10-Q

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 April 30, 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 June 4, 2013, 32,515,452 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 and Nine Months Ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)	1
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Three and Nine Months Ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 (unaudited)	2
	Consolidated Balance Sheets – April 30, 2013, July 31, 2012 and April 30, 2012 (unaudited)	3
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Nine Months Ended April 30, 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	14
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	21
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	22
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	23
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	23
Item 6.	Exhibits	27

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						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Revenues	$	442,708		$	445,170		$	1,470,927		$	1,459,915
Cost of sales	209,861			216,977			708,095			708,535
Gross margin	232,847			228,193			762,832			751,380
Selling, general and administrative	214,851			213,088			699,937			694,740
Depreciation and amortization	8,317			9,275			25,793			28,456
Other (gains) charges	(249		)	(375		)	(1,096		)	1,274
Operating earnings	9,928			6,205			38,198			26,910
Interest expense	5,668			9,777			17,598			30,135
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	4,260			(3,572		)	20,600			(3,225		)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(792		)	868			2,604			4,006
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	5,052			(4,440		)	17,996			(7,231		)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—			(87		)	—			(332		)
Net earnings (loss)	$	5,052		$	(4,527	)	$	17,996		$	(7,563	)
Basic net earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.16		$	(0.14	)	$	0.56		$	(0.22	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			—			(0.01		)
Net earnings (loss) per share	$	0.16		$	(0.14	)	$	0.56		$	(0.23	)
Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	0.13		$	(0.14	)	$	0.45		$	(0.22	)
Loss from discontinued operations	—			—			—			(0.01		)
Net earnings (loss) per share	$	0.13		$	(0.14	)	$	0.45		$	(0.23	)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic	32,480			32,213			32,401			32,189
Diluted	39,277			32,213			40,139			32,189

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Net earnings (loss)	$	5,052		$	(4,527	)	$	17,996		$	(7,563	)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,094		)	3,954			(1,624		)	(5,550		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net	318			(217		)	339			331
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	3,276		$	(790	)	$	16,711		$	(12,782	)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	April 30,2013			July 31,2012			April 30,2012
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,693		$	24,603		$	37,291
Merchandise inventories	828,197			741,788			778,705
Other current assets	43,761			42,987			41,500
Total current assets	897,651			809,378			857,496
Property and equipment	685,310			696,485			700,505
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(573,801		)	(574,361		)	(572,998		)
Net property and equipment	111,509			122,124			127,507
Goodwill	99,975			100,544			102,041
Other assets	43,749			47,790			40,540
Deferred tax asset	91,201			91,202			93,746
Total assets	$	1,244,085		$	1,171,038		$	1,221,330
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	$	256,491		$	205,529		$	229,034
Deferred revenue	84,190			85,714			87,798
Deferred tax liability	92,990			92,512			93,281
Total current liabilities	433,671			383,755			410,113
Long-term debt	466,480			452,908			445,505
Deferred revenue – long-term	113,924			122,802			130,029
Other liabilities	32,091			32,637			33,547
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ investment:
Common stock	488			488			488
Additional paid-in capital	158,760			162,711			162,208
Accumulated other comprehensive income	52,818			54,103			58,166
Accumulated earnings	442,390			424,394			444,141
	654,456			641,696			665,003
Treasury stock	(456,537		)	(462,760		)	(462,867		)
Total stockholders’ investment	197,919			178,936			202,136
Total liabilities and stockholders’ investment	$	1,244,085		$	1,171,038		$	1,221,330

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended
	April 30,
	2013			2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$	17,996		$	(7,563	)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Non-cash interest	2,156			2,742
Depreciation and amortization	25,793			28,456
Deferred taxes	491			(220		)
Loss on disposition of property and equipment	935			1,506
Impairment of property and equipment	851			1,009
Stock-based compensation	2,466			2,114
Loss from discontinued operations	—			332
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories	(87,575		)	(61,851		)
Other current assets	(1,094		)	8,160
Other assets	451			383
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	51,167			11,370
Deferred revenue	(10,194		)	(13,419		)
Other liabilities	(520		)	(3,829		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	2,923			(30,810		)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Payments for property and equipment	(16,459		)	(14,221		)
Purchase of available-for-sale investments	(1,674		)	(6,833		)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments	3,449			8,375
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,684		)	(12,679		)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement	3,950,500			3,309,600
Payments on revolving credit agreement	(3,936,900		)	(3,262,800		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	81			—
Payments on capital lease obligations	(751		)	(309		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	12,930			46,491
Cash Flows Used in Discontinued Operations:
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations	—			(789		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(79		)	(47		)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	1,090			2,166
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	24,603			35,125
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	25,693		$	37,291

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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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 April 30, 2013, we operated 1,076 specialty retail jewelry stores and 631 kiosks located mainly 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 five brands, predominantly focused on the value-oriented guest.  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 advertising 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 substantially 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 International, Inc., 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, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 3, 2012.

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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 that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

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

	Fair Value as of April 30, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
U.S. Treasury securities	$	19,572	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities	—		2,800		—
Corporate bonds and notes	—		866		—
Corporate equity securities	4,700		—		—
	$	24,272	$	3,666	$	—

	Fair Value as of April 30, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
U.S. Treasury securities	$	20,933	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities	—		3,048		—
Corporate bonds and notes	—		1,342		—
Corporate equity securities	4,104		—		—
	$	25,037	$	4,390	$	—

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).

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Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Impairment losses related to store-level property and equipment 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 of 15.3 percent to 17.5 percent and positive comparable store sales growth assumptions, and therefore are classified as a Level 3 measurement in the fair value hierarchy.  For the nine months ended April 30, 2013, store-level property and equipment of $1.0 million was written down to their fair value of $0.1 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $0.9 million.  For the nine months ended April 30, 2012, store-level property and equipment of $1.3 million was written down to their fair value of $0.3 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $1.0 million.

At the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, we completed our annual impairment testing of goodwill pursuant to ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.  Based on the test results, we concluded that no impairment was necessary for the $80.6 million of goodwill related to the Peoples Jewellers acquisition and the $19.4 million of goodwill related to the Piercing Pagoda acquisition.  As of the date of the test, the fair value of the Peoples Jewellers and Piercing Pagoda reporting units would have to decline by more than 20 percent and 59 percent, respectively, to be considered for potential impairment.  We calculate the estimated fair value of our reporting units using Level 3 inputs, including: (1) cash flow projections for five years assuming positive comparable store sales growth; (2) terminal year growth rates of two percent based on estimates of long-term inflation expectations; and (3) discount rates of 15.3 percent to 17.5 percent, respectively, based on a risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions.  While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of the reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur.  If our actual results are not consistent with estimates and assumptions used to calculate fair value, we may be required to recognize goodwill impairments.

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 April 30, 2013.  The fair values 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.  All long-term debt securities outstanding at April 30, 2013 will contractually mature within 1 to 20 years.

Our investments consist of the following (in thousands):

	April 30, 2013				April 30, 2012
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities	$	18,145	$	19,572	$	19,428	$	20,933
U.S. government agency securities	2,632		2,800		2,782		3,048
Corporate bonds and notes	773		866		1,223		1,342
Corporate equity securities	3,501		4,700		3,501		4,104
	$	25,051	$	27,938	$	26,934	$	29,427

At April 30, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of investments included a net unrealized gain of $2.9 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 and nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012.

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4.LONG–TERM DEBT

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

	April 30,
	2013		2012
Revolving credit agreement	$	383,400	$	301,800
Senior secured term loan	80,000		140,454
Capital lease obligations	3,080		3,251
	$	466,480	$	445,505

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 range from 68 to 72 percent for the period of May through September 2013, 81 to 83 percent for the period of October through December 2013 and 70 to 73 percent for the period of January through April 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 $209 million as of April 30, 2013, which exceeded the excess availability requirement by $150 million.  The fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.13 as of April 30, 2013.  The Amended Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales.  As of April 30, 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.

