewellers®, Canada's largest fine jewelry retailer, provides guests with an affordable assortment and an accessible shopping experience. Mappins Jewellers® offers Canadian guests a broad selection of merchandise from engagement rings to fashionable and contemporary fine jewelry.

        Kiosk Jewelry operates under the brand names Piercing Pagoda®, Plumb Gold™, and Silver and Gold Connection® through mall-based kiosks and is focused on the opening price point guest. Kiosk Jewelry specializes in gold, silver and non-precious metal products that capitalize on the latest fashion trends.

        All Other includes our insurance and reinsurance operations, which offer insurance coverage primarily to our private label credit card guests.

        We also maintain a presence in the retail market through our ecommerce sites www.zales.com, www.zalesoutlet.com, www.gordonsjewelers.com, www.peoplesjewellers.com and www.pagoda.com.

        We consolidate all of our U.S. operations into Zale Delaware, Inc. ("ZDel"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Zale Corporation. ZDel is the parent company for several subsidiaries, including three that are engaged primarily in providing credit insurance to our credit customers. We consolidate our Canadian retail operations into Zale Canada Holding, L.P., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zale Corporation. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In management's opinion, all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation have been made. Because of the seasonal nature of the retail business, operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on September 27, 2013.

        Reclassification.    Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to our fiscal year 2014 presentation.

5

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

        Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair values. These tiers include:

Level 1	—	Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
Level 2	—	Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose significant inputs are observable; and
Level 3	—	Instruments whose significant inputs are unobservable.

Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

        The following tables include our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	Fair Value as of October 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
U.S. Treasury securities	$	14,430	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities		—		2,102		—
Corporate bonds and notes		—		4,189		—
Corporate equity securities		2,601		—		—
	$	17,031	$	6,291	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	2,516	$	—

	Fair Value as of October 31, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
U.S. Treasury securities	$	22,623	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities		—		2,875		—
Corporate bonds and notes		—		1,018		—
Corporate equity securities		4,133		—		—
	$	26,756	$	3,893	$	—

        Investments in U.S. Treasury securities and corporate equity securities are based on quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets, and therefore were classified as a Level 1 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. Investments in U.S. government agency securities and corporate bonds and

6

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)

notes are based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and therefore were classified as a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 3 for additional information related to our investments).

        The fair value of our interest rate swaps are calculated using significant observable inputs including the present value of estimated future cash flows using interest rate curves, and therefore were classified as a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 4 for additional information related to our interest rate swaps).

Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

        Assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis primarily relate to our goodwill and store-level property and equipment. Potential impairment losses related to these assets are calculated using significant unobservable inputs including the present value of future cash flows expected to be generated using a risk-adjusted weighted-average cost of capital and positive comparable store sales growth assumptions, and therefore are classified as a Level 3 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. There were no impairments related to our goodwill and property and equipment for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.

Other Financial Instruments

        As cash and short-term cash investments, trade payables and certain other short-term financial instruments are all short-term in nature, their carrying amount approximates fair value. The outstanding principal of our revolving credit agreement and senior secured term loan approximates fair value as of October 31, 2013. The fair value of the revolving credit agreement and the senior secured term loan were based on estimates of current interest rates for similar debt, a Level 3 input.

3. INVESTMENTS

        Investments in debt and equity securities held by our insurance subsidiaries are reported as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Investments are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices for identical or similar securities. All investments are classified as available-for-sale.

        Our investments consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 31, 2013				October 31, 2012
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities	$	13,497	$	14,430	$	21,092	$	22,623
U.S. government agency securities		1,989		2,102		2,657		2,875
Corporate bonds and notes		4,099		4,189		906		1,018
Corporate equity securities		1,784		2,601		3,501		4,133
	$	21,369	$	23,322	$	28,156	$	30,649

        At October 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of investments included a net unrealized gain of $2.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the specific identification basis. There were no

7

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

3. INVESTMENTS (Continued)

material net realized gains or losses during the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012. Investments with a carrying value of $7.4 million were on deposit with various state insurance departments at both October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as required by law.

        Debt securities outstanding as of October 31, 2013 mature as follows (in thousands):

	Cost		Fair Value
Less than one year	$	3,272	$	3,319
Year two through year five		10,101		10,911
Year six through year ten		6,149		6,420
After ten years		63		71
	$	19,585	$	20,721

4. LONG-TERM DEBT

        Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

	October 31,
	2013		2012
Revolving credit agreement	$	423,000	$	440,700
Senior secured term loan		80,000		80,000
Capital lease obligations		2,575		3,467
	$	505,575	$	524,167

Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement

        On July 24, 2012, we amended and restated our revolving credit agreement (the "Amended Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. and certain other lenders. The Amended Credit Agreement totals $665 million, including a $15 million first-in, last-out facility (the "FILO Facility"), and matures in July 2017. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) are limited to a borrowing base equal to 90 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory (less certain reserves that may be established under the agreement), plus 90 percent of eligible credit card receivables. Borrowings under the FILO Facility are limited to a borrowing base equal to the lesser of: (i) 2.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory or (ii) $15 million. The Amended Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority security interest and lien on merchandise inventory, credit card receivables and certain other assets and a second priority security interest and lien on all other assets.

        Based on the most recent inventory appraisal, the monthly borrowing rates calculated from the cost of eligible inventory is 83 to 84 percent for the period of November through December 2013, 68 to 73 percent for the period of January through September 2014 and 82 percent for the period of October 2014.

        Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) bear interest at either: (i) LIBOR plus the applicable margin (ranging from 175 to 225 basis points) or (ii) the base rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus the applicable margin (ranging from 75 to 125 basis

8

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)

points). Borrowings under the FILO Facility bear interest at either: (i) LIBOR plus the applicable margin (ranging from 350 to 400 basis points) or (ii) the base rate plus the applicable margin (ranging from 250 to 300 basis points). We are also required to pay a quarterly unused commitment fee of 37.5 basis points based on the preceding quarter's unused commitment.

        If excess availability (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) falls below certain levels we will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0. Borrowing availability was approximately $231 million as of October 31, 2013, which exceeded the excess availability requirement by $166 million. The fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.64 as of October 31, 2013. The Amended Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, payment of dividends, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.

        We incurred debt issuance costs associated with the revolving credit agreement totaling $12.1 million, which consisted of $5.6 million of costs related to the Amended Credit Agreement and $6.5 million of unamortized costs associated with the prior agreement. The debt issuance costs are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the five-year life of the agreement.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

        In September 2013, we executed interest rate swaps with Bank of America, N.A. to hedge the variability of cash flows resulting from fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR associated with our Amended Credit Agreement. The interest rate swaps replaced the one-month LIBOR with the fixed interest rates shown in the table below and are settled monthly. The swaps qualify as cash flow hedges and, to the extent effective, changes in their fair values are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet. The changes in fair values are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense in the same period that the hedged items affect interest expense.

        Interest rate swaps as of October 31, 2013 are as follows:

Period	Notional Amount (in thousands)		Fixed Interest Rate			Fair Value (in thousands)
October 2013 - July 2014	$	215,000		0.29	%	$	144
August 2014 - July 2016	$	215,000		1.19	%		2,372
						$	2,516

        The change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps for the three months ended October 31, 2013 totaled $2.5 million and is included as an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income. There were no material amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense during the three months ended October 31, 2013. The current portion of the fair value of the interest rate swaps totaled $0.5 million and is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The current portion represents the amount that is expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense over the next 12 months. The non-current portion of

9

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)

the fair value of the interest rate swaps totaled $2.0 million and is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Amended and Restated Senior Secured Term Loan

        On July 24, 2012, we amended and restated our senior secured term loan (the "Amended Term Loan") with Z Investment Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital. The Amended Term Loan totals $80.0 million, matures in July 2017 and is subject to a borrowing base equal to: (i) 107.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory plus (ii) 100 percent of credit card receivables and an amount equal to the lesser of $40 million or 100 percent of the appraised liquidation value of intellectual property minus (iii) the borrowing base under the Amended Credit Agreement. In the event the outstanding principal under the Amended Term Loan exceeds the Amended Term Loan borrowing base, availability under the Amended Credit Agreement would be reduced by the excess. As of October 31, 2013, the outstanding principal under the Amended Term Loan did not exceed the borrowing base. The Amended Term Loan is secured by a second priority security interest on merchandise inventory and credit card receivables and a first priority security interest on substantially all other assets.

        Borrowings under the Amended Term Loan bear interest at 11 percent payable on a quarterly basis. We may repay all or any portion of the Amended Term Loan with the following penalty prior to maturity: (i) the present value of the required interest payments that would have been made if the prepayment had not occurred during the first year; (ii) 4 percent during the second year; (iii) 3 percent during the third year; (iv) 2 percent during the fourth year and (v) no penalty in the fifth year. The Amended Credit Agreement restricts our ability to prepay the Amended Term Loan if the fixed charge coverage ratio is not equal to or greater than 1.0 after giving effect to the prepayment.

        The Amended Term Loan includes various covenants which are consistent with the covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement, including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, payment of dividends, liens, investments, acquisitions, asset sales and the requirement to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 if excess availability thresholds under the Amended Credit Agreement are not maintained. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.

        We incurred costs associated with the Amended Term Loan totaling $4.4 million, of which approximately $2 million was recorded in interest expense during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012. The remaining $2.4 million consists of debt issuance costs included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the five-year life of the agreement.

Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement

        In connection with the execution of the senior secured term loan in May 2010, we entered into a Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement (the "Warrant Agreement") with Z Investment Holdings, LLC ("Z Investment"). Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, Z Investment holds 11.1 million warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase shares of our common stock, on a one-for-one basis, for an exercise price of $2.00 per share. The Warrants, which are currently exercisable and expire in May 2017, represented approximately 25 percent of our common stock on a fully diluted basis (including the shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and excluding certain out-of-the-money stock options) as of

10

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

4. LONG-TERM DEBT (Continued)

the date of the issuance. The number of shares and exercise price are subject to customary antidilution protection. The Warrant Agreement also entitles the holder to designate two, and in certain circumstances three, directors to our board.

        The holders of the Warrants may, at their option, request that we register all or part of the common stock issuable under the Warrant Agreement for resale. In September 2013, Z Investment exercised their right to request that we register the common stock and on October 2, 2013 we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 which has been declared effective by the SEC.

Capital Lease Obligations

        We enter into capital leases related to vehicles for our field management. The vehicles are included in property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are depreciated over a four-year life. Capital leases, net of accumulated depreciation, included in property and equipment as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $2.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

5. OTHER GAINS

        Beginning in June 2004, various class-action lawsuits were filed alleging that the De Beers group violated U.S. state and federal antitrust, consumer protection and unjust enrichment laws. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, we received proceeds totaling $1.9 million as a result of a settlement reached in the lawsuit.

        We recorded lease termination charges during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 totaling $0.1 million related to certain store closures in Fine Jewelry. The lease termination charges for leases where the Company has finalized settlement negotiations with the landlords are based on the amounts agreed upon in the termination agreement. If a settlement has not been reached for a lease, the charges are based on the present value of the remaining lease rentals, including common area maintenance and other charges, reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could reasonably be obtained. There was no material lease reserve balance associated with closed stores at October 31, 2013 and 2012.

6. LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

        Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the calculation of diluted earnings per share, the basic weighted-average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted share awards and warrants issued in connection with the senior secured term loan determined using the Treasury Stock method. There were antidilutive stock options and restricted share awards totaling 4.3 million and 5.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were antidilutive warrants totaling 11.1 million for both the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.

        During the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, we incurred a net loss of $27.3 million and $28.3 million, respectively. A net loss causes all outstanding stock options, restricted share awards and warrants to be antidilutive. As a result, the basic and dilutive losses per common share are the same for each of the three month periods presented.

11

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

7. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

        The following table includes detail regarding changes in the composition of accumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Beginning of period	$	47,015		$	53,369
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(3,233	)		514
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps		(2,516	)		—
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net		74			(55	)
End of period	$	41,340		$	53,828

        There were no material amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net loss during the periods presented.

