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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2011

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 was not required to submit electronically and post on the Company’s website Interactive Data Files required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months due to the Rule not being applicable to the Company for the current and previous periods.

Zale Corporation is a smaller reporting company and is not a well-known seasoned issuer.

Zale Corporation is not a shell company.

As of June 1, 2011, 32,156,036 shares of Zale Corporation’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

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ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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ZALE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

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, 2011, we operated 1,173 specialty retail jewelry stores and 673 kiosks located mainly in shopping malls throughout the United States of America, 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 consumer as our core customer target.  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 customers.  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®, our national brand in Canada, provides customers with an affordable assortment and an accessible shopping experience.  Mappins Jewellers® offers Canadian customers a broad selection of merchandise from engagement rings to fashionable and contemporary fine jewelry.  Certain brands in Fine Jewelry have expanded their presence in the retail market through their e-commerce sites, www.zales.com, www.zalesoutlet.com, www.gordonsjewelers.com and www.peoplesjewellers.com.

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 customer.  Kiosk Jewelry specializes in gold, silver and non-precious metal products that capitalize on the latest fashion trends.  In May 2010, we expanded our presence in Kiosk Jewelry through our e-commerce site, www.pagoda.com.

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

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 four 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, 2010 filed with Securities and Exchange Commission on October 12, 2010.

Reclassifications.  Certain prior year amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to our fiscal year 2011 presentation.  In the consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2010, we recorded gains totaling $2.5 million and $2.0 million, respectively, related to leases associated with the Bailey Banks & Biddle brand that was sold in November 2007.  In our third quarter fiscal year 2010 Form 10-Q, these amounts were included in other (gains) charges and loss from continuing operations.  In our third quarter fiscal year 2011 Form 10-Q, we have reclassified the gains to earnings (loss) from discontinued operations.  We have also reclassified $8.9 million in cash payments from accounts payable and accrued liabilities to net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended April 30, 2010 in order to correct the presentation in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 205-20, Discontinued Operations.

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2.              FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair values.  These tiers include:

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.

Our revolving credit agreement was executed in May 2010.  We believe the outstanding principal approximates fair value as of April 30, 2011.  The fair value of the $140.5 million of borrowings under the Senior Secured Term Loan totaled approximately $126.7 million as of April 30, 2011.  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.

At the end of the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, we completed our annual impairment testing of goodwill pursuant to ASC 350, Intangible-Goodwill and Other.  Based on the test results, we concluded that no impairment was necessary for the $86.0 million of goodwill related to the Peoples Jewellers acquisition and the $19.3 million of goodwill related to the Piercing Pagoda acquisition.  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 16.5 percent to 19 percent based on our weighted average cost of capital.  The weighted average cost of capital was estimated using information from comparable companies and management’s judgment related to risks associated with the operations of each reporting unit.  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.

We calculate the estimated fair value of the closed store reserve pursuant to ASC 420, Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations, using Level 3 inputs, including the present value of the remaining lease rentals and other charges using a weighted average cost of capital, reduced by estimated sublease rentals.  The weighted average cost of capital was estimated using information from comparable companies and management’s judgment related to the risk associated with the operations of the stores.  The sublease rentals were estimated using comparable rentals in the same or similar markets in which the closed stores operated.

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, a Level 1 input.  All investments are classified as available-for-sale.  All long-term debt securities outstanding at April 30, 2011 have contractual maturities ranging from 1 to 21 years.  Our investments consist of the following (in thousands):

At April 30, 2011 and 2010, the carrying value of investments included a net unrealized gain of $1.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which are 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, 2011 and 2010.