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

8

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 April 30, 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, 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 April 30, 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.  Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, we issued 6.4 million A-Warrants and 4.7 million B-Warrants (collectively, 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 seven years after issuance, represented 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 A-Warrants were exercisable immediately; however, the B-Warrants were not exercisable until the shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the B-Warrants were approved by our stockholders, which occurred on July 23, 2010.  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 for resale all or part of the common stock issuable under the Warrant Agreement.

The fair value of the Warrants totaled $21.3 million as of the date of issuance and was recorded as a long-term liability, with a corresponding discount to the carrying value of the prior term loan.  On July 23, 2010, the stockholders approved the shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the B-Warrants.  The long-term liability associated with the Warrants was marked-to-market as of the date of the stockholder approval resulting in an $8.3 million gain during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.  The remaining amount of $13.0 million was reclassified to stockholders’ investment and is included in additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The remaining unamortized discount totaling $20.3 million associated with the Warrants was charged to interest expense as a result of an amendment to the prior term loan on September 24, 2010.

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Capital Lease Obligations

In fiscal year 2012, we entered into capital leases related to vehicles for our field management.  The vehicles are included in property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are depreciated over a four-year life.  Assets under capital leases included in property and equipment as of April 30, 2013 totaled $3.0 million (net of accumulated depreciation).

5.OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES

Other (gains) charges consist of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Store impairments	$	—		$	—		$	851		$	1,009
Store closure adjustments	82			(375		)	244			265
De Beers settlement	(331		)	—			(2,191		)	—
	$	(249	)	$	(375	)	$	(1,096	)	$	1,274

During the second quarter of fiscal years 2013 and 2012, we recorded charges related to the impairment of long-lived assets for underperforming stores totaling $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively.  The impairment of long-lived assets is based on the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.  The fair value is based on future cash flow projections over the remaining lease term using a discount rate that we believe is commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model.  If actual results are not consistent with our cash flow projections, we may be required to record additional impairments.  If operating earnings over the remaining lease term for each store included in our impairment test as of January 31, 2013 were to decline by 20 percent, we would be required to record additional impairments of $0.2 million.  If operating earnings were to decline by 40 percent, the additional impairments required would increase to $0.5 million.

We have recorded lease termination charges related to certain store closures, primarily 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.  As of April 30, 2013, the remaining lease reserve associated with the store closures totaled $0.7 million.

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 three and nine months ended April 30, 2013, we received proceeds totaling $0.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively, as a result of a settlement reached in the lawsuit.

6.EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (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 using the treasury stock method.

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The following table presents a reconciliation of the diluted weighted average shares (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	April 30,		April 30,
	2013	2012	2013	2012
Basic weighted average shares	32,480	32,213	32,401	32,189
Effect of potential dilutive securities:
Warrants	5,894	—	6,639	—
Stock options and restricted share awards	903	—	1,099	—
Diluted weighted average shares	39,277	32,213	40,139	32,189

The calculation of diluted weighted average shares excludes the impact of 1.9 million and 3.6 million antidilutive stock options for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 1.8 million and 3.6 million antidilutive stock options for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calculation of diluted weighted average shares also excludes the impact of 11.1 million antidilutive warrants for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2012.

During the three and nine months ended April 30, 2012, we incurred a net loss of $4.5 million and $7.6 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 those periods.

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						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Beginning of period	$	54,594		$	54,429		$	54,103		$	63,385
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,094		)	3,954			(1,624		)	(5,550		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net	318			(217		)	339			331
End of period	$	52,818		$	58,166		$	52,818		$	58,166

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 April 30, 2013 and 2012, cumulative losses were incurred in our U.S. operations over the applicable three-year period.

Our valuation allowances totaled $88.3 million and $97.2 million as of April 30, 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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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						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
Selected Financial Data by Segment	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Fine Jewelry (a)	$	378,476		$	381,123		$	1,275,744		$	1,266,721
Kiosk	61,375			61,128			187,098			185,339
All Other	2,857			2,919			8,085			7,855
Total revenues	$	442,708		$	445,170		$	1,470,927		$	1,459,915
Depreciation and amortization:
Fine Jewelry	$	5,471		$	5,883		$	16,934		$	17,943
Kiosk	654			810			2,090			2,391
All Other	—			—			—			—
Unallocated	2,192			2,582			6,769			8,122
Total depreciation and amortization	$	8,317		$	9,275		$	25,793		$	28,456
Operating earnings:
Fine Jewelry (b)	$	11,974		$	4,833		$	42,984		$	31,464
Kiosk	5,321			6,372			14,085			14,031
All Other	1,403			1,127			3,309			3,339
Unallocated (c)	(8,770		)	(6,127		)	(22,180		)	(21,924		)
Total operating earnings	$	9,928		$	6,205		$	38,198		$	26,910

(a)	Includes $63.6 million and $65.3 million for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $247.0 million and $244.3 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to foreign operations.
(b)	Includes charges of $0.7 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to store impairments.
(c)	Includes credits of $16.0 million and $14.8 million for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $48.0 million and $44.7 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to offset internal carrying costs charged to the segments. Also includes a gain totaling $0.3 million and $2.2 million related to the De Beers settlement received during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2013, respectively.

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10.CONTINGENCIES

In November 2009, the Company and four former officers, Neal L. Goldberg, Rodney Carter, Mary E. Burton and Cynthia T. Gordon, were named as defendants in two purported class-action lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.  On August 9, 2010, the two lawsuits were consolidated into one lawsuit, which alleged various violations of securities laws arising from the financial statement errors that led to the restatement completed by the Company as part of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009.  The lawsuit requested unspecified damages and costs.  On August 1, 2011, the Court dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice.  The plaintiffs appealed the decision and on November 30, 2012 the United States Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s decision and affirmed dismissal of the plaintiff’s case.  The plaintiffs did not appeal this ruling and the matter was therefore dismissed with prejudice.

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.  ASC 605-20, Revenue Recognition-Services, requires recognition of warranty revenue on a straight-line basis until sufficient cost history exists.  Once sufficient cost history is obtained, revenue is required to be recognized in proportion to when costs are expected to be incurred.  Prior to fiscal year 2012, the Company recognized revenue from lifetime warranties on a straight-line basis over a five-year period because sufficient evidence of the pattern of costs incurred was not available.  During the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, we began recognizing 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.  The deferred revenue balance as of July 31, 2011 related to lifetime warranties is being recognized prospectively, in proportion to the remaining estimated warranty costs.

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						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Deferred revenue, beginning of period	$	202,477		$	222,422		$	208,516		$	232,525
Warranties sold (a)	31,727			31,973			101,276			95,864
Revenue recognized	(36,090		)	(36,568		)	(111,678		)	(110,562		)
Deferred revenue, end of period	$	198,114		$	217,827		$	198,114		$	217,827

(a)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 and nine months ended April 30, 2013.  Warranty sales for the three months ended April 30, 2012 include $0.7 million related to the appreciation in the Canadian currency rate on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance.  Warranty sales for the nine months ended April 30, 2012 include $1.2 million related to the depreciation in the Canadian currency rate on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance.

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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, 2012.

Overview

We are a leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry in North America.  At April 30, 2013, we operated 1,076 fine jewelry stores and 631 kiosk locations 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 five brands, Zales Jewelers®, Zales Outlet®, Gordon’s Jewelers®, Peoples Jewellers® and Mappins Jewellers®, and is predominantly focused on the value-oriented guest.  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 1.4 percent during the third quarter of fiscal year 2013.  At constant exchange rates and excluding the 90 basis point impact of February 29 in fiscal year 2012, comparable store sales increased 2.6 percent for the quarter.  Gross margin increased by 130 basis points to 52.6 percent during the third quarter of fiscal year 2013 compared to the same quarter in the prior year.  The increase is primarily due to the relatively stable commodity cost environment compared to the same period in the prior year resulting in a lower last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) inventory charge.  Net earnings for the quarter were $5.1 million compared to a net loss of $4.5 million for the same period in the prior year.  The $9.6 million improvement is primarily the result of an increase in gross margin and a decrease in interest expense.