8. INCOME TAXES

        We are required to assess the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future income will be generated to utilize deferred tax assets. A significant piece of negative evidence that we consider is cumulative losses (generally defined as losses before income taxes) incurred over the most recent three-year period. Such evidence limits our ability to consider other subjective evidence such as our projections for future growth. As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, cumulative losses were incurred over the applicable three-year period.

        Our valuation allowances totaled $93.2 million and $111.0 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The valuation allowances were established due to the uncertainty of our ability to utilize certain federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards in the future. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be adjusted if negative evidence, such as three-year cumulative losses, no longer exists and additional consideration is given to our growth projections.

9. SEGMENTS

        We report our operations under three business segments: Fine Jewelry, Kiosk Jewelry, and All Other (see Note 1). All corresponding items of segment information in prior periods have been presented consistently. Management's expectation is that overall economics of each of our major brands within each reportable segment will be similar over time.

        We use earnings before unallocated corporate overhead, interest and taxes but include an internal charge for inventory carrying cost to evaluate segment profitability. Unallocated costs before income taxes include corporate employee-related costs, administrative costs, information technology costs, corporate

12

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

9. SEGMENTS (Continued)

facilities costs and depreciation and amortization. Income tax information by segment is not included as taxes are calculated at a company-wide level and not allocated to each segment.

	Three Months Ended October 31,
Selected Financial Data by Segment	2013			2012
	(amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Fine Jewelry(a)	$	313,699		$	306,960
Kiosk		46,199			47,818
All Other		2,717			2,690
Total revenues	$	362,615		$	357,468
Depreciation and amortization:
Fine Jewelry	$	5,059		$	5,521
Kiosk		577			739
All Other		—			—
Unallocated		2,025			2,386
Total depreciation and amortization	$	7,661		$	8,646
Operating loss:
Fine Jewelry	$	(12,001	)	$	(16,702	)
Kiosk		(2,555	)		(1,749	)
All Other		1,192			812
Unallocated(b)		(8,668	)		(5,364	)
Total operating loss	$	(22,032	)	$	(23,003	)

(a)

Includes $62.9 million and $63.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to foreign operations.

(b)

Includes credits of $15.8 million and $15.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to offset internal carrying costs charged to the segments. The three months ended October 31, 2012 also includes a gain totaling $1.9 million related to the De Beers settlement.

10. CONTINGENCIES

        The Company is a defendant in three purported class action lawsuits, Tessa Hodge v. Zale Delaware, Inc., d/b/a Piercing Pagoda which was filed on April 23, 2013 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Bernardino, Naomi Tapia v. Zale which was filed on July 3, 2013 in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, and Melissa Roberts v. Zale Delaware, Inc. which was filed on October 7, 2013 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles. All three cases include allegations that the Company violated various wage and hour labor laws. Relief is sought on behalf of current and former Piercing Pagoda and Zales employees. The lawsuits seek to recover damages, penalties and attorneys' fees as a result of the alleged violations. The Company is investigating the

13

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Unaudited)

10. CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

underlying allegations and intends to vigorously defend its position against them. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss or range of loss, if any, for the lawsuits.

        We are involved in legal and governmental proceedings as part of the normal course of our business. Reserves have been established based on management's best estimates of our potential liability in these matters. These estimates have been developed in consultation with internal and external counsel and are based on a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. Management believes that such litigation and claims will be resolved without material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

11. DEFERRED REVENUE

        We offer our Fine Jewelry guests lifetime warranties on certain products that cover sizing and breakage with an option to purchase theft protection for a two-year period. Revenues related to lifetime warranty sales are recognized in proportion to when the expected costs will be incurred, which we estimate to be over an eight-year period. A significant change in estimates related to the time period or pattern in which warranty-related costs are expected to be incurred could adversely impact our revenues and earnings. Revenues related to the optional theft protection are recognized over the two-year contract period on a straight-line basis. We also offer our Fine Jewelry guests a two-year watch warranty and our Fine Jewelry and Kiosk Jewelry guests a one-year warranty that covers breakage. The revenue from the two-year watch warranty and one-year breakage warranty is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective contract terms.

        The change in deferred revenue associated with the sale of warranties is as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Deferred revenue, beginning of period	$	191,245		$	208,516
Warranties sold(a)		25,934			24,980
Revenue recognized		(33,955	)		(34,257	)
Deferred revenue, end of period	$	183,224		$	199,239

(a)

Warranty sales for the three months ended October 31, 2013 include $0.5 million related to the depreciation in the Canadian currency rate on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance. The change in the Canadian currency rate did not have a significant impact on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance for the three months ended October 31, 2012.

        Revenues associated with warranties during the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $34.0 million and $34.3 million, respectively. Gross margin associated with warranties during the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $27.4 million and $28.1 million, respectively.

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ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company (and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this quarterly report), and the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company (and the related notes thereto) and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013.

Overview

        We are a leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry in North America. At October 31, 2013, we operated 1,057 fine jewelry stores and 625 kiosks located primarily in shopping malls throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

        We report our business under three operating segments: Fine Jewelry, Kiosk Jewelry and All Other. Fine Jewelry is comprised of our three core national brands, Zales Jewelers®, Zales Outlet® and Peoples Jewellers® and our two regional brands, Gordon's Jewelers® and Mappins Jewellers®. Each brand specializes in fine jewelry and watches, with merchandise and marketing emphasis focused on diamond products. These five brands have been aggregated into one reportable segment. Kiosk Jewelry operates under the brand names Piercing Pagoda®, Plumb Gold™, and Silver and Gold Connection® through mall-based kiosks and is focused on the opening price point guest. Kiosk Jewelry specializes in gold, silver and non-precious metal products that capitalize on the latest fashion trends. All Other includes our insurance and reinsurance operations, which offer insurance coverage primarily to our private label credit card guests.

        Comparable store sales increased by 4.4 percent during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014. At constant exchange rates, comparable store sales increased 5.4 percent for the quarter. Gross margin increased by 20 basis points to 53.4 percent during the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 compared to the same quarter in the prior year. The increase is due primarily to benefits realized from our sourcing initiative launched in fiscal year 2013 and lower commodity costs, partially offset by a change in sales mix to lower margin merchandise. Net loss for the quarter was $27.3 million compared to a net loss of $28.3 million for the same period in the prior year. The $1.0 million improvement is primarily the result of an increase in gross margin, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expense ("SG&A").

        Revenues associated with warranties totaled $34.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013 compared to $34.3 million for the same period in the prior year. Gross margin associated with warranties totaled $27.4 million during the three months ended October 31, 2013 compared to $28.1 million in the same period of the prior year.

Outlook for Fiscal Year 2014

        In fiscal year 2014, we will continue to invest in the business to drive profitable growth and increase shareholder value. We expect to achieve this growth as a result of:

•

an increase in revenues driven by positive comparable store sales in our Zales and Peoples brands and the growth of our exclusive, branded merchandise;

•

gross margin improvement related primarily to benefits from the sourcing initiative launched in fiscal year 2013 and a more favorable commodity cost environment;

•

slightly higher selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percent of revenues, due to initiatives targeted at driving future revenue growth;

•

an improvement in operating margin of 50 basis points or more;

15

•

interest expense consistent with fiscal year 2013; and

•

income tax expense of $2 million to $3 million.

        We anticipate capital expenditures will be between $40 million and $45 million in fiscal year 2014. The increase in capital expenditures compared to the $23 million spent in fiscal year 2013 is primarily the result of new store openings, refurbishment of existing stores, upgrades to our point-of-sale hardware and software and improved connectivity in our stores. We expect net store closures in fiscal year 2014 of 60 to 65 locations, primarily in Gordon's and Mappins. The closures are expected to impact total revenues by approximately 250 basis points.

Comparable Store Sales

        Comparable store sales include internet sales and repair sales but exclude revenue recognized from warranties and insurance premiums related to credit insurance policies sold to guests who purchase merchandise under our proprietary credit programs. The sales results of new stores are included beginning with their thirteenth full month of operation. The results of stores that have been relocated, renovated or refurbished are included in the calculation of comparable store sales on the same basis as other stores. However, stores closed for more than 90 days due to unforeseen events (e.g., hurricanes, etc.) are excluded from the calculation of comparable store sales.

        The following table presents comparable store sales for each of our brands for the periods presented:

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Comparable Store Sales
Zales		8.3	%		5.0	%
Zales Outlet		4.1	%		3.9	%
Peoples		3.1	%		8.9	%
Gordon's		(4.0	)%		(2.4	)%
Mappins		(2.4	)%		(5.7	)%
Piercing Pagoda		(1.8	)%		2.0	%
Total Company		4.4	%		3.9	%
Comparable Store Sales (in constant currency)
Peoples		8.4	%		7.3	%
Mappins		2.7	%		(7.0	)%
Total Company		5.4	%		3.7	%

Non-GAAP Financial Measure

        We report our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). However, the non-GAAP performance measure of EBITDA (defined as earnings before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization) is presented to enhance investors' ability to analyze trends in our business and evaluate our performance relative to other companies. We use the non-GAAP financial measure to monitor the performance of our business and assist us in explaining underlying trends in the business.

        EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings (loss) or other GAAP measures as an indicator of operating performance. In addition, EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating earnings (loss) or net earnings (loss) as a measure of operating performance. Our calculation of EBITDA may differ from others in our industry and is not necessarily comparable with similar titles used by other companies.

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        The following table reconciles EBITDA to net loss as presented in our consolidated statements of operations:

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Net loss	$	(27,306	)	$	(28,265	)
Depreciation and amortization		7,661			8,646
Interest expense		5,609			5,842
Income tax benefit		(335	)		(580	)
EBITDA	$	(14,371	)	$	(14,357	)

Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth certain financial information from our unaudited consolidated statements of operations expressed as a percentage of total revenues:

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Revenues		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of sales		46.6			46.8
Gross margin		53.4			53.2
Selling, general and administrative		57.4			57.8
Depreciation and amortization		2.1			2.4
Other gains		—			(0.5	)
Operating loss		(6.1	)		(6.4	)
Interest expense		1.5			1.6
Loss before income taxes		(7.6	)		(8.1	)
Income tax benefit		(0.1	)		(0.2	)
Net loss		(7.5	)%		(7.9	)%

Three Months Ended October 31, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended October 31, 2012

        Revenues.    Revenues for the quarter ended October 31, 2013 were $362.6 million, an increase of 1.4 percent compared to revenues of $357.5 million for the same period in the prior year. Comparable store sales increased 4.4 percent as compared to the same period in the prior year. At constant exchange rates, comparable store sales increased 5.4 percent for the quarter. The increase in comparable store sales was primarily attributable to an 8.1 percent increase in the number of units sold in Fine Jewelry, partially offset by a decrease in the average price per unit. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in revenues related to 87 store closures since October 31, 2012 (net of store openings).

        Fine Jewelry contributed $313.7 million of revenues in the quarter ended October 31, 2013, an increase of 2.2 percent compared to $307.0 million for the same period in the prior year.

        Kiosk Jewelry contributed $46.2 million of revenues in the quarter ended October 31, 2013, a decrease of 3.4 percent compared to $47.8 million in the same period in the prior year. The decrease in revenues is due to a 2.7 percent decrease in the number of units sold, partially offset by an increase in the average price per unit. The decrease in revenues is also due to 27 kiosk closures since October 31, 2012 (net of openings).

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        All Other contributed $2.7 million in revenues for the quarters ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.

        During the quarter ended October 31, 2013, we closed seven stores in Fine Jewelry and five locations in Kiosk Jewelry.

        Gross Margin.    Gross margin represents net sales less cost of sales. Cost of sales includes cost related to merchandise sold, receiving and distribution, guest repairs and repairs associated with warranties. Gross margin was 53.4 percent of revenues for the quarter ended October 31, 2013, compared to 53.2 percent for the same period in the prior year. The 20 basis point improvement was due primarily to benefits realized from our sourcing initiative launched in fiscal year 2013 and lower commodity costs, partially offset by a change in sales mix to lower margin merchandise.