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3.              LONG—TERM DEBT

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

Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement

On May 10, 2010, we entered into an agreement to amend and restate various terms of the revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. and certain other lenders.  The Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) consisted of two tranches: (a) an extended tranche totaling $530 million, including seasonal borrowings of $88 million, maturing on April 30, 2014 and (b) a non-extending tranche totaling $120 million, including seasonal borrowings of $20 million, maturing on August 11, 2011.  The commitments under the agreement from both tranches total $650 million, including seasonal borrowings of $108 million.  On April 21, 2011, the $120 million non-extending tranche was assigned to other lenders and the maturity date was extended to April 30, 2014, the maturity for the remainder of the credit facility.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement are capped at the lesser of: (1) 73 percent of the cost of eligible inventory during October through December and 69 percent for the remainder of the year (less certain reserves that may be established under the agreement), plus 85 percent of eligible credit card receivables or (2) 87.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory (less certain reserves that may be established under the agreement), plus 85 percent of eligible credit card receivables.  The rate applied to the appraised liquidation value was 90 percent prior to January 1, 2011.  The Revolving Credit Agreement also contains an accordion feature that allows us to permanently increase commitments up to an additional $100 million, subject to approval by our lenders and certain other requirements.  The Revolving 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.  At April 30, 2011, we had borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement of $194.0 million.

Based on the most recent inventory appraisal performed as of February 28, 2011, available borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be determined under item (2) described in the preceding paragraph.  The monthly borrowing rates calculated from the cost of eligible inventory are as follows: ranging from 60 percent to 63 percent for the period of April 2011 through September 2011, ranging from 72 percent to 74 percent for the period of October 2011 through December 2011 and ranging from 60 to 63 percent for the period of January 2012 through March 2012.

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest based on average excess availability at either: (i) LIBOR plus the applicable margin (ranging from 350 to 400 basis points) or (ii) the base rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) plus the applicable margin (ranging from 250 to 300 basis points).  We are required to pay a quarterly unused commitment fee of 50 basis points based on the preceding quarter’s unused commitment.

Excess availability (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) cannot be less than $40 million during the term of the agreement and less than $50 million on one occasion for three consecutive business days in each four month period, except for the period from September 1 through November 30, when excess availability can be less than $50 million on two occasions, but in no event can excess availability be less than $50 million more than four times during any 12 consecutive months.  Excess availability was approximately $144.0 million as of April 30, 2011.  The Revolving Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales.  As of April 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

We incurred debt issuance costs associated with the Revolving Credit Agreement totaling $14.1 million, including $1.1 million associated with the April 21, 2011 extension of the $120 million portion of the credit facility.  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 four-year life of the Revolving Credit Agreement.

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On September 24, 2010, we received a waiver and consent from the lenders under the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement permitting the amendments to our Senior Secured Term Loan and the related payments to Z Investment Holdings, LLC (see below for additional details).

Senior Secured Term Loan

On May 10, 2010, we entered into a $150 million Senior Secured Term Loan (the “Term Loan”) and a Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement (as discussed below) with Z Investment Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital.  The Term Loan matures on May 10, 2015 and is secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all current and future intangible assets not secured under the Revolving Credit Agreement and a second priority security interest on merchandise inventory, credit card receivables and certain other assets.  The proceeds received were used to pay down amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement after payment of debt issuance costs incurred pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Term Loan.  Debt issuance costs associated with the Term Loan totaled approximately $13.0 million, $1.7 million of which was attributable to the warrants issued in connection with the Term Loan (see more details below under Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement) and expensed on the date of issuance.

On September 24, 2010, we amended the Term Loan with Z Investment Holdings, LLC.  The amendment eliminated the Minimum Consolidated EBITDA covenant and our option to pay a portion of future interest payments in kind subsequent to July 31, 2010.  As a result, all future interest payments will be made in cash.  In consideration for the amendment, we paid Z Investment Holdings, LLC an aggregate of $25.0 million, of which $11.3 million was used to pay down the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan, $1.2 million was a prepayment premium and $12.5 million was an amendment fee.  The outstanding balance of the Term Loan after the amendment totaled $140.5 million.  In accordance with ASC 470-50, Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments, the amendment is considered a significant modification, which required us to account for the Term Loan and related unamortized costs as an extinguishment and record the amended Term Loan at fair value.  As a result, we recorded a charge to interest expense totaling $45.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.  The charge consists of $20.3 million related to the unamortized discount associated with the warrants issued in connection with the Term Loan, the $12.5 million amendment fee, $10.3 million related to the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Term Loan and $2.7 million related to the prepayment premium and other costs associated with the amendment.