Net earnings associated with warranties totaled $91.6 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 compared to $91.5 million for the same period in the prior year.

Outlook for Fiscal Year 2013

We expect to generate positive net earnings in fiscal year 2013.  We believe this will be achieved as a result of positive comparable store sales (partially offset by closed stores), maintaining gross margin rates consistent with fiscal year 2012 and interest expense savings estimated at approximately $17 million as a result of the debt refinancing transactions completed on July 24, 2012.  Total interest expense is expected to be between $23 million and $25 million in fiscal year 2013 compared to $44.6 million in fiscal year 2012, which included $5 million of costs associated with the debt refinancing transactions.  We expect selling, general and administrative expenses to increase slightly primarily as a result of making selective investments in the business.  In addition, we expect to close approximately 60 Fine Jewelry stores and 20 Kiosk Jewelry locations in fiscal year 2013 (net of openings).

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.

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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 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.

The following table reconciles EBITDA to earnings (loss) from continuing operations as presented in our consolidated statements of operations:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013		2012
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	$	5,052		$	(4,440	)	$	17,996	$	(7,231	)
Depreciation and amortization	8,317			9,275			25,793		28,456
Interest expense	5,668			9,777			17,598		30,135
Income tax (benefit) expense	(792		)	868			2,604		4,006
EBITDA	$	18,245		$	15,480		$	63,991	$	55,366

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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				Nine Months Ended
	April 30,				April 30,
	2013		2012		2013		2012
Revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of sales	47.4		48.7		48.1		48.5
Gross margin	52.6		51.3		51.9		51.5
Selling, general and administrative	48.5		47.9		47.6		47.6
Depreciation and amortization	1.9		2.1		1.8		1.9
Other (gains) charges	(0.1	)	(0.1	)	(0.1	)	0.1
Operating earnings	2.2		1.4		2.6		1.8
Interest expense	1.3		2.2		1.2		2.1
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	1.0		(0.8	)	1.4		(0.2	)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(0.2	)	0.2		0.2		0.3
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	1.1		(1.0	)	1.2		(0.5	)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes	—		—		—		—
Net earnings (loss)	1.1	%	(1.0	)%	1.2	%	(0.5	)%

Three Months Ended April 30, 2013 Compared to Three Months Ended April 30, 2012

Revenues.  Revenues for the quarter ended April 30, 2013 were $442.7 million, a decrease of 0.6 percent compared to revenues of $445.2 million for the same period in the prior year.  The decrease in revenues is primarily related to 85 store closures since April 30, 2012 (net of store openings).  The decrease was partially offset by an increase in comparable store sales of 1.4 percent as compared to the same period in the prior year.  At constant exchange rates and excluding the 90 basis point impact of February 29 in fiscal year 2012, comparable store sales increased 2.6 percent for the quarter.  The increase in comparable store sales was attributable to a 1.6 percent increase in the average price per unit and a 1.3 percent increase in the number of units sold in our bridal product lines, partially offset by a decrease in the number of units sold in Fine Jewelry’s core fashion product lines.

Fine Jewelry contributed $378.5 million of revenues in the quarter ended April 30, 2013, a decrease of 0.7 percent compared to $381.1 million for the same period in the prior year.

Kiosk Jewelry contributed $61.4 million of revenues in the quarter ended April 30, 2013, an increase of 0.4 percent compared to $61.1 million in the same period in the prior year.  The increase in revenues is due to a 5.8 percent increase in the average price per unit, partially offset by a 2.7 percent decrease in the number of units sold.

All Other contributed $2.9 million in revenues for the quarters ended April 30, 2013 and 2012.

During the quarter ended April 30, 2013, we closed 27 stores in Fine Jewelry and 16 locations in Kiosk Jewelry.  In addition, we opened four 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 52.6 percent of revenues for the quarter ended April 30, 2013, compared to 51.3 percent for the same period in the prior year.  The 130 basis point improvement was due to the relatively stable commodity cost environment compared to the same period in the prior year resulting in a lower LIFO inventory charge.

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Selling, General and Administrative.  Included in selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) are store operating, advertising, buying, cost of insurance operations and general corporate overhead expenses.  SG&A was 48.5 percent of revenues for the quarter ended April 30, 2013 compared to 47.9 percent for the same period in the prior year.  SG&A increased by $1.8 million to $214.9 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2013.  The increase is primarily related to a $4.2 million increase in costs associated with performance-based compensation related to improved earnings, merchandise sourcing initiatives and other employee-related costs.  The increase was partially offset by a $1.9 million decline in promotional costs.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenues for the quarters ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was 1.9 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively.  The decrease is primarily the result of 85 store closures since April 30, 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) Charges.  Other gains for the quarter ended April 30, 2013 consists primarily of $0.3 million in proceeds related to the De Beers settlement.  Other gains for the quarter ended April 30, 2012 includes a gain of $0.4 million related to adjustments to the lease reserves associated with store closures.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense as a percentage of revenues for the quarters ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was 1.3 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively.  Interest expense decreased by $4.1 million to $5.7 million for the three months ended April 30, 2013.  The decrease is due primarily to the debt refinancing transactions completed in July 2012 which resulted in an effective interest rate of 3.8 percent for the three months ended April 30, 2013, compared to 7.6 percent for the same period in the prior year.  The decrease was partially offset by an increase in the average borrowings compared to the same period in the prior year.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense.  Income tax benefit totaled $0.8 million for the three months ended April 30, 2013, as compared to a $0.9 million income tax expense for the same period in the prior year.  The income tax benefit for the three months ended April 30, 2013 was primarily associated with operating losses related to our Canadian subsidiaries.  Income tax expense for the three months ended April 30, 2012 was primarily associated with operating earnings related to our Canadian subsidiaries.

Nine Months Ended April 30, 2013 Compared to Nine Months Ended April 30, 2012

Revenues.  Revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 were $1,470.9 million, an increase of 0.8 percent compared to revenues of $1,459.9 million for the same period in the prior year.  Comparable store sales increased 2.7 percent as compared to the same period in the prior year.  The increase in comparable store sales was attributable to a 3.9 percent increase in the average price per unit in our bridal product lines, partially offset by a decrease in the number of units sold in Fine Jewelry’s core fashion product lines.  The increase was partially offset by a decrease in revenues related to 85 store closures since April 30, 2012 (net of store openings).

Fine Jewelry contributed $1,275.7 million of revenues in the nine months ended April 30, 2013, an increase of 0.7 percent compared to $1,266.7 million for the same period in the prior year.

Kiosk Jewelry contributed $187.1 million of revenues in the nine months ended April 30, 2013, an increase of 0.9 percent compared to $185.3 million in the same period in the prior year.  The increase in revenues is due to a 4.8 percent increase in the average price per unit, partially offset by a 2.8 percent decrease in the number of units sold.

All Other contributed $8.1 million in revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2013, an increase of 2.9 percent compared to $7.9 million for the same period in the prior year.

During the nine months ended April 30, 2013, we closed 48 stores in Fine Jewelry and 28 locations in Kiosk Jewelry.  In addition, we opened 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 51.9 percent of revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2013, compared to 51.5 percent for the same period in the prior year.  The 40 basis point improvement was due to the relatively stable commodity cost environment compared to the same period in the prior year resulting in a lower LIFO inventory charge, partially offset by an increase in inventory reserves.