        Selling, General and Administrative.    Included in SG&A are store operating, advertising, buying, cost of insurance operations and general corporate overhead expenses. SG&A was 57.4 percent of revenues for the quarter ended October 31, 2013 compared to 57.8 percent for the same period in the prior year. SG&A increased by $1.7 million to $208.2 million for the quarter ended October 31, 2013. The increase is due to a $2.9 million increase in costs primarily related to higher labor and legal costs, partially offset by a $0.8 million decrease in promotional costs.

        Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization as a percent of revenues for the quarters ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 was 2.1 percent and 2.4 percent, respectively. The decrease is primarily the result of 87 store closures since October 31, 2012 (net of store openings) and an increase in the number of fully depreciated assets compared to the same period in the prior year, partially offset by additional capital expenditures.

        Other Gains.    Other gains for the quarter ended October 31, 2012 includes proceeds totaling $1.9 million related to the De Beers settlement, partially offset by a $0.1 million charge associated with store closures.

        Interest Expense.    Interest expense as a percentage of revenues for the quarters ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 was 1.5 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively. Interest expense decreased by $0.2 million to $5.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013. The decrease is due primarily to a reduction in the average borrowings compared to the same period in the prior year.

        Income Tax Benefit.    Income tax benefit totaled $0.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013, as compared to $0.6 million for the same period in the prior year. The income tax benefit for both periods was primarily associated with operating losses related to our Canadian subsidiaries.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        Our cash requirements consist primarily of funding ongoing operations, including inventory requirements, capital expenditures for new stores, renovation of existing stores, upgrades to our information technology systems and debt service. Our cash requirements are funded through cash flows from operations and our revolving credit agreement with a syndicate of lenders led by Bank of America, N.A. We manage availability under the revolving credit agreement by monitoring the timing of merchandise purchases and vendor payments. At October 31, 2013, we had borrowing availability under the revolving credit agreement of approximately $231 million. The average vendor payment terms during the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately 48 days and 53 days, respectively. As of October 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $13.9 million. We believe that our operating cash flows and available credit facility are sufficient to finance our cash requirements for at least the next twelve months.

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        Net cash used in operating activities increased to $86.9 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013, from $72.4 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase is primarily the result of the timing of payroll and vendor payments, partially offset by a decrease in inventory.

        Our business is highly seasonal, with a disproportionate amount of sales (approximately 30 percent) occurring in the Holiday season, which encompasses November and December of each year. Other important selling periods include Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. We purchase inventory in anticipation of these periods and, as a result, have higher inventory and inventory financing needs immediately prior to these periods. Inventory owned at October 31, 2013 was $903.3 million, a decrease of $5.1 million compared to October 31, 2012. The decrease is primarily due to lower merchandise costs resulting from the sourcing initiative launched in fiscal year 2013 and the impact of 87 store closures since October 31, 2012 (net of store openings), partially offset by the expansion of our bridal and exclusive merchandise collections into additional stores.

Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement

        On July 24, 2012, we amended and restated our revolving credit agreement (the "Amended Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. and certain other lenders. The Amended Credit Agreement totals $665 million, including a $15 million first-in, last-out facility (the "FILO Facility"), and matures in July 2017. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) are limited to a borrowing base equal to 90 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory (less certain reserves that may be established under the agreement), plus 90 percent of eligible credit card receivables. Borrowings under the FILO Facility are limited to a borrowing base equal to the lesser of: (i) 2.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory or (ii) $15 million. The Amended Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority security interest and lien on merchandise inventory, credit card receivables and certain other assets and a second priority security interest and lien on all other assets.

        Based on the most recent inventory appraisal, the monthly borrowing rates calculated from the cost of eligible inventory is 83 to 84 percent for the period of November through December 2013, 68 to 73 percent for the period of January through September 2014 and 82 percent for the period of October 2014.

        Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) bear interest at either: (i) LIBOR plus the applicable margin (ranging from 175 to 225 basis points) or (ii) the base rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus the applicable margin (ranging from 75 to 125 basis points). Borrowings under the FILO Facility bear interest at either: (i) LIBOR plus the applicable margin (ranging from 350 to 400 basis points) or (ii) the base rate plus the applicable margin (ranging from 250 to 300 basis points). We are also required to pay a quarterly unused commitment fee of 37.5 basis points based on the preceding quarter's unused commitment.

        If excess availability (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) falls below certain levels we will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0. Borrowing availability was approximately $231 million as of October 31, 2013, which exceeded the excess availability requirement by $166 million. The fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.64 as of October 31, 2013. The Amended Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, payment of dividends, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.

        We incurred debt issuance costs associated with the revolving credit agreement totaling $12.1 million, which consisted of $5.6 million of costs related to the Amended Credit Agreement and $6.5 million of unamortized costs associated with the prior agreement. The debt issuance costs are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the five-year life of the agreement.

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Interest Rate Swap Agreements

        In September 2013, we executed interest rate swaps with Bank of America, N.A. to hedge the variability of cash flows resulting from fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR associated with our Amended Credit Agreement. The interest rate swaps replaced the one-month LIBOR with the fixed interest rates shown in the table below and are settled monthly. The swaps qualify as cash flow hedges and, to the extent effective, changes in their fair values are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet. The changes in fair values are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense in the same period that the hedged items affect interest expense.

        Interest rate swaps as of October 31, 2013 are as follows:

Period	Notional Amount (in thousands)		Fixed Interest Rate			Fair Value (in thousands)
October 2013 - July 2014	$	215,000		0.29	%	$	144
August 2014 - July 2016	$	215,000		1.19	%		2,372
						$	2,516

        The change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps for the three months ended October 31, 2013 totaled $2.5 million and is included as an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income. There were no material amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense during the three months ended October 31, 2013. The current portion of the fair value of the interest rate swaps totaled $0.5 million and is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The current portion represents the amount that is expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense over the next 12 months. The non-current portion of the fair value of the interest rate swaps totaled $2.0 million and is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Amended and Restated Senior Secured Term Loan

        On July 24, 2012, we amended and restated our senior secured term loan (the "Amended Term Loan") with Z Investment Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital. The Amended Term Loan totals $80.0 million, matures in July 2017 and is subject to a borrowing base equal to: (i) 107.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory plus (ii) 100 percent of credit card receivables and an amount equal to the lesser of $40 million or 100 percent of the appraised liquidation value of intellectual property minus (iii) the borrowing base under the Amended Credit Agreement. In the event the outstanding principal under the Amended Term Loan exceeds the Amended Term Loan borrowing base, availability under the Amended Credit Agreement would be reduced by the excess. As of October 31, 2013, the outstanding principal under the Amended Term Loan did not exceed the borrowing base. The Amended Term Loan is secured by a second priority security interest on merchandise inventory and credit card receivables and a first priority security interest on substantially all other assets.

        Borrowings under the Amended Term Loan bear interest at 11 percent payable on a quarterly basis. We may repay all or any portion of the Amended Term Loan with the following penalty prior to maturity: (i) the present value of the required interest payments that would have been made if the prepayment had not occurred during the first year; (ii) 4 percent during the second year; (iii) 3 percent during the third year; (iv) 2 percent during the fourth year and (v) no penalty in the fifth year. The Amended Credit Agreement restricts our ability to prepay the Amended Term Loan if the fixed charge coverage ratio is not equal to or greater than 1.0 after giving effect to the prepayment.

        The Amended Term Loan includes various covenants which are consistent with the covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement, including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, payment of

20

dividends, liens, investments, acquisitions, asset sales and the requirement to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 if excess availability thresholds under the Amended Credit Agreement are not maintained. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.

        We incurred costs associated with the Amended Term Loan totaling $4.4 million, of which approximately $2 million was recorded in interest expense during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012. The remaining $2.4 million consists of debt issuance costs included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the five-year life of the agreement.

Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement

        In connection with the execution of the senior secured term loan in May 2010, we entered into a Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement (the "Warrant Agreement") with Z Investment Holdings, LLC ("Z Investment"). Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, Z Investment holds 11.1 million warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase shares of our common stock, on a one-for-one basis, for an exercise price of $2.00 per share. The Warrants, which are currently exercisable and expire in May 2017, represented approximately 25 percent of our common stock on a fully diluted basis (including the shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and excluding certain out-of-the-money stock options) as of the date of the issuance. The number of shares and exercise price are subject to customary antidilution protection. The Warrant Agreement also entitles the holder to designate two, and in certain circumstances three, directors to our board.

        The holders of the Warrants may, at their option, request that we register all or part of the common stock issuable under the Warrant Agreement for resale. In September 2013, Z Investment exercised their right to request that we register the common stock and on October 2, 2013 we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 which has been declared effective by the SEC.

Capital Lease Obligations

        We enter into capital leases related to vehicles for our field management. The vehicles are included in property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are depreciated over a four-year life. Capital leases, net of accumulated depreciation, included in property and equipment as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $2.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

Customer Credit Programs

        We have a Merchant Services Agreement ("MSA") with Citibank (South Dakota), N.A. ("Citibank"), under which Citibank provides financing for our U.S. guests to purchase merchandise through private label credit cards. The MSA can be terminated by either party upon certain breaches by the other party and also can be terminated by Citibank if our net credit card sales during any twelve-month period are less than $315 million or if net card sales during a twelve-month period decrease by 20 percent or more from the prior twelve-month period. After any termination, we may purchase or be obligated to purchase the credit card portfolio upon termination with Citibank as a result of insolvency, material breaches of the MSA or violations of applicable law related to the credit card program. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants under the MSA. We currently expect to exceed the $315 million threshold for the program year ending September 30, 2014. The MSA expires in October 2015 and will automatically renew for successive two-year periods, unless either party notifies the other in writing of its intent not to renew. In July 2013, the Company provided written notice to Citibank of its intent not to renew the agreement. During the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, our guests used our private label credit card to pay for approximately 34 percent and 33 percent, respectively, of purchases in the U.S.

        On July 9, 2013, we entered into a Private Label Credit Card Program Agreement (the "ADS Agreement") with an affiliate of Alliance Data Systems Corporation ("ADS") to provide financing to our

21

U.S. guests to purchase merchandise through private label credit cards beginning no later than October 1, 2015. In addition, ADS will provide marketing, analytical and technical services and has the option to participate in certain special financing programs prior to the commencement of the agreement. The ADS Agreement will replace our current agreement with Citibank which expires on October 1, 2015. The ADS Agreement has an initial term of the later of the seventh anniversary of the commencement date of the agreement or October 1, 2022 and automatically renews for successive two-year periods, unless either party notifies the other of its intent not to renew. If ADS meets certain performance criteria during the first three years of the agreement, they will have the option to extend the initial term of the ADS Agreement by two years. In July 2013, we received a $38.0 million commencement payment upon signing the ADS Agreement. The commencement payment will be amortized over the initial term of the ADS Agreement as a reduction of merchant fees beginning on the commencement date of the agreement. The ADS agreement can be terminated by either party upon certain breaches by the other party.

        We have a Private Label Credit Card Program Agreement (the "TD Agreement") with TD Financing Services Inc. ("TDFS"), under which TDFS provides financing for our Canadian guests to purchase merchandise through private label credit cards. In addition, TDFS provides credit insurance for our guests and will receive 40 percent of the net profits, as defined, and the remaining 60 percent is paid to us. The TD Agreement expires in May 2015 and will automatically renew for successive one-year periods, unless either party notifies the other in writing of its intent not to renew. The agreement may be terminated at any time during the 90-day period following the end of a program year in the event that credit sales are less than $50 million in the immediately preceding year. We currently expect to exceed the $50 million threshold for the program year ending June 30, 2014. During the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, our guests used our private label credit card to pay for approximately 21 percent and 19 percent, respectively, of purchases in Canada.

        We have also entered into agreements with certain other lenders to offer alternative financing options to our U.S. guests who have been declined by Citibank.