The Term Loan bears interest at 15 percent payable on a quarterly basis.  We may repay all or any portion of the Term Loan with the following penalty prior to maturity: (i) 10 percent during the first year; (ii) 7.5 percent during the second year; (iii) 5.0 percent during the third year; (iv) 2.5 percent during the fourth year and (v) no penalty in the fifth year.  Our ability to repay the Term Loan prior to maturity is restricted by certain conditions under the Revolving Credit Agreement, including a fixed charge coverage ratio that we currently do not meet.

The Term Loan contains various covenants, as defined in the agreement, including maintaining minimum store contribution thresholds for Piercing Pagoda and Zale Canada, as defined, and restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales.  The Piercing Pagoda minimum store contribution threshold for the twelve-month periods ending April 30, 2011 and July 31, 2011 is $19 million and $20 million, respectively.  The Zale Canada minimum store contribution threshold for the twelve-month periods ending April 30, 2011 and July 31, 2011 is CAD $28 million and CAD $30 million, respectively.  As of April 30, 2011, store contribution for Piercing Pagoda and Zale Canada would have to decline by more than 41 percent and 31 percent, respectively, to breach these covenants.  Liquidity (as defined in the Term Loan) was $266.0 million as of April 30, 2011, which exceeded the $135 million minimum liquidity requirement under the Term Loan.  As of April 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Term Loan.

On May 10, 2010, we acknowledged the terms of an intercreditor agreement (the “Intercreditor Agreement”) between Bank of America N.A, as agent under the Revolving Credit Agreement, and Z Investment Holdings, LLC, as agent under the Term Loan.  Under the Intercreditor Agreement, Z Investment Holdings, LLC, may request Bank of America N.A. to establish a reserve equal to two and one-half percent of the borrowing base, as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement, if the excess availability is less than $75 million at any time, thereby reducing the amount we can borrow under the Revolving Credit Agreement.  In addition, the Intercreditor Agreement restricts changes that can be made to certain terms and covenants under the Term Loan.

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Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the execution of the Term Loan, 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 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.  Issuance costs attributable to the Warrants totaling $1.7 million was expensed on the date of issuance.  As indicated above, the remaining unamortized discount as of September 24, 2010 totaling $20.3 million associated with the Warrants was charged to interest expense during the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.

4.              LEASE TERMINATIONS

We have recorded lease termination charges related to certain store closures, primarily in Fine Jewelry, and lease obligations associated with the Bailey Banks & Biddle brand that was sold in November 2007.  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.  We were not able to finalize agreements with all of the landlords, and certain landlords have made demands, or initiated legal proceedings to collect the remaining base rent payments associated with the terminated leases.  While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to record these charges, it is possible a material change could occur and we may be required to record additional charges.

The activity related to lease reserves associated with the store closures and the Bailey Banks & Biddle lease obligations for the nine months ended April 30, 2011, is as follows (in thousands):

(a)  The remaining liability for base rent payments under the three leases which have not yet been settled as of April 30, 2011 totaled approximately $2.8 million.

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5.              OTHER (GAINS) CHARGES

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

During the second quarter of fiscal years 2011 and 2010, we recorded charges related to the impairment of long-lived assets for underperforming stores totaling $3.7 million and $23.3 million, respectively.  The impairment charges were primarily in Fine Jewelry.  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, 2011 were to decline by 10 percent, we would be required to record additional impairments of approximately $0.7 million.  If operating earnings were to decline by 20 percent, the additional impairments required would increase to approximately $1.4 million.

6.              EARNINGS (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period.  Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock.  For the calculation of diluted earnings per share, the basic weighted average number of shares is increased by the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted share awards and warrants issued in connection with the Senior Secured Term Loan determined using the treasury stock method.

During the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, we incurred a net loss of $9.0 million and $12.1 million, respectively.  During the nine months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, we incurred a net loss of $79.7 million and $65.2 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 the three and nine month periods presented.

The calculation of diluted weighted average shares excludes the impact of 3.1 million and 2.9 million antidilutive stock options for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and 3.0 million and 2.9 million antidilutive stock options for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, 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, 2011.