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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 47.6 percent of revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012.  SG&A increased by $5.2 million to $699.9 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013.  The increase is related to a $15.6 million increase in costs associated primarily with performance-based compensation related to improved earnings, initiatives involving merchandise sourcing and training, and our special events program that began in the second quarter of the prior year.  The increase was partially offset by a $10.2 million decrease in promotional costs.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was 1.8 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively.  The decrease is primarily the result of 85 store closures since April 30, 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) Charges.  Other gains for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 includes proceeds totaling $2.2 million related to the De Beers settlement, partially offset by a $0.9 million charge related to the impairment of long-lived assets associated with underperforming stores and a $0.2 million charge associated with store closures.  Other charges for the nine months ended April 30, 2012 includes a $1.0 million charge related to the impairment of long-lived assets associated with underperforming stores and a $0.3 million charge associated with store closures.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense as a percentage of revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 was 1.2 percent and 2.1 percent, respectively.  Interest expense decreased by $12.5 million to $17.6 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013.  The decrease is due primarily to the debt refinancing transactions completed in July 2012 which resulted in an effective interest rate of 3.7 percent for the nine months ended April 30, 2013, compared to 7.4 percent for the same period in the prior year.  The decrease was partially offset by an increase in the average borrowings compared to the same period in the prior year.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense.  Income tax expense totaled $2.6 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013, as compared to $4.0 million for the same period in the prior year.  Income tax expense for both periods was primarily associated with operating earnings 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 distribution facilities, 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 April 30, 2013, we had borrowing availability under the revolving credit agreement of approximately $209 million.  The average vendor payment terms during the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012 were approximately 55 days and 50 days, respectively.  As of April 30, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $25.7 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.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.9 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013, an improvement of $33.7 million compared to the net cash used in operating activities of $30.8 million for the same period in the prior year.  The improvement is primarily the result of the timing of vendor payments, an increase in operating earnings and a $12.0 million reduction in cash paid for interest as a result of the debt refinancing transactions completed in July 2012.  The improvement was partially offset by an increase 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 April 30, 2013 was $828.2 million, an increase of $49.5 million compared to April 30, 2012.  The increase is primarily due to the expansion of our bridal and exclusive merchandise collections into additional stores and higher merchandise cost, partially offset by the impact of 85 store closures since April 30, 2012 (net of store openings).

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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 range from 68 to 72 percent for the period of May through September 2013, 81 to 83 percent for the period of October through December 2013 and 70 to 73 percent for the period of January through April 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 $209 million as of April 30, 2013, which exceeded the excess availability requirement by $150 million.  The fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.13 as of April 30, 2013.  The Amended Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales.  As of April 30, 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.

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 April 30, 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.

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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, 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 April 30, 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.  Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, we issued 6.4 million A-Warrants and 4.7 million B-Warrants (collectively, 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 seven years after issuance, represented 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 A-Warrants were exercisable immediately; however, the B-Warrants were not exercisable until the shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the B-Warrants were approved by our stockholders, which occurred on July 23, 2010.  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 for resale all or part of the common stock issuable under the Warrant Agreement.

The fair value of the Warrants totaled $21.3 million as of the date of issuance and was recorded as a long-term liability, with a corresponding discount to the carrying value of the prior term loan.  On July 23, 2010, the stockholders approved the shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the B-Warrants.  The long-term liability associated with the Warrants was marked-to-market as of the date of the stockholder approval resulting in an $8.3 million gain during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.  The remaining amount of $13.0 million was reclassified to stockholders’ investment and is included in additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The remaining unamortized discount totaling $20.3 million associated with the Warrants was charged to interest expense as a result of an amendment to the prior term loan on September 24, 2010.

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 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 addition, 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 April 30, 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, 2013.  During the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, our guests used our private label credit card to pay for approximately 32 percent and 33 percent, respectively, of purchases in the U.S.

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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, 2013.  During the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, our guests used our private label credit card to pay for approximately 18 percent and 19 percent, respectively, of purchases in Canada.

We also enter into agreements with certain other lenders to offer alternative financing options to our U.S. guests who have been declined by Citibank.  During the first quarter of fiscal year 2013, we expanded our alternative credit program by entering into an agreement with Genesis Financial Solutions, Inc. to provide additional financing options to our U.S. guests.

Capital Expenditures

During the nine months ended April 30, 2013, we invested $13.7 million to remodel, relocate and refurbish stores and to complete store enhancement projects.  We also invested $2.8 million in infrastructure, primarily related to information technology.  We anticipate investing between $25 million and $30 million in capital expenditures in fiscal year 2013.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Inflation.  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 have recorded LIFO charges in cost of sales totaling $4.8 million and $16.2 million during the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The LIFO inventory reserve included in the consolidated balance sheets as of April 30, 2013 and 2012 totaled $63.1 million and $52.1 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 April 30, 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 nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, the average Canadian currency rate appreciated by approximately one percent and depreciated by approximately one percent, respectively, relative to the U.S. dollar as compared to the prior year period.  The appreciation in the Canadian currency rate for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 resulted in a $3.5 million increase in reported revenues, offset by an increase in reported cost of sales and SG&A of $3.2 million.  The depreciation in the Canadian currency rate for the nine months ended April 30, 2012 resulted in a $1.4 million decrease in reported revenues, offset by a decrease in reported cost of sales and SG&A of $1.1 million.

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.  Future and existing borrowings under our Amended Credit Agreement would be affected by interest rate changes.  As of April 30, 2013, we had borrowings of $383.4 million under our Amended Credit Agreement.  A one percent increase in the interest rate would increase annual interest expense by approximately $4 million.

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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.

At April 30, 2013, there were no other material changes in any of the market risk information disclosed by us in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012.  More detailed information concerning market risk can be found under the sub-caption Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” of the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on page 34 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012.

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 April 30, 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 and interest expense for fiscal year 2013), 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 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.

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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 a single entity, 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 availability of diamonds also is 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 also 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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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 would 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

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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 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 continued 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, and/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 acquisitions or dispositions.

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.

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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.

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.

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
10.1	Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for directors (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 22, 2013, File No. 1-04129)
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: June 7, 2013	By:	/s/ THOMAS A. HAUBENSTRICKER
		Thomas A. Haubenstricker
		Chief Financial Officer
		(principal financial officer of the registrant)

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EX-31.1

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: June 7, 2013	By:	/s/ THEO KILLION
		Theo Killion
		Chief Executive Officer
		(principal executive officer of the registrant)

EX-31.2

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: June 7, 2013	By:	/s/ MATTHEW W. APPEL
		Matthew W. Appel
		Chief Administrative Officer

EX-31.3

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: June 7, 2013	By:	/s/ THOMAS A. HAUBENSTRICKER
		Thomas A. Haubenstricker
		Chief Financial Officer
		(principal financial officer of the registrant)

EX-32.1

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 April 30, 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: June 7, 2013	By:	/s/ THEO KILLION
		Theo Killion
		Chief Executive Officer
		(principal executive officer of the registrant)

EX-32.2

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 April 30, 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: June 7, 2013	By:	/s/ MATTHEW W. APPEL
		Matthew W. Appel
		Chief Administrative Officer

EX-32.3

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 April 30, 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: June 7, 2013	By:	/s/ THOMAS A. HAUBENSTRICKER
		Thomas A. Haubenstricker
		Chief Financial Officer
		(principal financial officer of the registrant)

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

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

	Fair Value as of April 30, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
U.S. Treasury securities	$	19,572	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities	—		2,800		—
Corporate bonds and notes	—		866		—
Corporate equity securities	4,700		—		—
	$	24,272	$	3,666	$	—

	Fair Value as of April 30, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
U.S. Treasury securities	$	20,933	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities	—		3,048		—
Corporate bonds and notes	—		1,342		—
Corporate equity securities	4,104		—		—
	$	25,037	$	4,390	$	—

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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 25,693	$ 24,603	$ 37,291
Merchandise inventories	828,197	741,788	778,705
Other current assets	43,761	42,987	41,500
Total current assets	897,651	809,378	857,496
Property and equipment	685,310	696,485	700,505
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(573,801)	(574,361)	(572,998)
Net property and equipment	111,509	122,124	127,507
Goodwill	99,975	100,544	102,041
Other assets	43,749	47,790	40,540
Deferred tax asset	91,201	91,202	93,746
Total assets	1,244,085	1,171,038	1,221,330
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	256,491	205,529	229,034
Deferred revenue	84,190	85,714	87,798
Deferred tax liability	92,990	92,512	93,281
Total current liabilities	433,671	383,755	410,113
Long-term debt	466,480	452,908	445,505
Deferred revenue - long-term	113,924	122,802	130,029
Other liabilities	32,091	32,637	33,547
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' investment:
Common stock	488	488	488
Additional paid-in capital	158,760	162,711	162,208
Accumulated other comprehensive income	52,818	54,103	58,166
Accumulated earnings	442,390	424,394	444,141
Total stockholders' investment before treasury stock	654,456	641,696	665,003
Treasury stock	(456,537)	(462,760)	(462,867)
Total stockholders' investment	197,919	178,936	202,136
Total liabilities and stockholders' investment	$ 1,244,085	$ 1,171,038	$ 1,221,330