Capital Expenditures

        During the three months ended October 31, 2013, we invested $6.0 million to remodel, relocate and refurbish stores and to complete store enhancement projects. We also invested $3.3 million in infrastructure, primarily related to information technology. We anticipate investing between $40 million and $45 million in capital expenditures in fiscal year 2014.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

        In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists ("ASU 2013-11"), which requires an unrecognized tax benefit to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent the tax benefit is not available at the reporting date under the governing tax law or if the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and not combined with deferred tax assets. ASU 2013-11 is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The amendments are to be applied to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist as of the effective date and may be applied retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented. We do not expect a material impact from the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        Inflation Risk.    Substantially all U.S. inventories represent finished goods, which are valued using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") retail inventory method. We are required to determine the LIFO cost on an interim basis by estimating annual inflation trends, annual purchases and ending inventory. The inflation rates pertaining to merchandise inventories, especially as they relate to diamond, gold and silver costs, are primary components in determining our LIFO inventory. We recorded a benefit related to LIFO in cost of sales totaling $0.5 million during the three months ended October 31, 2013 primarily as a result of the sourcing initiative launched in fiscal year 2013. We did not record a LIFO charge during the three months ended October 31, 2012. The LIFO inventory reserve included in the consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $62.5 million and $58.3 million, respectively.

        Foreign Currency Risk.    We are not subject to significant gains or losses as a result of currency fluctuations because most of our purchases are U.S. dollar-denominated. However, we enter into foreign currency contracts to manage the currency fluctuations associated with purchases for our Canadian operations. The gains or losses related to the settlement of foreign currency contracts are included in SG&A in our consolidated statements of operations. There were no material gains or losses recognized during the periods presented and there were no outstanding foreign currency contracts as of October 31, 2013.

        We are exposed to foreign currency exchange risks through our business operations in Canada, which may adversely affect our results of operations. During the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, the average Canadian currency rate depreciated by approximately five percent and appreciated by approximately two percent, respectively, relative to the U.S. dollar. The depreciation in the Canadian currency rate for the three months ended October 31, 2013 resulted in a $3.3 million decrease in reported revenues, offset by a decrease in reported cost of sales and SG&A of $3.0 million. The appreciation in the Canadian currency rate for the three months ended October 31, 2012 resulted in a $0.9 million increase in reported revenues, offset by an increase in reported cost of sales and SG&A of $0.9 million. There were no material gains or losses associated with the settlement of Canadian accounts payable during the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.

        Interest Rate Risk.    Our Amended Term Loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 11 percent and would not be affected by interest rate changes. As of October 31, 2013, we had borrowings of $423.0 million under our Amended Credit Agreement that are subject to variable interest rates.

        In September 2013, we executed interest rate swaps with Bank of America, N.A. to hedge the variability of cash flows resulting from fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR associated with our Amended Credit Agreement. The interest rate swaps replaced the one-month LIBOR with the fixed interest rates shown in the table below and are settled monthly. The swaps qualify as cash flow hedges and, to the extent effective, changes in their fair values are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet. The changes in fair values are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense in the same period that the hedged items affect interest expense.

        Interest rate swaps as of October 31, 2013 are as follows:

Period	Notional Amount (in thousands)		Fixed Interest Rate			Fair Value (in thousands)
October 2013 - July 2014	$	215,000		0.29	%	$	144
August 2014 - July 2016	$	215,000		1.19	%		2,372
						$	2,516

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        The change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps for the three months ended October 31, 2013 totaled $2.5 million and is included as an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income. There were no material amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense during the three months ended October 31, 2013. The current portion of the fair value of the interest rate swaps totaled $0.5 million and is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The current portion represents the amount that is expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense over the next 12 months. The non-current portion of the fair value of the interest rate swaps totaled $2.0 million and is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

        Investment Risk.    We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes and are not party to any leveraged financial instruments. The investments of our insurance subsidiaries, primarily stocks and bonds, had a market value of $23.3 million at October 31, 2013.

        Commodity Risk.    Our results are subject to fluctuations in the underlying cost of diamonds, gold, silver and other metals which are key raw material components of the products sold by us. We address commodity risk principally through retail price point adjustments.

ITEM 4.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

        Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures are effective in enabling us to record, process, summarize and report information required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings within the required time period, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended October 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements set forth, under the heading, "Contingencies," in Part I of this report.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

        We make forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). In addition, members of our senior management make forward-looking statements orally in presentations to analysts, investors, the media and others. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our objectives and expectations with respect to our financial plan (including expectations for earnings, comparable store sales, gross margin, selling, general and administrative expenses, operating margin, interest expense, income tax expense and capital expenditures for fiscal year 2014), merchandising and marketing strategies, acquisitions and dispositions, share repurchases, store openings, renovations, remodeling and expansion, inventory management and performance, liquidity and cash flows, capital structure, capital expenditures, development of our information technology and telecommunications plans and related management information systems, ecommerce initiatives, human resource initiatives and other statements regarding our plans and objectives. In addition, the words "plans to," "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "intend," "expect," "believe," "forecast," "can," "could," "should," "will," "may," or similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but some of these statements may use other phrasing. These forward-looking statements are intended to relay our expectations about the future, and speak only as of the date they are made. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise publicly or otherwise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances.

        Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and a variety of factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the anticipated or expected results expressed in or suggested by these forward-looking statements.

         If the general economy performs poorly, discretionary spending on goods that are, or are perceived to be, "luxuries" may not grow and may decrease.

        Jewelry purchases are discretionary and may be affected by adverse trends in the general economy (and consumer perceptions of those trends). In addition, a number of other factors affecting consumers such as employment, wages and salaries, business conditions, energy costs, credit availability and taxation policies, for the economy as a whole and in regional and local markets where we operate, can impact sales and earnings.

         A serious economic downturn could have a material and adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

        Declining confidence in either the U.S. or Canadian economies where we are active could adversely affect consumers' ability and willingness to purchase our products in those regions. Should either of these economies suffer a serious economic downturn, it could have a material and adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

         The concentration of a substantial portion of our sales in three relatively brief selling periods means that our performance is more susceptible to disruptions.

        A substantial portion of our sales are derived from three selling periods—Holiday (Christmas), Valentine's Day and Mother's Day. Because of the briefness of these three selling periods, the opportunity for sales to recover in the event of a disruption or other difficulty is limited, and the impact of disruptions

25

and difficulties can be significant. For instance, adverse weather (such as a blizzard or hurricane), a significant interruption in the receipt of products (whether because of vendor or other product problems), or a sharp decline in mall traffic occurring during one of these selling periods could materially impact sales for the affected period and, because of the importance of each of these selling periods, commensurately impact overall sales and earnings.

         Any disruption in the supply of finished goods from our largest merchandise vendors could adversely impact our sales.

        We purchase substantial amounts of finished goods from our five largest merchandise vendors. If our supply with these top vendors was disrupted, particularly at certain critical times of the year, our sales could be adversely affected in the short-term until alternative supply arrangements could be established.

         Most of our sales are of products that include diamonds, precious metals and other commodities. A substantial portion of our purchases and sales occur outside the United States. Fluctuations in the availability and pricing of commodities or exchange rates could impact our ability to obtain, produce and sell products at favorable prices.

        The supply and price of diamonds in the principal world market are significantly influenced by the Diamond Trading Company ("DTC"), which has traditionally controlled the marketing of a substantial majority of the world's supply of diamonds and sells rough diamonds to worldwide diamond cutters at prices determined in its sole discretion. The DTC's share of the diamond supply chain has decreased over recent years, which may result in more volatility in rough diamond prices. The availability of diamonds is also somewhat dependent on the political conditions in diamond-producing countries and on the continuing supply of raw diamonds. Any sustained interruption in this supply could have an adverse affect on our business.

        We are affected by fluctuations in the price of diamonds, gold and other commodities. A significant change in prices of key commodities could adversely affect our business by reducing operating margins or decreasing consumer demand if retail prices are increased significantly. In the past, our vendors have experienced significant increases in commodity costs, especially diamond, gold and silver costs. If significant increases in commodity prices occur in the future, it could result in higher merchandise costs, which could materially impact our earnings. In addition, foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations impact costs and cash flows associated with our Canadian operations and the acquisition of inventory from international vendors.

        A substantial portion of our raw materials and finished goods are sourced in countries generally described as having developing economies. Any instability in these economies could result in an interruption of our supplies, increases in costs, legal challenges and other difficulties.

        In August 2012, the SEC issued rules that require companies that manufacture products using certain minerals, including gold, to determine whether those minerals originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC") or adjoining countries. If the minerals originate in the DRC, or if companies are not able to establish where they originated, extensive disclosure regarding the sources of those minerals, and in some instances an independent audit of the supply chain, is required. The costs of complying with the new rules are not expected to be material. The Company will be required to file its first disclosure report by May 31, 2014 for the calendar year ending December 31, 2013.

        There may also be reputational risks with guests and other stakeholders if, due to the complexity of the global supply chain, we are unable to sufficiently verify the origin for the relevant metals. Also, if the responses of portions of our supply chain to the verification requests are adverse, it may harm our ability to obtain merchandise and add to compliance costs. Other minerals, such as diamonds, could be added to those currently covered by these rules.

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         Our sales are dependent upon mall traffic.

        Our stores and kiosks are located primarily in shopping malls throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Our success is in part dependent upon the continued popularity of malls as a shopping destination and the ability of malls, their tenants and other mall attractions to generate customer traffic. Accordingly, a significant decline in this popularity, especially if it is sustained, would substantially harm our sales and earnings. In addition, even assuming this popularity continues, mall traffic can be negatively impacted by mall renovations, weather, gas prices and similar factors.

         We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry.

        The retail jewelry business is highly competitive and fragmented, and we compete with nationally recognized jewelry chains as well as a large number of independent regional and local jewelry retailers and other types of retailers who sell jewelry and gift items, such as department stores and mass merchandisers. We also compete with internet sellers of jewelry. Because of the breadth and depth of this competition, we are constantly under competitive pressure that both constrains pricing and requires extensive merchandising efforts in order for us to remain competitive.

         Any failure by us to manage our inventory effectively, including judgments related to consumer preferences and demand, will negatively impact our financial condition, sales and earnings.

        We purchase much of our inventory well in advance of each selling period. In the event we do not stock merchandise consumers wish to purchase or misjudge consumer demand, we will experience lower sales than expected and will have excessive inventory that may need to be written down in value or sold at prices that are less than expected, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial condition.

         Omnichannel retailing is rapidly evolving and our inability to keep pace with consumer preferences and expectations could adversely affect our financial performance.

        Our guests are increasingly using computers, tablets, mobile phones and other devices to shop in our stores and online for our products. There are various risks relating to omnichannel retailing, including the need to keep pace with rapid technological change, internet security risks, risks of systems failure or inadequacy and increased competition. If we are unable to timely and appropriately respond to these risks, including through maintenance of customer service and guest relationships, demand for our products and services and our financial performance could be adversely affected. Further, governmental regulation of internet-based commerce continues to evolve in areas such as taxation, privacy, data protection and mobile communications. Unfavorable changes to regulations in these areas could have a negative effect on our business.

         Unfavorable consumer responses to price increases or misjudgments about the level of markdowns could have a material adverse impact on our sales and earnings.

        From time to time, and especially in periods of rising raw material costs, we increase the retail prices of our products. Significant price increases could impact our earnings depending on, among other factors, the pricing by competitors of similar products and the response by the guest to higher prices. Such price increases may result in lower unit sales and a subsequent decrease in gross margin and adversely impact earnings. In addition, if we misjudge the level of markdowns required to sell our merchandise at acceptable turn rates, sales and earnings could be negatively impacted.

27

         Any failure of our pricing and promotional strategies to be as effective as desired will negatively impact our sales and earnings.

        We set the prices for our products and establish product specific and store-wide promotions in order to generate store traffic and sales. While these decisions are intended to maximize our sales and earnings, in some instances they do not. For instance, promotions, which can require substantial lead time, may not be as effective as desired or may prove unnecessary in certain economic circumstances. Where we have implemented a pricing or promotional strategy that does not work as expected, our sales and earnings will be adversely impacted.