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7.              COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Comprehensive income (loss) represents the change in equity during a period from transactions and other events, except those resulting from investments by and distributions to stockholders.  The following table gives further detail regarding the components of comprehensive income (loss) (in thousands):

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

8.              INCOME TAXES

Due to uncertainties surrounding the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards generated in our U.S. and Puerto Rico subsidiaries, a valuation allowance totaling $34.0 million was recorded during the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.  Subsequently, we reduced the valuation allowance by $9.0 million as a result of earnings generated by our U.S. and Puerto Rico subsidiaries and the recognition of a tax refund associated with the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.  The increase in the valuation allowance during fiscal year 2011 totaled $25.0 million.

9.              DISPOSITION OF BAILEY BANKS & BIDDLE

In November 2007, we sold substantially all of the assets and certain liabilities related to the Bailey Banks & Biddle brand to Finlay.  In connection with the sale, we assigned the applicable store leases to Finlay.  As a condition of this assignment, we remained contingently liable for the leases for the remainder of the respective current lease terms, which generally ranged from fiscal year 2009 through fiscal year 2017.  On August 5, 2009, Finlay filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and subsequently decided to liquidate.  As a result, we recorded lease termination charges totaling $23.2 million in fiscal year 2009.  The decision to sell was a result of our strategy to focus on our moderately priced business and our continued focus on maximizing return on investments.  We recorded gains related to the leases totaling $0.9 million and $2.5 million in discontinued operations during the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  We recorded a charge related to the leases totaling $0.3 million and a gain totaling $2.0 million in discontinued operations during the nine months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  There is no tax impact associated with discontinued operations due to the uncertainty of our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards in the future.

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10.       SEGMENTS

We report our operations under three business segments: Fine Jewelry, Kiosk Jewelry, and All Other.  Fine Jewelry consists of five principal brands, predominantly focused on the value-oriented customer as our core customer target.  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 customer.  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 customers.  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 and depreciation expense.

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

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11.       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.  The suits 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.  On August 9, 2010, the two lawsuits were consolidated into one.  On April 7, 2011, the court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss the lawsuits, without prejudice, and provided plaintiffs with a 45 day period within which to file an amended complaint.  On May 23, 2011, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint.  We intend to vigorously contest the complaint, however, the Company cannot predict the outcome of the lawsuit.

In December 2009, the directors of the Company and four former officers, Neal L. Goldberg, Rodney Carter, Mary E. Burton and Cynthia T. Gordon, were named as defendants in a derivative action lawsuit brought on behalf of the Company by a shareholder in the County Court of Dallas County, Texas.  The suit alleges various breaches of fiduciary and other duties by the defendants that generally are related to the financial statement errors described above.  In addition, the Board of Directors has received demands from two shareholders requesting that the Board of Directors take action against each of the individuals named in the derivative lawsuit to recover damages for the alleged breaches.  The lawsuit requests unspecified damages and costs.  The lawsuit has been stayed pending developments in the consolidated federal lawsuit described above.  In the event that the defendants prevail, they are likely to be entitled to indemnification from the Company with respect to their defense costs.  The Company cannot predict the outcome or duration of the lawsuit.

On April 21, 2011, the Securities and Exchange Commission concluded their investigation of the Company with respect to the matters underlying the lawsuits and demands described above and did not recommend any enforcement action against the Company.  No penalties or fines were assessed to the Company.

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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12.       DEFERRED REVENUE

In fiscal year 2007, we began offering our Fine Jewelry customers 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 revenue related to extended warranty products in proportion to the costs expected to be incurred if sufficient historical evidence exists to demonstrate the pattern of expected costs.  Based on our determination that we have insufficient historical evidence related to costs associated with the lifetime warranty program, we recognize the revenue on a straight-line basis over a five-year period.  In addition, we offer our Kiosk Jewelry customers a one-year warranty that covers a one-time replacement for breakage.  The revenue from the one-year warranties is recognized over a 12-month period.  The change in deferred revenue associated with the sale of warranties is as follows (in thousands):

The deferred revenue balance associated with warranties included in current and non-current liabilities is as follows (in thousands):

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This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company (and the related notes thereto), 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, 2010.