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OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES

OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES

5. OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES

Other (gains) charges consist of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Store impairments	$	—		$	—		$	851		$	1,009
Store closure adjustments	82			(375		)	244			265
De Beers settlement	(331		)	—			(2,191		)	—
	$	(249	)	$	(375	)	$	(1,096	)	$	1,274

During the second quarter of fiscal years 2013 and 2012, we recorded charges related to the impairment of long-lived assets for underperforming stores totaling $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively.  The impairment of long-lived assets is based on the amount that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets.  The fair value is based on future cash flow projections over the remaining lease term using a discount rate that we believe is commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model.  If actual results are not consistent with our cash flow projections, we may be required to record additional impairments.  If operating earnings over the remaining lease term for each store included in our impairment test as of January 31, 2013 were to decline by 20 percent, we would be required to record additional impairments of $0.2 million.  If operating earnings were to decline by 40 percent, the additional impairments required would increase to $0.5 million.

We have recorded lease termination charges related to certain store closures, primarily 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.  As of April 30, 2013, the remaining lease reserve associated with the store closures totaled $0.7 million.

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 three and nine months ended April 30, 2013, we received proceeds totaling $0.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively, as a result of a settlement reached in the lawsuit.

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DEFERRED REVENUE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 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						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Deferred revenue, beginning of period	$	202,477		$	222,422		$	208,516		$	232,525
Warranties sold (a)	31,727			31,973			101,276			95,864
Revenue recognized	(36,090		)	(36,568		)	(111,678		)	(110,562		)
Deferred revenue, end of period	$	198,114		$	217,827		$	198,114		$	217,827

(a) 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 and nine months ended April 30, 2013.  Warranty sales for the three months ended April 30, 2012 include $0.7 million related to the appreciation in the Canadian currency rate on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance.  Warranty sales for the nine months ended April 30, 2012 include $1.2 million related to the depreciation in the Canadian currency rate on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance.

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INVESTMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

INVESTMENTS

Schedule of investments

Our investments consist of the following (in thousands):

	April 30, 2013				April 30, 2012
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities	$	18,145	$	19,572	$	19,428	$	20,933
U.S. government agency securities	2,632		2,800		2,782		3,048
Corporate bonds and notes	773		866		1,223		1,342
Corporate equity securities	3,501		4,700		3,501		4,104
	$	25,051	$	27,938	$	26,934	$	29,427

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DEFERRED REVENUE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013 Optional theft protection Fine Jewelry	Oct. 31, 2011 Lifetime warranty Fine Jewelry	Jul. 31, 2011 Lifetime warranty Fine Jewelry Previous estimate	Apr. 30, 2013 Watch warranty Fine Jewelry	Apr. 30, 2013 Breakage warranty Fine Jewelry	Apr. 30, 2013 Breakage warranty Kiosk
DEFERRED REVENUE
Contract period of arrangement					2 years	8 years	5 years	2 years	1 year	1 year
Revenue recognition period					2 years
Change in deferred revenue associated with the sale of warranties
Deferred revenue, beginning of period	$ 202,477,000	$ 222,422,000	$ 208,516,000	$ 232,525,000
Warranties sold	31,727,000	31,973,000	101,276,000	95,864,000
Revenue recognized	(36,090,000)	(36,568,000)	(111,678,000)	(110,562,000)
Deferred revenue, end of period	198,114,000	217,827,000	198,114,000	217,827,000
Translation adjustment for fluctuation in Canadian currency rate (amounts included in warranties sold)		$ 700,000		$ (1,200,000)

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2013 Level 3	Jan. 31, 2013 Level 3 Minimum	Apr. 30, 2013 Level 3 Minimum	Jan. 31, 2013 Level 3 Maximum	Apr. 30, 2013 Level 3 Maximum	Jan. 31, 2013 Peoples Jewellers	Jan. 31, 2013 Piercing Pagoda
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Goodwill impairment loss	$ 0
GOODWILL
Goodwill		$ 99,975,000	$ 100,544,000	$ 102,041,000						$ 80,600,000	$ 19,400,000
Percentage of excess of fair value of goodwill over carrying value, to be considered for potential impairment										20.00%	59.00%
Cash flow projection period used as an input in calculating fair value of goodwill					5 years
Terminal year growth rates used as an input in calculating fair value of goodwill (as a percent)					2.00%
Discount rates based on a weighted average cost of capital used as an input in calculating fair value of goodwill (as a percent)						15.30%	15.30%	17.50%	17.50%

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Impairment charge	$ 900,000	$ 1,000,000	$ 851,000	$ 1,009,000
Store-level property and equipment
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Impairment charge			900,000	1,000,000
Cost | Store-level property and equipment
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Store-level property and equipment			1,000,000	1,300,000
Level 3 | Minimum
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Weighted average cost of capital (as a percent)	15.30%		15.30%
Level 3 | Maximum
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Weighted average cost of capital (as a percent)	17.50%		17.50%
Recurring basis | Level 1
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Investments measured at fair value			24,272,000	25,037,000
Recurring basis | Level 1 | U.S. Treasury securities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Investments measured at fair value			19,572,000	20,933,000
Recurring basis | Level 1 | Corporate equity securities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Investments measured at fair value			4,700,000	4,104,000
Recurring basis | Level 2
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Investments measured at fair value			3,666,000	4,390,000
Recurring basis | Level 2 | U.S. government agency securities
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Investments measured at fair value			2,800,000	3,048,000
Recurring basis | Level 2 | Corporate bonds and notes
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Investments measured at fair value			866,000	1,342,000
Nonrecurring basis | Store-level property and equipment
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Store-level property and equipment			$ 100,000	$ 300,000

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Changes in the composition of accumulated other comprehensive income
Balance at the beginning of the period	$ 54,594	$ 54,429	$ 54,103	$ 63,385
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,094)	3,954	(1,624)	(5,550)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net	318	(217)	339	331
Balance at the end of the period	$ 52,818	$ 58,166	$ 52,818	$ 58,166

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified				9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013 Capital lease obligations Vehicles
Long-term debt
Useful life of vehicle				4 years
Assets under capital leases	$ 111,509	$ 122,124	$ 127,507	$ 3,000

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013 item
Basis of Presentation
Number of reportable segments	3
Number of subsidiaries engaged in providing credit insurance to credit customers	3
Specialty retail jewelry stores
Basis of Presentation
Number of stores	1,076
Kiosk stores
Basis of Presentation
Number of stores	631

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 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 April 30, 2013, we operated 1,076 specialty retail jewelry stores and 631 kiosks located mainly 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 five brands, predominantly focused on the value-oriented guest.  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 advertising 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 substantially 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 International, Inc., 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, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 3, 2012.

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INVESTMENTS

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 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.  All long-term debt securities outstanding at April 30, 2013 will contractually mature within 1 to 20 years.

Our investments consist of the following (in thousands):

	April 30, 2013				April 30, 2012
	Cost		Fair Value		Cost		Fair Value
U.S. Treasury securities	$	18,145	$	19,572	$	19,428	$	20,933
U.S. government agency securities	2,632		2,800		2,782		3,048
Corporate bonds and notes	773		866		1,223		1,342
Corporate equity securities	3,501		4,700		3,501		4,104
	$	25,051	$	27,938	$	26,934	$	29,427

At April 30, 2013 and 2012, the carrying value of investments included a net unrealized gain of $2.9 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 and nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012.