         Any inability to recruit, train, motivate and retain suitably qualified sales associates could adversely impact sales and earnings.

        In specialty jewelry retailing, the level and quality of customer service is a key competitive factor as nearly every in-store transaction involves the sales associate taking a piece of jewelry or a watch out of a display case and presenting it to the potential guest. Competition for suitable individuals or changes in labor and healthcare laws could require us to incur higher labor costs. Therefore an inability to recruit, train, motivate and retain suitably qualified sales associates could adversely impact sales and earnings.

         Because of our dependence upon a small concentrated number of landlords for a substantial number of our locations, any significant erosion of our relationships with those landlords or their financial condition would negatively impact our ability to obtain and retain store locations.

        We are significantly dependent on our ability to operate stores in desirable locations with capital investment and lease costs that allow us to earn a reasonable return on our locations. We depend on the leasing market and our landlords to determine supply, demand, lease cost and operating costs and conditions. We cannot be certain as to when or whether desirable store locations will become or remain available to us at reasonable lease and operating costs. Several large landlords dominate the ownership of prime malls, and we are dependent upon maintaining good relations with those landlords in order to obtain and retain store locations on optimal terms. From time to time, we do have disagreements with our landlords and a significant disagreement, if not resolved, could have an adverse impact on our business. In addition, any financial weakness on the part of our landlords could adversely impact us in a number of ways, including decreased marketing by the landlords and the loss of other tenants that generate mall traffic.

         Any disruption in, or changes to, our private label credit card arrangements may adversely affect our ability to provide consumer credit and write credit insurance.

        We rely on third party credit providers to provide financing for our guests to purchase merchandise and credit insurance through private label credit cards. Any disruption in, or changes to, our credit card agreements could adversely affect our sales and earnings.

         Significant restrictions in the amount of credit available to our guests could negatively impact our business and financial condition.

        Our guests rely heavily on financing provided by credit lenders to purchase our merchandise. The availability of credit to our guests is impacted by numerous factors, including general economic conditions and regulatory requirements relating to the extension of credit. Numerous federal and state laws impose disclosure and other requirements upon the origination, servicing and enforcement of credit accounts and limitations on the maximum amount of finance charges that may be charged by a credit provider. Regulations implementing the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 imposed restrictions on credit card pricing, finance charges and fees, customer billing practices and payment application. Future regulations or changes in the application of current laws could further impact

28

the availability of credit to our guests. If the amount of available credit provided to our guests is significantly restricted, our sales and earnings would be negatively impacted.

         We are dependent upon our revolving credit agreement, senior secured term loan and other third party financing arrangements for our liquidity needs.

        We have a revolving credit agreement and a senior secured term loan that contain various financial and other covenants. Should we be unable to fulfill the covenants contained in these loans, we would be in default, all outstanding amounts would be immediately due, and we would be unable to fund our operations without a significant restructuring of our business.

         If the credit markets deteriorate, our ability to obtain the financing needed to operate our business could be adversely impacted.

        We utilize a revolving credit agreement to finance our working capital requirements, including the purchase of inventory, among other things. If our ability to obtain the financing needed to meet these requirements was adversely impacted as a result of a deterioration in the credit markets, our business could be significantly impacted. In addition, the amount of available borrowings under our revolving credit agreement is based, in part, on the appraised liquidation value of our inventory. Any declines in the appraised value of our inventory could impact our ability to obtain the financing necessary to operate our business.

         Any security breach with respect to our information technology systems could result in legal or financial liabilities, damage to our reputation and a loss of guest confidence.

        During the course of our business, we regularly obtain and transmit through our information technology systems customer credit and other data. If our information technology systems are breached due to the actions of outside parties, or otherwise, an unauthorized third party may obtain access to confidential guest information. Any breach of our systems that results in unauthorized access to guest information could cause us to incur significant legal and financial liabilities, damage to our reputation and a loss of customer confidence. In each case, these impacts could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

         Acquisitions and dispositions involve special risk, including the risk that we may not be able to complete proposed acquisitions or dispositions or that such transactions may not be beneficial to us.

        We have made significant acquisitions and dispositions in the past and may in the future make additional acquisitions and dispositions. Difficulty integrating an acquisition into our existing infrastructure and operations may cause us to fail to realize expected return on investment through revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence and guest reach or other projected benefits from the acquisition. In addition, we may not achieve anticipated cost savings or may be unable to find attractive investment opportunities for funds received in connection with a disposition. Additionally, attractive acquisition or disposition opportunities may not be available at the time or pursuant to terms acceptable to us and we may be unable to complete the acquisition or disposition.

         Our net operating loss carryforwards could be subject to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code.

        If we were to experience an "ownership change" under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, our net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") would be subject to annual limitations that could impact the timing of the utilization of our NOLs as well as our ability to fully utilize our NOLs prior to their expiration. The determination of whether an ownership change has occurred is complex and depends upon a number of factors, including new issuances of shares by the Company and purchases and sales of shares by large stockholders, including the exercise of the outstanding warrants.

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         Litigation and claims can adversely impact us.

        We are involved in various legal proceedings as part of the normal course of our business. Where appropriate, we establish reserves based on management's best estimates of our potential liability in these matters. While management believes that all current litigation and claims will be resolved without material effect on our financial position or results of operations, as with all litigation it is possible that there will be a significant adverse outcome.

         Ineffective internal controls can have adverse impacts on the Company.

        Under Federal law, we are required to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting. Should we not maintain an effective system, it would result in a violation of those laws and could impair our ability to produce accurate and timely financial statements. In turn, this could result in increased audit costs, a loss of investor confidence, difficulties in accessing the capital markets, and regulatory and other actions against us. Any of these outcomes could be costly to both our shareholders and us.

         Changes in estimates, assumptions and judgments made by management related to our evaluation of goodwill and other long-lived assets for impairment could significantly affect our financial results.

        Evaluating goodwill and other long-lived assets for impairment is highly complex and involves many subjective estimates, assumptions and judgments by our management. For instance, management makes estimates and assumptions with respect to future cash flow projections, terminal growth rates, discount rates and long-term business plans. If our actual results are not consistent with our estimates, assumptions and judgments made by management, we may be required to recognize impairments.

         Changes in estimates related to the recognition of revenue associated with lifetime warranty sales could significantly affect our financial results.

        We recognize revenue related to lifetime warranty sales in proportion to when the expected costs will be incurred, which we estimate will be over an eight-year period. A significant change in estimates related to the time period or pattern in which warranty-related costs are expected to be incurred could adversely affect our revenues and earnings.

         Our share price may be volatile.

        Our share price may fluctuate substantially as a result of variations in our actual or anticipated results and financial condition. In addition, the stock market has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market price of many retail shares and other shares in a manner unrelated, or disproportionate to, the operating performance of those companies. In addition, our share price could fluctuate substantially in the future in response to sales of our common stock, including the sale of common stock issuable under the Warrant Agreement.

         Additional factors may adversely affect our financial performance.

        Increases in expenses that are beyond our control including items such as increases in interest rates, inflation, fluctuations in foreign currency rates, higher tax rates and changes in laws and regulations (such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), may negatively impact our operating results.

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ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

        The following exhibits are filed as part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Exhibit Number			Description of Exhibit
	31.1	*	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
	31.2	*	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Chief Administrative Officer
	31.3	*	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
	32.1	*	Section 1350 Certification of Principal Executive Officer
	32.2	*	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Administrative Officer
	32.3	*	Section 1350 Certification of Principal Financial Officer
	101.INS	**	XBRL Instance Document
	101.SCH	**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
	101.CAL	**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
	101.DEF	**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
	101.LAB	**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
	101.PRE	**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

*

Filed herewith.

**

These exhibits are furnished herewith. In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these exhibits are not deemed to be filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are not deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under these sections.

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SIGNATURE

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	ZALE CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date: December 6, 2013	By:	/s/ THOMAS A. HAUBENSTRICKER
		Thomas A. Haubenstricker
		Chief Financial Officer
		(principal financial officer of the registrant)

EX-31.1

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EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Theo Killion, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Zale Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 6, 2013 By: /s/ THEO KILLION
Theo Killion
Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer of the registrant)

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EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION

EX-31.2

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EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Matthew W. Appel, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Zale Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 6, 2013 By: /s/ MATTHEW W. APPEL
Matthew W. Appel
Chief Administrative Officer

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EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION

EX-31.3

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EXHIBIT 31.3

CERTIFICATION

I, Thomas A. Haubenstricker, certify that:

1.

I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Zale Corporation;

2.

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

5.

The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:

a)

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 6, 2013 By: /s/ THOMAS A. HAUBENSTRICKER
Thomas A. Haubenstricker
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer of the registrant)

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EXHIBIT 31.3

CERTIFICATION

EX-32.1

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EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350)

        The undersigned, as the Chief Executive Officer of Zale Corporation, certifies, to the best of his knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2013, which accompanies this certification fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Zale Corporation at the dates and for the periods indicated. The foregoing certification is made pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350) and shall not be relied upon for any other purpose.

Date: December 6, 2013 By: /s/ THEO KILLION
Theo Killion
Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer of the registrant)

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EXHIBIT 32.1

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350)

EX-32.2

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EXHIBIT 32.2

Certification Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350)

        The undersigned, as the Chief Administrative Officer of Zale Corporation, certifies, to the best of his knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2013, which accompanies this certification fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Zale Corporation at the dates and for the periods indicated. The foregoing certification is made pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350) and shall not be relied upon for any other purpose.

Date: December 6, 2013 By: /s/ MATTHEW W. APPEL
Matthew W. Appel
Chief Administrative Officer

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EXHIBIT 32.2

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350)

EX-32.3

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EXHIBIT 32.3

Certification Pursuant to
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350)

        The undersigned, as the Chief Financial Officer of Zale Corporation, certifies, to the best of his knowledge, that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 2013, which accompanies this certification fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the periodic report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Zale Corporation at the dates and for the periods indicated. The foregoing certification is made pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350) and shall not be relied upon for any other purpose.

Date: December 6, 2013 By: /s/ THOMAS A. HAUBENSTRICKER
Thomas A. Haubenstricker
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer of the registrant)

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EXHIBIT 32.3

Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. § 1350)

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Reclassification

 Reclassification.    Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to our fiscal year 2014 presentation.

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 13,945	$ 17,060	$ 14,572
Merchandise inventories	903,282	767,540	908,415
Other current assets	52,163	53,335	55,057
Total current assets	969,390	837,935	978,044
Property and equipment	677,338	675,705	692,100
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(572,249)	(570,427)	(575,014)
Net property and equipment	105,089	105,278	117,086
Goodwill	97,135	98,372	100,731
Other assets	41,100	38,560	50,767
Deferred tax asset	107,110	107,110	96,929
Total assets	1,319,824	1,187,255	1,343,557
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	297,104	220,558	334,292
Deferred revenue	79,205	82,110	83,339
Deferred tax liability	107,344	107,016	96,687
Total current liabilities	483,653	409,684	514,318
Long-term debt	505,575	410,050	524,167
Deferred revenue - long-term	104,019	109,135	115,900
Other liabilities	73,622	73,057	37,208
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' investment:
Common stock	488	488	488
Additional paid-in capital	151,563	155,625	160,012
Accumulated other comprehensive income	41,340	47,015	53,828
Accumulated earnings	407,834	435,140	396,863
Total stockholders' investment before treasury stock	601,225	638,268	611,191
Treasury stock	(448,270)	(452,939)	(459,227)
Total stockholders' investment	152,955	185,329	151,964
Total liabilities and stockholders' investment	$ 1,319,824	$ 1,187,255	$ 1,343,557

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OTHER GAINS

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

OTHER GAINS

OTHER GAINS

5. OTHER GAINS

        Beginning in June 2004, various class-action lawsuits were filed alleging that the De Beers group violated U.S. state and federal antitrust, consumer protection and unjust enrichment laws. During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, we received proceeds totaling $1.9 million as a result of a settlement reached in the lawsuit.