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EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

6. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (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 using the treasury stock method.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the diluted weighted average shares (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	April 30,		April 30,
	2013	2012	2013	2012
Basic weighted average shares	32,480	32,213	32,401	32,189
Effect of potential dilutive securities:
Warrants	5,894	—	6,639	—
Stock options and restricted share awards	903	—	1,099	—
Diluted weighted average shares	39,277	32,213	40,139	32,189

The calculation of diluted weighted average shares excludes the impact of 1.9 million and 3.6 million antidilutive stock options for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and 1.8 million and 3.6 million antidilutive stock options for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The calculation of diluted weighted average shares also excludes the impact of 11.1 million antidilutive warrants for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2012.

During the three and nine months ended April 30, 2012, we incurred a net loss of $4.5 million and $7.6 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 those periods.

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LONG-TERM DEBT

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT

4. LONG–TERM DEBT

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

	April 30,
	2013		2012
Revolving credit agreement	$	383,400	$	301,800
Senior secured term loan	80,000		140,454
Capital lease obligations	3,080		3,251
	$	466,480	$	445,505

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 range from 68 to 72 percent for the period of May through September 2013, 81 to 83 percent for the period of October through December 2013 and 70 to 73 percent for the period of January through April 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 $209 million as of April 30, 2013, which exceeded the excess availability requirement by $150 million.  The fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.13 as of April 30, 2013.  The Amended Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales.  As of April 30, 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.

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 April 30, 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, 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 April 30, 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.  Under the terms of the Warrant Agreement, we issued 6.4 million A-Warrants and 4.7 million B-Warrants (collectively, 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 seven years after issuance, represented 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 A-Warrants were exercisable immediately; however, the B-Warrants were not exercisable until the shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the B-Warrants were approved by our stockholders, which occurred on July 23, 2010.  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 for resale all or part of the common stock issuable under the Warrant Agreement.

The fair value of the Warrants totaled $21.3 million as of the date of issuance and was recorded as a long-term liability, with a corresponding discount to the carrying value of the prior term loan.  On July 23, 2010, the stockholders approved the shares of common stock to be issued upon exercise of the B-Warrants.  The long-term liability associated with the Warrants was marked-to-market as of the date of the stockholder approval resulting in an $8.3 million gain during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2010.  The remaining amount of $13.0 million was reclassified to stockholders’ investment and is included in additional paid-in capital in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The remaining unamortized discount totaling $20.3 million associated with the Warrants was charged to interest expense as a result of an amendment to the prior term loan on September 24, 2010.

Capital Lease Obligations

In fiscal year 2012, we entered into capital leases related to vehicles for our field management.  The vehicles are included in property and equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and are depreciated over a four-year life.  Assets under capital leases included in property and equipment as of April 30, 2013 totaled $3.0 million (net of accumulated depreciation).

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INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)																							9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013 Cost	Apr. 30, 2012 Cost	Apr. 30, 2013 Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2012 Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2013 U.S. Treasury securities Cost	Apr. 30, 2012 U.S. Treasury securities Cost	Apr. 30, 2013 U.S. Treasury securities Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2012 U.S. Treasury securities Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2013 U.S. government agency securities Cost	Apr. 30, 2012 U.S. government agency securities Cost	Apr. 30, 2013 U.S. government agency securities Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2012 U.S. government agency securities Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2013 Corporate bonds and notes Cost	Apr. 30, 2012 Corporate bonds and notes Cost	Apr. 30, 2013 Corporate bonds and notes Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2012 Corporate bonds and notes Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2013 Corporate equity securities Cost	Apr. 30, 2012 Corporate equity securities Cost	Apr. 30, 2013 Corporate equity securities Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2012 Corporate equity securities Fair Value	Apr. 30, 2013 Minimum	Apr. 30, 2013 Maximum
INVESTMENTS
Contractual maturity period																							1 year	20 years
Available for Sale Securities Amortized, Cost			$ 25,051,000	$ 26,934,000			$ 18,145,000	$ 19,428,000			$ 2,632,000	$ 2,782,000			$ 773,000	$ 1,223,000			$ 3,501,000	$ 3,501,000
Available for Sale Securities Noncurrent, Fair Value					27,938,000	29,427,000			19,572,000	20,933,000			2,800,000	3,048,000			866,000	1,342,000			4,700,000	4,104,000
Net unrealized gain	$ 2,900,000	$ 2,500,000

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OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES
Store impairments		$ 900,000		$ 1,000,000	$ 851,000	$ 1,009,000
Store closure adjustments	82,000		(375,000)		244,000	265,000
De Beers settlement	(331,000)				(2,191,000)
Other charges	(249,000)		(375,000)		(1,096,000)	1,274,000
Percentage one, used in impairment sensitivity analysis to disclose financial impact of adverse change in earnings					20.00%
Amount of additional impairment if operating earnings decline by 20%	200,000				200,000
Percentage two, used in impairment sensitivity analysis to disclose financial impact of adverse change in earnings					40.00%
Amount of additional impairment if operating earnings decline by 40%	500,000				500,000
Lease reserve associated with the store closures, primarily in fine jewelry	700,000				700,000
Amount received as a result of a settlement of lawsuit	$ 300,000				$ 2,200,000

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CONTINGENCIES (Details) (Purported class-action lawsuits)	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2010 item	Nov. 30, 2009 item
Purported class-action lawsuits
CONTINGENCIES
Number of former officers named as defendants in lawsuits		4
Number of lawsuits filed		2
Number of cases after consolidation	1

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 5,052	$ (4,527)	$ 17,996	$ (7,563)
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,094)	3,954	(1,624)	(5,550)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net	318	(217)	339	331
Comprehensive income (loss)	$ 3,276	$ (790)	$ 16,711	$ (12,782)

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SEGMENTS

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 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						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
Selected Financial Data by Segment	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Fine Jewelry (a)	$	378,476		$	381,123		$	1,275,744		$	1,266,721
Kiosk	61,375			61,128			187,098			185,339
All Other	2,857			2,919			8,085			7,855
Total revenues	$	442,708		$	445,170		$	1,470,927		$	1,459,915
Depreciation and amortization:
Fine Jewelry	$	5,471		$	5,883		$	16,934		$	17,943
Kiosk	654			810			2,090			2,391
All Other	—			—			—			—
Unallocated	2,192			2,582			6,769			8,122
Total depreciation and amortization	$	8,317		$	9,275		$	25,793		$	28,456
Operating earnings:
Fine Jewelry (b)	$	11,974		$	4,833		$	42,984		$	31,464
Kiosk	5,321			6,372			14,085			14,031
All Other	1,403			1,127			3,309			3,339
Unallocated (c)	(8,770		)	(6,127		)	(22,180		)	(21,924		)
Total operating earnings	$	9,928		$	6,205		$	38,198		$	26,910

(a)	Includes $63.6 million and $65.3 million for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $247.0 million and $244.3 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to foreign operations.
(b)	Includes charges of $0.7 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to store impairments.
(c)	Includes credits of $16.0 million and $14.8 million for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $48.0 million and $44.7 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to offset internal carrying costs charged to the segments. Also includes a gain totaling $0.3 million and $2.2 million related to the De Beers settlement received during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2013, respectively.