        We recorded lease termination charges during the first quarter of fiscal year 2013 totaling $0.1 million related to certain store closures in Fine Jewelry. The lease termination charges for leases where the Company has finalized settlement negotiations with the landlords are based on the amounts agreed upon in the termination agreement. If a settlement has not been reached for a lease, the charges are based on the present value of the remaining lease rentals, including common area maintenance and other charges, reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could reasonably be obtained. There was no material lease reserve balance associated with closed stores at October 31, 2013 and 2012.

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013 item
Basis of Presentation
Number of reportable segments	3
Number of subsidiaries engaged in providing credit insurance to credit customers	3
Fine Jewelry
Basis of Presentation
Number of core national brands	3
Number of regional brands	2
Specialty retail jewelry stores
Basis of Presentation
Number of stores	1,057
Kiosk stores
Basis of Presentation
Number of stores	625

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Schedule of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis

 The following tables include our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	Fair Value as of October 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
U.S. Treasury securities	$	14,430	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities		—		2,102		—
Corporate bonds and notes		—		4,189		—
Corporate equity securities		2,601		—		—
	$	17,031	$	6,291	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	2,516	$	—

	Fair Value as of October 31, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
U.S. Treasury securities	$	22,623	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities		—		2,875		—
Corporate bonds and notes		—		1,018		—
Corporate equity securities		4,133		—		—
	$	26,756	$	3,893	$	—

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $)									3 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended									1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013 Interest rate swaps Cash flow hedges	Oct. 31, 2013 Interest rate swaps Cash flow hedges Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	Oct. 31, 2013 Interest rate swaps Cash flow hedges Other liabilities	Oct. 31, 2013 Interest rate swaps October 2013 - July 2014 Cash flow hedges	Oct. 31, 2013 Interest rate swaps August 2014 - July 2016 Cash flow hedges	Oct. 31, 2013 Revolving credit agreement	Oct. 31, 2012 Revolving credit agreement	Jul. 31, 2012 Amended Credit Agreement	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement	Jul. 24, 2012 Amended Credit Agreement	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement Minimum	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement November through December 2013 Minimum	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement November through December 2013 Maximum	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement January through September 2014 Minimum	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement January through September 2014 Maximum	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement October 2014	Jul. 31, 2012 FILO Facility	Jul. 24, 2012 FILO Facility	Oct. 31, 2013 FILO Facility LIBOR	Oct. 31, 2013 FILO Facility Base rate	Oct. 31, 2013 FILO Facility Minimum LIBOR	Oct. 31, 2013 FILO Facility Minimum Base rate	Oct. 31, 2013 FILO Facility Maximum LIBOR	Oct. 31, 2013 FILO Facility Maximum Base rate	Jul. 31, 2012 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility)	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) LIBOR	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Base rate	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Minimum LIBOR	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Minimum Base rate	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Maximum LIBOR	Oct. 31, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Maximum Base rate	Oct. 31, 2013 Revolving credit prior to amended and restated revolving credit agreement	Oct. 31, 2013 Senior Secured Term Loan	Oct. 31, 2012 Senior Secured Term Loan	Jul. 31, 2012 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012	Jul. 24, 2012 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012 Minimum	Oct. 31, 2013 Capital lease obligations	Oct. 31, 2012 Capital lease obligations
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 505,575,000	$ 410,050,000	$ 524,167,000						$ 423,000,000	$ 440,700,000																										$ 80,000,000	$ 80,000,000						$ 2,575,000	$ 3,467,000
Maximum borrowing capacity													665,000,000								15,000,000
Maturity date											Jul. 24, 2017
Borrowing capacity description											Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) are limited to a borrowing base equal to 90 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory (less certain reserves that may be established under the agreement), plus 90 percent of eligible credit card receivables. Borrowings under the FILO Facility are limited to a borrowing base equal to the lesser of: (i) 2.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory or (ii) 15 million. The Amended Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority security interest and lien on merchandise inventory, credit card receivables and certain other assets and a second priority security interest and lien on all other assets. Based on the most recent inventory appraisal, the monthly borrowing rates calculated from the cost of eligible inventory is 83 to 84 percent for the period of November through December 2013, 68 to 73 percent for the period of January through September 2014 and 82 percent for the period of October 2014.
Percentage of appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory used to calculate cap amount																				2.50%								90.00%										107.50%
Percentage of eligible credit card receivables																												90.00%										100.00%
Percentage of cost of eligible inventory used to calculate monthly borrowing rates															83.00%	84.00%	68.00%	73.00%	82.00%
Variable interest rate base																						LIBOR	Base rate						LIBOR	Base rate
Variable interest rate margin (as a percent)																								3.50%	2.50%	4.00%	3.00%				1.75%	0.75%	2.25%	1.25%
Quarterly unused commitment fee (as a percent)											0.375%
Covenant terms of revolving credit facility											If excess availability (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) falls below certain levels we will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0. Borrowing availability was approximately $231 million as of October 31, 2013, which exceeded the excess availability requirement by $166 million. The fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.64 as of October 31, 2013. The Amended Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, payment of dividends, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.
Fixed charge coverage ratio												2.64		1.0																												1.0
Remaining borrowing capacity												231,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity in excess of minimum availability requirement												166,000,000
Debt issuance costs									12,100,000			5,600,000																												4,400,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs																																			6,500,000				2,400,000
Life of the credit agreement												5 years																											5 years
Interest rate swaps disclosures
Notional Amount							215,000,000	215,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate							0.29%	1.19%
Fair Value				2,516,000	500,000	2,000,000	144,000	2,372,000
Principal amount of debt issued																																									80,000,000
Term loan restrictions on revolving credit agreement																																						The Amended Term Loan totals $80.0 million, matures in July 2017 and is subject to a borrowing base equal to: (i) 107.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory plus (ii) 100 percent of credit card receivables and an amount equal to the lesser of $40 million or 100 percent of the appraised liquidation value of intellectual property minus (iii) the borrowing base under the Amended Credit Agreement. In the event the outstanding principal under the Amended Term Loan exceeds the Amended Term Loan borrowing base, availability under the Amended Credit Agreement would be reduced by the excess. As of October 31, 2013, the outstanding principal under the Amended Term Loan did not exceed the borrowing base.
Borrowing cap amount attributable to appraised liquidation value of intellectual property																																									40,000,000
Percentage of appraised liquidation value of intellectual property used to calculate cap amount																																						100.00%
Interest rate (as a percent)																																							11.00%
Penalty on repayment of debt during the second year (as a percent)																																							4.00%
Penalty on repayment of debt during the third year (as a percent)																																							3.00%
Penalty on repayment of debt during the fourth year (as a percent)																																							2.00%
Penalty on repayment of debt during the fifth year (as a percent)																																							0.00%
Covenant terms of senior secured term loan																																						The Amended Term Loan includes various covenants which are consistent with the covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement, including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, payment of dividends, liens, investments, acquisitions, asset sales and the requirement to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 if excess availability thresholds under the Amended Credit Agreement are not maintained. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.
Interest expense																																								$ 2,000,000

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INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
INVESTMENTS
Net unrealized gain	$ 2,000,000	$ 2,500,000
Carrying value of investments on deposit with various state insurance departments	7,400,000	7,400,000
Debt securities outstanding maturities at cost
Less than one year	3,272,000
Year two through year five	10,101,000
Year six through year ten	6,149,000
After ten years	63,000
Total debt securities outstanding amortized, cost	19,585,000
Debt securities outstanding maturities measured at fair value
Less than one year	3,319,000
Year two through year five	10,911,000
Year six through year ten	6,420,000
After ten years	71,000
Total debt securities outstanding measured at fair value	20,721,000
Cost
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	21,369,000	28,156,000
Fair Value
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities Noncurrent, Fair Value	23,322,000	30,649,000
U.S. Treasury securities | Cost
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	13,497,000	21,092,000
U.S. Treasury securities | Fair Value
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities Noncurrent, Fair Value	14,430,000	22,623,000
U.S. government agency securities | Cost
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	1,989,000	2,657,000
U.S. government agency securities | Fair Value
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities Noncurrent, Fair Value	2,102,000	2,875,000
Corporate bonds and notes | Cost
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	4,099,000	906,000
Corporate bonds and notes | Fair Value
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities Noncurrent, Fair Value	4,189,000	1,018,000
Corporate equity securities | Cost
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities, Amortized Cost	1,784,000	3,501,000
Corporate equity securities | Fair Value
INVESTMENTS
Available for Sale Securities Noncurrent, Fair Value	$ 2,601,000	$ 4,133,000

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SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013 item	Oct. 31, 2012
SEGMENTS
Number of business segments	3
SEGMENTS
Total revenues	$ 362,615,000	$ 357,468,000
Total depreciation and amortization	7,661,000	8,646,000
Total operating loss	(22,032,000)	(23,003,000)
De Beers settlement		1,900,000
Unallocated
SEGMENTS
Total depreciation and amortization	2,025,000	2,386,000
Total operating loss	(8,668,000)	(5,364,000)
Internal carrying costs offset	15,800,000	15,100,000
De Beers settlement		1,900,000
Fine Jewelry
SEGMENTS
Total revenues	313,699,000	306,960,000
Total depreciation and amortization	5,059,000	5,521,000
Total operating loss	(12,001,000)	(16,702,000)
Revenue related to foreign operations	62,900,000	63,000,000
Kiosk
SEGMENTS
Total revenues	46,199,000	47,818,000
Total depreciation and amortization	577,000	739,000
Total operating loss	(2,555,000)	(1,749,000)
All Other
SEGMENTS
Total revenues	2,717,000	2,690,000
Total operating loss	$ 1,192,000	$ 812,000

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LOSS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Net loss	$ 27,306	$ 28,265
Warrants
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	11.1	11.1
Stock options and restricted share awards
LOSS PER COMMON SHARE
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	4.3	5.0

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Liabilities
Impairments related to goodwill and property and equipment	$ 0	$ 0
Recurring basis | Level 1
Assets
Total assets	17,031	26,756
Recurring basis | Level 1 | U.S. Treasury securities
Assets
Investments	14,430	22,623
Recurring basis | Level 1 | Corporate equity securities
Assets
Investments	2,601	4,133
Recurring basis | Level 2
Assets
Total assets	6,291	3,893
Recurring basis | Level 2 | Interest rate swaps
Liabilities
Derivative	2,516
Recurring basis | Level 2 | U.S. government agency securities
Assets
Investments	2,102	2,875
Recurring basis | Level 2 | Corporate bonds and notes
Assets
Investments	$ 4,189	$ 1,018

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

        References to the "Company," "we," "us," and "our" in this Form 10-Q are references to Zale Corporation and its subsidiaries. We are, through our wholly owned subsidiaries, a leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry in North America. At October 31, 2013, we operated 1,057 specialty retail jewelry stores and 625 kiosks located primarily in shopping malls throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

        We report our operations under three segments: Fine Jewelry, Kiosk Jewelry and All Other. Fine Jewelry is comprised of our three core national brands, Zales Jewelers®, Zales Outlet® and Peoples Jewellers® and our two regional brands, Gordon's Jewelers® and Mappins Jewellers®. Each brand specializes in fine jewelry and watches, with merchandise and marketing emphasis focused on diamond products. Zales Jewelers® is our national brand in the U.S. providing moderately priced jewelry to a broad range of guests. Zales Outlet® operates in outlet malls and neighborhood power centers and capitalizes on Zale Jewelers'® national marketing and brand recognition. Gordon's Jewelers® is a value-oriented regional jeweler. Peoples Jewellers®, Canada's largest fine jewelry retailer, provides guests with an affordable assortment and an accessible shopping experience. Mappins Jewellers® offers Canadian guests a broad selection of merchandise from engagement rings to fashionable and contemporary fine jewelry.

        Kiosk Jewelry operates under the brand names Piercing Pagoda®, Plumb Gold™, and Silver and Gold Connection® through mall-based kiosks and is focused on the opening price point guest. Kiosk Jewelry specializes in gold, silver and non-precious metal products that capitalize on the latest fashion trends.

        All Other includes our insurance and reinsurance operations, which offer insurance coverage primarily to our private label credit card guests.

        We also maintain a presence in the retail market through our ecommerce sites www.zales.com, www.zalesoutlet.com, www.gordonsjewelers.com, www.peoplesjewellers.com and www.pagoda.com.

        We consolidate all of our U.S. operations into Zale Delaware, Inc. ("ZDel"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Zale Corporation. ZDel is the parent company for several subsidiaries, including three that are engaged primarily in providing credit insurance to our credit customers. We consolidate our Canadian retail operations into Zale Canada Holding, L.P., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zale Corporation. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared by the Company in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In management's opinion, all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments) and disclosures necessary for a fair presentation have been made. Because of the seasonal nature of the retail business, operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year. The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on September 27, 2013.

        Reclassification.    Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to our fiscal year 2014 presentation.

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INVESTMENTS

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

3. INVESTMENTS

        Investments in debt and equity securities held by our insurance subsidiaries are reported as other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Investments are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices for identical or similar securities. All investments are classified as available-for-sale.

        Our investments consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 31, 2013				October 31, 2012
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities	$	13,497	$	14,430	$	21,092	$	22,623
U.S. government agency securities		1,989		2,102		2,657		2,875
Corporate bonds and notes		4,099		4,189		906		1,018
Corporate equity securities		1,784		2,601		3,501		4,133
	$	21,369	$	23,322	$	28,156	$	30,649

        At October 31, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of investments included a net unrealized gain of $2.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively, which is included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on investments are determined on the specific identification basis. There were no material net realized gains or losses during the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012. Investments with a carrying value of $7.4 million were on deposit with various state insurance departments at both October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as required by law.

        Debt securities outstanding as of October 31, 2013 mature as follows (in thousands):

	Cost		Fair Value
Less than one year	$	3,272	$	3,319
Year two through year five		10,101		10,911
Year six through year ten		6,149		6,420
After ten years		63		71
	$	19,585	$	20,721

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LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

6. LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

        Basic loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For the calculation of diluted earnings per share, the basic weighted-average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted share awards and warrants issued in connection with the senior secured term loan determined using the Treasury Stock method. There were antidilutive stock options and restricted share awards totaling 4.3 million and 5.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. There were antidilutive warrants totaling 11.1 million for both the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.

        During the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, we incurred a net loss of $27.3 million and $28.3 million, respectively. A net loss causes all outstanding stock options, restricted share awards and warrants to be antidilutive. As a result, the basic and dilutive losses per common share are the same for each of the three month periods presented.

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LONG-TERM DEBT

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT

4. LONG-TERM DEBT

        Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

	October 31,
	2013		2012
Revolving credit agreement	$	423,000	$	440,700
Senior secured term loan		80,000		80,000
Capital lease obligations		2,575		3,467
	$	505,575	$	524,167

• Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement

        On July 24, 2012, we amended and restated our revolving credit agreement (the "Amended Credit Agreement") with Bank of America, N.A. and certain other lenders. The Amended Credit Agreement totals $665 million, including a $15 million first-in, last-out facility (the "FILO Facility"), and matures in July 2017. Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) are limited to a borrowing base equal to 90 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory (less certain reserves that may be established under the agreement), plus 90 percent of eligible credit card receivables. Borrowings under the FILO Facility are limited to a borrowing base equal to the lesser of: (i) 2.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory or (ii) $15 million. The Amended Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority security interest and lien on merchandise inventory, credit card receivables and certain other assets and a second priority security interest and lien on all other assets.

        Based on the most recent inventory appraisal, the monthly borrowing rates calculated from the cost of eligible inventory is 83 to 84 percent for the period of November through December 2013, 68 to 73 percent for the period of January through September 2014 and 82 percent for the period of October 2014.

        Borrowings under the Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) bear interest at either: (i) LIBOR plus the applicable margin (ranging from 175 to 225 basis points) or (ii) the base rate (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) plus the applicable margin (ranging from 75 to 125 basis points). Borrowings under the FILO Facility bear interest at either: (i) LIBOR plus the applicable margin (ranging from 350 to 400 basis points) or (ii) the base rate plus the applicable margin (ranging from 250 to 300 basis points). We are also required to pay a quarterly unused commitment fee of 37.5 basis points based on the preceding quarter's unused commitment.

        If excess availability (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) falls below certain levels we will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0. Borrowing availability was approximately $231 million as of October 31, 2013, which exceeded the excess availability requirement by $166 million. The fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.64 as of October 31, 2013. The Amended Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, payment of dividends, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.

        We incurred debt issuance costs associated with the revolving credit agreement totaling $12.1 million, which consisted of $5.6 million of costs related to the Amended Credit Agreement and $6.5 million of unamortized costs associated with the prior agreement. The debt issuance costs are included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the five-year life of the agreement.

• Interest Rate Swap Agreements

        In September 2013, we executed interest rate swaps with Bank of America, N.A. to hedge the variability of cash flows resulting from fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR associated with our Amended Credit Agreement. The interest rate swaps replaced the one-month LIBOR with the fixed interest rates shown in the table below and are settled monthly. The swaps qualify as cash flow hedges and, to the extent effective, changes in their fair values are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income in the consolidated balance sheet. The changes in fair values are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense in the same period that the hedged items affect interest expense.

        Interest rate swaps as of October 31, 2013 are as follows:

Period	Notional Amount (in thousands)		Fixed Interest Rate			Fair Value (in thousands)
October 2013 - July 2014	$	215,000		0.29	%	$	144
August 2014 - July 2016	$	215,000		1.19	%		2,372
						$	2,516

        The change in the fair value of the interest rate swaps for the three months ended October 31, 2013 totaled $2.5 million and is included as an unrealized loss in other comprehensive income. There were no material amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense during the three months ended October 31, 2013. The current portion of the fair value of the interest rate swaps totaled $0.5 million and is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The current portion represents the amount that is expected to be reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense over the next 12 months. The non-current portion of the fair value of the interest rate swaps totaled $2.0 million and is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

• Amended and Restated Senior Secured Term Loan

        On July 24, 2012, we amended and restated our senior secured term loan (the "Amended Term Loan") with Z Investment Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital. The Amended Term Loan totals $80.0 million, matures in July 2017 and is subject to a borrowing base equal to: (i) 107.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory plus (ii) 100 percent of credit card receivables and an amount equal to the lesser of $40 million or 100 percent of the appraised liquidation value of intellectual property minus (iii) the borrowing base under the Amended Credit Agreement. In the event the outstanding principal under the Amended Term Loan exceeds the Amended Term Loan borrowing base, availability under the Amended Credit Agreement would be reduced by the excess. As of October 31, 2013, the outstanding principal under the Amended Term Loan did not exceed the borrowing base. The Amended Term Loan is secured by a second priority security interest on merchandise inventory and credit card receivables and a first priority security interest on substantially all other assets.

        Borrowings under the Amended Term Loan bear interest at 11 percent payable on a quarterly basis. We may repay all or any portion of the Amended Term Loan with the following penalty prior to maturity: (i) the present value of the required interest payments that would have been made if the prepayment had not occurred during the first year; (ii) 4 percent during the second year; (iii) 3 percent during the third year; (iv) 2 percent during the fourth year and (v) no penalty in the fifth year. The Amended Credit Agreement restricts our ability to prepay the Amended Term Loan if the fixed charge coverage ratio is not equal to or greater than 1.0 after giving effect to the prepayment.

        The Amended Term Loan includes various covenants which are consistent with the covenants in the Amended Credit Agreement, including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, payment of dividends, liens, investments, acquisitions, asset sales and the requirement to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.0 if excess availability thresholds under the Amended Credit Agreement are not maintained. As of October 31, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.

        We incurred costs associated with the Amended Term Loan totaling $4.4 million, of which approximately $2 million was recorded in interest expense during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2012. The remaining $2.4 million consists of debt issuance costs included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the five-year life of the agreement.

• Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement

        In connection with the execution of the senior secured term loan in May 2010, we entered into a Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement (the "Warrant Agreement") with Z Investment Holdings, LLC ("Z Investment"). Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, Z Investment holds 11.1 million warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase shares of our common stock, on a one-for-one basis, for an exercise price of $2.00 per share. The Warrants, which are currently exercisable and expire in May 2017, represented approximately 25 percent of our common stock on a fully diluted basis (including the shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and excluding certain out-of-the-money stock options) as of the date of the issuance. The number of shares and exercise price are subject to customary antidilution protection. The Warrant Agreement also entitles the holder to designate two, and in certain circumstances three, directors to our board.

        The holders of the Warrants may, at their option, request that we register all or part of the common stock issuable under the Warrant Agreement for resale. In September 2013, Z Investment exercised their right to request that we register the common stock and on October 2, 2013 we filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 which has been declared effective by the SEC.

• Capital Lease Obligations

        We enter into capital leases related to vehicles for our field management. The vehicles are included in property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and are depreciated over a four-year life. Capital leases, net of accumulated depreciation, included in property and equipment as of October 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $2.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 2) (Warrant, Z Investment Holdings, LLC, USD $)	1 Months Ended
	May 31, 2010 item
Warrant | Z Investment Holdings, LLC
Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement
Number of warrants held by Z Investment Holdings, LLC (in shares)	11,100,000
Number of common shares that can be purchased by converting each warrant	1
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)	$ 2.00
Warrants as a percentage of common stock on a fully diluted basis	25.00%
Number of directors designated by the warrant holders under first scenario	2
Number of directors designated by the warrant holders under second scenario	3

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Changes in the composition of accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 47,015	$ 53,369
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(3,233)	514
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps	(2,516)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net	74	(55)
Balance at the end of the period	$ 41,340	$ 53,828

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Net loss	$ (27,306)	$ (28,265)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(3,233)	514
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps	(2,516)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net	74	(55)
Comprehensive loss	$ (32,981)	$ (27,806)

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SEGMENTS

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

SEGMENTS

SEGMENTS

9. SEGMENTS

        We report our operations under three business segments: Fine Jewelry, Kiosk Jewelry, and All Other (see Note 1). All corresponding items of segment information in prior periods have been presented consistently. Management's expectation is that overall economics of each of our major brands within each reportable segment will be similar over time.

        We use earnings before unallocated corporate overhead, interest and taxes but include an internal charge for inventory carrying cost to evaluate segment profitability. Unallocated costs before income taxes include corporate employee-related costs, administrative costs, information technology costs, corporate facilities costs and depreciation and amortization. Income tax information by segment is not included as taxes are calculated at a company-wide level and not allocated to each segment.

	Three Months Ended October 31,
Selected Financial Data by Segment	2013			2012
	(amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Fine Jewelry(a)	$	313,699		$	306,960
Kiosk		46,199			47,818
All Other		2,717			2,690
Total revenues	$	362,615		$	357,468
Depreciation and amortization:
Fine Jewelry	$	5,059		$	5,521
Kiosk		577			739
All Other		—			—
Unallocated		2,025			2,386
Total depreciation and amortization	$	7,661		$	8,646
Operating loss:
Fine Jewelry	$	(12,001	)	$	(16,702	)
Kiosk		(2,555	)		(1,749	)
All Other		1,192			812
Unallocated(b)		(8,668	)		(5,364	)
Total operating loss	$	(22,032	)	$	(23,003	)

(a)

Includes $62.9 million and $63.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to foreign operations.