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net earnings (loss)	$ 17,996	$ (7,563)
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Non-cash interest	2,156	2,742
Depreciation and amortization	25,793	28,456
Deferred taxes	491	(220)
Loss on disposition of property and equipment	935	1,506
Impairment of property and equipment	851	1,009
Stock-based compensation	2,466	2,114
Loss from discontinued operations		332
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories	(87,575)	(61,851)
Other current assets	(1,094)	8,160
Other assets	451	383
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	51,167	11,370
Deferred revenue	(10,194)	(13,419)
Other liabilities	(520)	(3,829)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	2,923	(30,810)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Payments for property and equipment	(16,459)	(14,221)
Purchase of available-for-sale investments	(1,674)	(6,833)
Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale investments	3,449	8,375
Net cash used in investing activities	(14,684)	(12,679)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings under revolving credit agreement	3,950,500	3,309,600
Payments on revolving credit agreement	(3,936,900)	(3,262,800)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	81
Payments on capital lease obligations	(751)	(309)
Net cash provided by financing activities	12,930	46,491
Cash Flows Used in Discontinued Operations:
Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations		(789)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(79)	(47)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	1,090	2,166
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	24,603	35,125
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 25,693	$ 37,291

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues	$ 442,708	$ 445,170	$ 1,470,927	$ 1,459,915
Cost of sales	209,861	216,977	708,095	708,535
Gross margin	232,847	228,193	762,832	751,380
Selling, general and administrative	214,851	213,088	699,937	694,740
Depreciation and amortization	8,317	9,275	25,793	28,456
Other (gains) charges	(249)	(375)	(1,096)	1,274
Operating earnings	9,928	6,205	38,198	26,910
Interest expense	5,668	9,777	17,598	30,135
Earnings (loss) before income taxes	4,260	(3,572)	20,600	(3,225)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(792)	868	2,604	4,006
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	5,052	(4,440)	17,996	(7,231)
Loss from discontinued operations, net of taxes		(87)		(332)
Net earnings (loss)	$ 5,052	$ (4,527)	$ 17,996	$ (7,563)
Basic net earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.56	$ (0.22)
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)				$ (0.01)
Net earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.16	$ (0.14)	$ 0.56	$ (0.23)
Diluted net earnings (loss) per common share:
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ (0.14)	$ 0.45	$ (0.22)
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)				$ (0.01)
Net earnings (loss) per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.13	$ (0.14)	$ 0.45	$ (0.23)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	32,480	32,213	32,401	32,189
Diluted (in shares)	39,277	32,213	40,139	32,189

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Details) (USD $)				9 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended							1 Months Ended		9 Months Ended						1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended						9 Months Ended			1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Jul. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013 Revolving credit agreement	Apr. 30, 2012 Revolving credit agreement	Jul. 31, 2012 Amended Credit Agreement	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement	Jul. 24, 2012 Amended Credit Agreement	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement Minimum	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement May through September 2013 Minimum	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement May through September 2013 Maximum	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement October through December 2013 Minimum	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement October through December 2013 Maximum	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement January through April 2014 Minimum	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement January through April 2014 Maximum	Jul. 31, 2012 FILO Facility	Jul. 24, 2012 FILO Facility	Apr. 30, 2013 FILO Facility LIBOR	Apr. 30, 2013 FILO Facility Base rate	Apr. 30, 2013 FILO Facility Minimum LIBOR	Apr. 30, 2013 FILO Facility Minimum Base rate	Apr. 30, 2013 FILO Facility Maximum LIBOR	Apr. 30, 2013 FILO Facility Maximum Base rate	Jul. 31, 2012 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility)	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) LIBOR	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Base rate	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Minimum LIBOR	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Minimum Base rate	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Maximum LIBOR	Apr. 30, 2013 Amended Credit Agreement (excluding the FILO Facility) Maximum Base rate	Apr. 30, 2013 Revolving credit prior to amended and restated revolving credit agreement	Apr. 30, 2013 Senior Secured Term Loan	Apr. 30, 2012 Senior Secured Term Loan	Jul. 31, 2012 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012	Jul. 31, 2012 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012	Jul. 24, 2012 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013 Senior secured term loan amended July 24, 2012 Minimum	Apr. 30, 2013 Capital lease obligations	Apr. 30, 2012 Capital lease obligations
Long-term debt
Long-term debt	$ 466,480,000	$ 452,908,000	$ 445,505,000	$ 383,400,000	$ 301,800,000																											$ 80,000,000	$ 140,454,000						$ 3,080,000	$ 3,251,000
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 range from 68 to 72 percent for the period of May through September 2013, 81 to 83 percent for the period of October through December 2013 and 70 to 73 percent for the period of January through April 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										68.00%	72.00%	81.00%	83.00%	70.00%	73.00%
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 $209 million as of April 30, 2013, which exceeded the excess availability requirement by $150 million. The fixed charge coverage ratio was 2.13 as of April 30, 2013. The Amended Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales. As of April 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.
Fixed charge coverage ratio							2.13		1.0																													1.0
Remaining borrowing capacity							209,000,000
Remaining borrowing capacity in excess of minimum availability requirement							150,000,000
Debt issuance costs				12,100,000																															4,400,000
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 April 30, 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, 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 April 30, 2013, we were in compliance with all covenants.
Life of the credit agreement							5 years																													5 years
Fees charged to earnings associated with debt amendment																																			2,000,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs charged to interest expense																															6,500,000
Unamortized debt issuance costs charged to other assets								$ 5,600,000																												$ 2,400,000

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SEGMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

SEGMENTS

Schedule of selected financial data by segment

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
Selected Financial Data by Segment	2013			2012			2013			2012
	(amounts in thousands)
Revenues:
Fine Jewelry (a)	$	378,476		$	381,123		$	1,275,744		$	1,266,721
Kiosk	61,375			61,128			187,098			185,339
All Other	2,857			2,919			8,085			7,855
Total revenues	$	442,708		$	445,170		$	1,470,927		$	1,459,915
Depreciation and amortization:
Fine Jewelry	$	5,471		$	5,883		$	16,934		$	17,943
Kiosk	654			810			2,090			2,391
All Other	—			—			—			—
Unallocated	2,192			2,582			6,769			8,122
Total depreciation and amortization	$	8,317		$	9,275		$	25,793		$	28,456
Operating earnings:
Fine Jewelry (b)	$	11,974		$	4,833		$	42,984		$	31,464
Kiosk	5,321			6,372			14,085			14,031
All Other	1,403			1,127			3,309			3,339
Unallocated (c)	(8,770		)	(6,127		)	(22,180		)	(21,924		)
Total operating earnings	$	9,928		$	6,205		$	38,198		$	26,910

(a)	Includes $63.6 million and $65.3 million for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $247.0 million and $244.3 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to foreign operations.
(b)	Includes charges of $0.7 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to store impairments.
(c)	Includes credits of $16.0 million and $14.8 million for the three months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $48.0 million and $44.7 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, to offset internal carrying costs charged to the segments. Also includes a gain totaling $0.3 million and $2.2 million related to the De Beers settlement received during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2013, respectively.

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INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
INCOME TAXES
Most recent period for which cumulative losses incurred is to be considered	3 years
Valuation allowances related to deferred tax assets	$ 88.3	$ 97.2

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SEGMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Jan. 31, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013 item	Apr. 30, 2012
SEGMENTS
Number of business segments					3
SEGMENTS
Total revenues	$ 442,708,000		$ 445,170,000		$ 1,470,927,000	$ 1,459,915,000
Total depreciation and amortization	8,317,000		9,275,000		25,793,000	28,456,000
Total operating earnings	9,928,000		6,205,000		38,198,000	26,910,000
Store impairments		900,000		1,000,000	851,000	1,009,000
De Beers settlement	331,000				2,191,000
Fine Jewelry
SEGMENTS
Total revenues	378,476,000		381,123,000		1,275,744,000	1,266,721,000
Total depreciation and amortization	5,471,000		5,883,000		16,934,000	17,943,000
Total operating earnings	11,974,000		4,833,000		42,984,000	31,464,000
Revenue related to foreign operations	63,600,000		65,300,000		247,000,000	244,300,000
Store impairments					700,000	1,000,000
Kiosk
SEGMENTS
Total revenues	61,375,000		61,128,000		187,098,000	185,339,000
Total depreciation and amortization	654,000		810,000		2,090,000	2,391,000
Total operating earnings	5,321,000		6,372,000		14,085,000	14,031,000
All Other
SEGMENTS
Total revenues	2,857,000		2,919,000		8,085,000	7,855,000
Total operating earnings	1,403,000		1,127,000		3,309,000	3,339,000
Unallocated
SEGMENTS
Total depreciation and amortization	2,192,000		2,582,000		6,769,000	8,122,000
Total operating earnings	(8,770,000)		(6,127,000)		(22,180,000)	(21,924,000)
Internal carrying costs offset	16,000,000		14,800,000		48,000,000	44,700,000
De Beers settlement	$ 300,000				$ 2,200,000

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INCOME TAXES

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 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 April 30, 2013 and 2012, cumulative losses were incurred in our U.S. operations over the applicable three-year period.