(b)

Includes credits of $15.8 million and $15.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to offset internal carrying costs charged to the segments. The three months ended October 31, 2012 also includes a gain totaling $1.9 million related to the De Beers settlement.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net loss	$ (27,306)	$ (28,265)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Non-cash interest	727	726
Depreciation and amortization	7,661	8,646
Deferred taxes	328	25
Loss on disposition of property and equipment	215	277
Stock-based compensation	990	1,060
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories	(138,100)	(166,704)
Other current assets	379	(8,668)
Other assets	503	1,498
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	76,521	128,331
Deferred revenue	(7,553)	(9,375)
Other liabilities	(1,310)	49
Net cash used in operating activities	(86,945)	(72,400)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Payments for property and equipment	(9,286)	(7,102)
Purchase of available-for-sale investments	(3,532)	(1,674)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments	955	311
Net cash used in investing activities	(11,863)	(8,465)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement	1,355,900	1,437,700
Payments on revolving credit agreement	(1,260,100)	(1,366,800)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	261	35
Payments on capital lease obligations	(269)	(237)
Net cash provided by financing activities	95,792	70,698
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(99)	136
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	(3,115)	(10,031)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	17,060	24,603
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 13,945	$ 14,572

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues	$ 362,615	$ 357,468
Cost of sales	168,827	167,133
Gross margin	193,788	190,335
Selling, general and administrative	208,159	206,465
Depreciation and amortization	7,661	8,646
Other gains		(1,773)
Operating loss	(22,032)	(23,003)
Interest expense	5,609	5,842
Loss before income taxes	(27,641)	(28,845)
Income tax benefit	(335)	(580)
Net loss	$ (27,306)	$ (28,265)
Basic and diluted net loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$ (0.83)	$ (0.88)
Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	32,736	32,298

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012	Oct. 31, 2013 Capital lease obligations Vehicles	Oct. 31, 2012 Capital lease obligations Vehicles
Long-term debt
Useful life of vehicle				4 years
Capital leases	$ 105,089	$ 105,278	$ 117,086	$ 2,500	$ 3,400

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DEFERRED REVENUE (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

DEFERRED REVENUE

Schedule of change in deferred revenue associated with the sale of warranties

 The change in deferred revenue associated with the sale of warranties is as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Deferred revenue, beginning of period	$	191,245		$	208,516
Warranties sold(a)		25,934			24,980
Revenue recognized		(33,955	)		(34,257	)
Deferred revenue, end of period	$	183,224		$	199,239

(a)

Warranty sales for the three months ended October 31, 2013 include $0.5 million related to the depreciation in the Canadian currency rate on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance. The change in the Canadian currency rate did not have a significant impact on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance for the three months ended October 31, 2012.

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CONTINGENCIES (Details) (Purported class-action lawsuits)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013 item
Purported class-action lawsuits
CONTINGENCIES
Number of lawsuits filed	3

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DEFERRED REVENUE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
Change in deferred revenue associated with the sale of warranties
Deferred revenue, beginning of period	$ 191,245,000	$ 208,516,000
Warranties sold	25,934,000	24,980,000
Revenue recognized	(33,955,000)	(34,257,000)
Deferred revenue, end of period	183,224,000	199,239,000
Translation adjustment for fluctuation in Canadian currency rate (amounts included in warranties sold)	500,000
Gross margin	$ 27,400,000	$ 28,100,000
Optional theft protection | Fine Jewelry
DEFERRED REVENUE
Contract period of arrangement	2 years
Revenue recognition period	2 years
Lifetime warranty
DEFERRED REVENUE
Contract period of arrangement	8 years
Watch warranty | Fine Jewelry
DEFERRED REVENUE
Contract period of arrangement	2 years
Breakage warranty | Fine Jewelry
DEFERRED REVENUE
Contract period of arrangement	1 year
Breakage warranty | Kiosk
DEFERRED REVENUE
Contract period of arrangement	1 year

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INCOME TAXES

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

8. INCOME TAXES

        We are required to assess the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future income will be generated to utilize deferred tax assets. A significant piece of negative evidence that we consider is cumulative losses (generally defined as losses before income taxes) incurred over the most recent three-year period. Such evidence limits our ability to consider other subjective evidence such as our projections for future growth. As of October 31, 2013 and 2012, cumulative losses were incurred over the applicable three-year period.

        Our valuation allowances totaled $93.2 million and $111.0 million as of October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The valuation allowances were established due to the uncertainty of our ability to utilize certain federal, state and foreign net operating loss carryforwards in the future. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable could be adjusted if negative evidence, such as three-year cumulative losses, no longer exists and additional consideration is given to our growth projections.

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OTHER GAINS (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2012
OTHER GAINS
De Beers settlement	$ 1.9
Lease termination charges related to certain store closures in Fine Jewelry	$ 0.1

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DEFERRED REVENUE

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

DEFERRED REVENUE

DEFERRED REVENUE

11. DEFERRED REVENUE

        We offer our Fine Jewelry guests lifetime warranties on certain products that cover sizing and breakage with an option to purchase theft protection for a two-year period. Revenues related to lifetime warranty sales are recognized in proportion to when the expected costs will be incurred, which we estimate to be over an eight-year period. A significant change in estimates related to the time period or pattern in which warranty-related costs are expected to be incurred could adversely impact our revenues and earnings. Revenues related to the optional theft protection are recognized over the two-year contract period on a straight-line basis. We also offer our Fine Jewelry guests a two-year watch warranty and our Fine Jewelry and Kiosk Jewelry guests a one-year warranty that covers breakage. The revenue from the two-year watch warranty and one-year breakage warranty is recognized on a straight-line basis over the respective contract terms.

        The change in deferred revenue associated with the sale of warranties is as follows (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Deferred revenue, beginning of period	$	191,245		$	208,516
Warranties sold(a)		25,934			24,980
Revenue recognized		(33,955	)		(34,257	)
Deferred revenue, end of period	$	183,224		$	199,239

(a)

Warranty sales for the three months ended October 31, 2013 include $0.5 million related to the depreciation in the Canadian currency rate on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance. The change in the Canadian currency rate did not have a significant impact on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance for the three months ended October 31, 2012.

        Revenues associated with warranties during the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $34.0 million and $34.3 million, respectively. Gross margin associated with warranties during the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012 totaled $27.4 million and $28.1 million, respectively.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

7. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

        The following table includes detail regarding changes in the composition of accumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Beginning of period	$	47,015		$	53,369
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(3,233	)		514
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps		(2,516	)		—
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net		74			(55	)
End of period	$	41,340		$	53,828

        There were no material amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net loss during the periods presented.

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

        Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair values. These tiers include:

Level 1	—	Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;
Level 2	—	Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose significant inputs are observable; and
Level 3	—	Instruments whose significant inputs are unobservable.

• Assets and Liabilities that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

        The following tables include our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

	Fair Value as of October 31, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
U.S. Treasury securities	$	14,430	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities		—		2,102		—
Corporate bonds and notes		—		4,189		—
Corporate equity securities		2,601		—		—
	$	17,031	$	6,291	$	—
Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	2,516	$	—

	Fair Value as of October 31, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets
U.S. Treasury securities	$	22,623	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities		—		2,875		—
Corporate bonds and notes		—		1,018		—
Corporate equity securities		4,133		—		—
	$	26,756	$	3,893	$	—

        Investments in U.S. Treasury securities and corporate equity securities are based on quoted market prices for identical instruments in active markets, and therefore were classified as a Level 1 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. Investments in U.S. government agency securities and corporate bonds and notes are based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, and therefore were classified as a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 3 for additional information related to our investments).

        The fair value of our interest rate swaps are calculated using significant observable inputs including the present value of estimated future cash flows using interest rate curves, and therefore were classified as a Level 2 measurement in the fair value hierarchy (see Note 4 for additional information related to our interest rate swaps).

• Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

        Assets that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis primarily relate to our goodwill and store-level property and equipment. Potential impairment losses related to these assets are calculated using significant unobservable inputs including the present value of future cash flows expected to be generated using a risk-adjusted weighted-average cost of capital and positive comparable store sales growth assumptions, and therefore are classified as a Level 3 measurement in the fair value hierarchy. There were no impairments related to our goodwill and property and equipment for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012.

• Other Financial Instruments

        As cash and short-term cash investments, trade payables and certain other short-term financial instruments are all short-term in nature, their carrying amount approximates fair value. The outstanding principal of our revolving credit agreement and senior secured term loan approximates fair value as of October 31, 2013. The fair value of the revolving credit agreement and the senior secured term loan were based on estimates of current interest rates for similar debt, a Level 3 input.

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INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
INCOME TAXES
Most recent period for which cumulative losses incurred is to be considered	3 years
Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets	$ 93.2	$ 111.0

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INVESTMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

INVESTMENTS

Schedule of investments

 Our investments consist of the following (in thousands):

	October 31, 2013				October 31, 2012
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities	$	13,497	$	14,430	$	21,092	$	22,623
U.S. government agency securities		1,989		2,102		2,657		2,875
Corporate bonds and notes		4,099		4,189		906		1,018
Corporate equity securities		1,784		2,601		3,501		4,133
	$	21,369	$	23,322	$	28,156	$	30,649

Schedule of debt securities outstanding maturities

Debt securities outstanding as of October 31, 2013 mature as follows (in thousands):

	Cost		Fair Value
Less than one year	$	3,272	$	3,319
Year two through year five		10,101		10,911
Year six through year ten		6,149		6,420
After ten years		63		71
	$	19,585	$	20,721

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CONTINGENCIES

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES

10. CONTINGENCIES

        The Company is a defendant in three purported class action lawsuits, Tessa Hodge v. Zale Delaware, Inc., d/b/a Piercing Pagoda which was filed on April 23, 2013 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Bernardino, Naomi Tapia v. Zale which was filed on July 3, 2013 in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of California, and Melissa Roberts v. Zale Delaware, Inc. which was filed on October 7, 2013 in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles. All three cases include allegations that the Company violated various wage and hour labor laws. Relief is sought on behalf of current and former Piercing Pagoda and Zales employees. The lawsuits seek to recover damages, penalties and attorneys' fees as a result of the alleged violations. The Company is investigating the underlying allegations and intends to vigorously defend its position against them. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss or range of loss, if any, for the lawsuits.

        We are involved in legal and governmental proceedings as part of the normal course of our business. Reserves have been established based on management's best estimates of our potential liability in these matters. These estimates have been developed in consultation with internal and external counsel and are based on a combination of litigation and settlement strategies. Management believes that such litigation and claims will be resolved without material effect on our financial position or results of operations.

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SEGMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

SEGMENTS

Schedule of selected financial data by segment

	Three Months Ended October 31,
Selected Financial Data by Segment	2013			2012
	(amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Fine Jewelry(a)	$	313,699		$	306,960
Kiosk		46,199			47,818
All Other		2,717			2,690
Total revenues	$	362,615		$	357,468
Depreciation and amortization:
Fine Jewelry	$	5,059		$	5,521
Kiosk		577			739
All Other		—			—
Unallocated		2,025			2,386
Total depreciation and amortization	$	7,661		$	8,646
Operating loss:
Fine Jewelry	$	(12,001	)	$	(16,702	)
Kiosk		(2,555	)		(1,749	)
All Other		1,192			812
Unallocated(b)		(8,668	)		(5,364	)
Total operating loss	$	(22,032	)	$	(23,003	)

(a)

Includes $62.9 million and $63.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to foreign operations.

(b)

Includes credits of $15.8 million and $15.1 million for the three months ended October 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to offset internal carrying costs charged to the segments. The three months ended October 31, 2012 also includes a gain totaling $1.9 million related to the De Beers settlement.

XML

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

LONG-TERM DEBT

Schedule of long-term debt

 Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):

	October 31,
	2013		2012
Revolving credit agreement	$	423,000	$	440,700
Senior secured term loan		80,000		80,000
Capital lease obligations		2,575		3,467
	$	505,575	$	524,167

Schedule of interest rate swaps

Period	Notional Amount (in thousands)		Fixed Interest Rate			Fair Value (in thousands)
October 2013 - July 2014	$	215,000		0.29	%	$	144
August 2014 - July 2016	$	215,000		1.19	%		2,372
						$	2,516

XML

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2013	Dec. 02, 2013
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ZALE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000109156
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Oct. 31, 2013
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--07-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		32,848,772
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1

XML

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2013

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Schedule of composition of accumulated other comprehensive income

The following table includes detail regarding changes in the composition of accumulated other comprehensive income (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended October 31,
	2013			2012
Beginning of period	$	47,015		$	53,369
Foreign currency translation adjustment		(3,233	)		514
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps		(2,516	)		—
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net		74			(55	)
End of period	$	41,340		$	53,828