Our valuation allowances totaled $88.3 million and $97.2 million as of April 30, 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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LONG-TERM DEBT (Details 2) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	May 31, 2010	Jul. 31, 2010	Sep. 24, 2010	May 10, 2010
Warrant
Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement
Warrants conversion ratio	1
Exercise price of warrants (in dollars per share)				$ 2.00
Expiration period	7 years
Warrants as a percentage of common stock on a fully diluted basis	25.00%
Fair value of the warrants				$ 21.3
Mark-to-market gain		8.3
Warrants reclassified to stockholders' investment and included in additional paid-in capital		13.0
Unamortized discount associated with the Warrants charged to interest expense			$ 20.3
A-Warrants | Senior secured term loan prior to September 2010 amendment
Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement
Number of warrants issued	6.4
B-Warrants | Senior secured term loan prior to September 2010 amendment
Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement
Number of warrants issued	4.7

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DEFERRED REVENUE

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 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.  ASC 605-20, Revenue Recognition-Services, requires recognition of warranty revenue on a straight-line basis until sufficient cost history exists.  Once sufficient cost history is obtained, revenue is required to be recognized in proportion to when costs are expected to be incurred.  Prior to fiscal year 2012, the Company recognized revenue from lifetime warranties on a straight-line basis over a five-year period because sufficient evidence of the pattern of costs incurred was not available.  During the first quarter of fiscal year 2012, we began recognizing 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.  The deferred revenue balance as of July 31, 2011 related to lifetime warranties is being recognized prospectively, in proportion to the remaining estimated warranty costs.

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						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Deferred revenue, beginning of period	$	202,477		$	222,422		$	208,516		$	232,525
Warranties sold (a)	31,727			31,973			101,276			95,864
Revenue recognized	(36,090		)	(36,568		)	(111,678		)	(110,562		)
Deferred revenue, end of period	$	198,114		$	217,827		$	198,114		$	217,827

(a) 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 and nine months ended April 30, 2013.  Warranty sales for the three months ended April 30, 2012 include $0.7 million related to the appreciation in the Canadian currency rate on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance.  Warranty sales for the nine months ended April 30, 2012 include $1.2 million related to the depreciation in the Canadian currency rate on the beginning of the period deferred revenue balance.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 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						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Beginning of period	$	54,594		$	54,429		$	54,103		$	63,385
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,094		)	3,954			(1,624		)	(5,550		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net	318			(217		)	339			331
End of period	$	52,818		$	58,166		$	52,818		$	58,166

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FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 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 that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

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

	Fair Value as of April 30, 2013
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
U.S. Treasury securities	$	19,572	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities	—		2,800		—
Corporate bonds and notes	—		866		—
Corporate equity securities	4,700		—		—
	$	24,272	$	3,666	$	—

	Fair Value as of April 30, 2012
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
U.S. Treasury securities	$	20,933	$	—	$	—
U.S. government agency securities	—		3,048		—
Corporate bonds and notes	—		1,342		—
Corporate equity securities	4,104		—		—
	$	25,037	$	4,390	$	—

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).

Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Impairment losses related to store-level property and equipment 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 of 15.3 percent to 17.5 percent and positive comparable store sales growth assumptions, and therefore are classified as a Level 3 measurement in the fair value hierarchy.  For the nine months ended April 30, 2013, store-level property and equipment of $1.0 million was written down to their fair value of $0.1 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $0.9 million.  For the nine months ended April 30, 2012, store-level property and equipment of $1.3 million was written down to their fair value of $0.3 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $1.0 million.

At the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2013, we completed our annual impairment testing of goodwill pursuant to ASC 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other.  Based on the test results, we concluded that no impairment was necessary for the $80.6 million of goodwill related to the Peoples Jewellers acquisition and the $19.4 million of goodwill related to the Piercing Pagoda acquisition.  As of the date of the test, the fair value of the Peoples Jewellers and Piercing Pagoda reporting units would have to decline by more than 20 percent and 59 percent, respectively, to be considered for potential impairment.  We calculate the estimated fair value of our reporting units using Level 3 inputs, including: (1) cash flow projections for five years assuming positive comparable store sales growth; (2) terminal year growth rates of two percent based on estimates of long-term inflation expectations; and (3) discount rates of 15.3 percent to 17.5 percent, respectively, based on a risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions.  While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of the reporting units, it is possible a material change could occur.  If our actual results are not consistent with estimates and assumptions used to calculate fair value, we may be required to recognize goodwill impairments.

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 April 30, 2013.  The fair values 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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EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012	Apr. 30, 2013	Apr. 30, 2012
Reconciliation of the diluted weighted average shares
Basic weighted average shares	32,480,000	32,213,000	32,401,000	32,189,000
Effect of potential dilutive securities:
Warrants (in shares)	5,894,000		6,639,000
Stock options and restricted share awards	903,000		1,099,000
Diluted weighted average shares	39,277,000	32,213,000	40,139,000	32,189,000
Net loss	$ (5,052)	$ 4,527	$ (17,996)	$ 7,563
Warrants
Effect of potential dilutive securities:
Antidilutive securities (in shares)		11,100,000		11,100,000
Stock Options
Effect of potential dilutive securities:
Antidilutive securities (in shares)	1,900,000	3,600,000	1,800,000	3,600,000

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LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

LONG-TERM DEBT

Schedule of long-term debt

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

	April 30,
	2013		2012
Revolving credit agreement	$	383,400	$	301,800
Senior secured term loan	80,000		140,454
Capital lease obligations	3,080		3,251
	$	466,480	$	445,505

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CONTINGENCIES

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

CONTINGENCIES

CONTINGENCIES

10. CONTINGENCIES

In November 2009, the Company and four former officers, Neal L. Goldberg, Rodney Carter, Mary E. Burton and Cynthia T. Gordon, were named as defendants in two purported class-action lawsuits filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas.  On August 9, 2010, the two lawsuits were consolidated into one lawsuit, which alleged various violations of securities laws arising from the financial statement errors that led to the restatement completed by the Company as part of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009.  The lawsuit requested unspecified damages and costs.  On August 1, 2011, the Court dismissed the lawsuit with prejudice.  The plaintiffs appealed the decision and on November 30, 2012 the United States Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s decision and affirmed dismissal of the plaintiff’s case.  The plaintiffs did not appeal this ruling and the matter was therefore dismissed with prejudice.

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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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 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						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Beginning of period	$	54,594		$	54,429		$	54,103		$	63,385
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(2,094		)	3,954			(1,624		)	(5,550		)
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities, net	318			(217		)	339			331
End of period	$	52,818		$	58,166		$	52,818		$	58,166

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OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES

Schedule of other (gains) charges

Other (gains) charges consist of the following (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	April 30,						April 30,
	2013			2012			2013			2012
Store impairments	$	—		$	—		$	851		$	1,009
Store closure adjustments	82			(375		)	244			265
De Beers settlement	(331		)	—			(2,191		)	—
	$	(249	)	$	(375	)	$	(1,096	)	$	1,274

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Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2013	Jun. 04, 2013
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	ZALE CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000109156
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Apr. 30, 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		32,515,452
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3

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EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Apr. 30, 2013

EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Schedule of reconciliation of the diluted weighted average shares

The following table presents a reconciliation of the diluted weighted average shares (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	April 30,		April 30,
	2013	2012	2013	2012
Basic weighted average shares	32,480	32,213	32,401	32,189
Effect of potential dilutive securities:
Warrants	5,894	—	6,639	—
Stock options and restricted share awards	903	—	1,099	—
Diluted weighted average shares	39,277	32,213	40,139	32,189