Overview

We are a leading specialty retailer of fine jewelry in North America.  At April 30, 2011, we operated 1,173 fine jewelry stores and 673 kiosk locations primarily in shopping malls throughout the United States of America, 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, predominantly focused on the value-oriented consumer.  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® primarily through mall-based kiosks and is focused on the opening price point customer.  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 customers.

Comparable store sales increased by 15.2 percent during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011.  At constant exchange rates, which excludes the effect of translating Canadian currency denominated sales into U.S. dollars, comparable store sales increased by 14.2 percent for the quarter.  Gross margin decreased by 70 basis points to 50.1 percent during the third quarter of fiscal year 2011 compared to the same period in the prior year.  The decrease in gross margin was due to a 220 basis point decrease related primarily to an increase in the cost of merchandise and a change in sales mix to lower margin merchandise, partially offset by a 90 basis point decrease in inventory impairment charges as a result of improved sales and an increase in revenues recognized related to warranties.  Operating margin improved by 560 basis points to negative 1.3 percent compared to negative 6.9 percent in the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of increased sales.

During the nine months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, the Canadian currency rate appreciated by approximately five percent and 12 percent, respectively, relative to the U.S. dollar.  The appreciation in the Canadian currency rate for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 resulted in a $10.8 million increase in reported revenues, offset by an increase in reported cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses of $5.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively.  The appreciation in the Canadian currency rate for the nine months ended April 30, 2010 resulted in a $23.1 million increase in reported revenues, offset by an increase in reported cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses of $10.9 million and $8.9 million, respectively.

Net earnings associated with warranties totaled $51.9 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2011, compared to $36.3 million for the same period in the prior year.  The increase in net earnings is primarily the result of a change in the warranty product sold to our Fine Jewelry customers from a two-year warranty to a lifetime warranty in fiscal year 2007 and increased sales.  The revenues related to lifetime warranties are recognized on a straight-line basis over a five-year period.  As a result, revenues recognized will not be comparable until fiscal year 2012, when revenues related to sales of lifetime warranties over a five-year period will be included in the consolidated statement of operations.

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.  Actual annual inflation rates and inventory balances as of the end of any fiscal year may differ from interim estimates.  The inflation rates pertaining to merchandise inventories, especially as they relate to gold, silver and diamond costs, are primary components in determining our LIFO inventory.  As a result of recent commodity cost increases, we have recorded LIFO charges in cost of sales totaling $5.4 million and $9.1 million during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2011, respectively.  The LIFO charge for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2010 totaled $1.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively.

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Comparable store sales include internet sales and exclude revenue recognized from warranties and insurance premiums related to credit insurance policies sold to customers who purchase merchandise under our proprietary credit program.  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.

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 April 30, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended April 30, 2010

Revenues.  Revenues for the quarter ended April 30, 2011 were $411.8 million, an increase of 14.5 percent compared to revenues of $359.8 million for the same period in the prior year.  Comparable store sales increased 15.2 percent as compared to the same period in the prior year.  The increase in comparable store sales was attributable to a 14.2 percent increase in the number of customer transactions and a 2.3 percent increase in average transaction value in our fine jewelry stores.  The increase in revenue was also due to a $5.8 million increase in revenues recognized related to warranties and a $3.3 million increase related to the appreciation of the Canadian currency rate, partially offset by a decrease in revenues related to 55 stores closed since April 30, 2010.

Fine Jewelry contributed $347.1 million of revenues in the quarter ended April 30, 2011, an increase of 15.6 percent compared to $300.3 million for the same period in the prior year.

Kiosk Jewelry contributed $61.4 million of revenues for the quarter ended April 30, 2011, compared to $56.5 million in the prior year, representing an increase of 8.7 percent.  The increase in revenues is due primarily to a 2.6 percent increase in the number of customer transactions and 3.9 percent increase in average transaction value.

All Other contributed $3.3 million in revenues for the quarter ended April 30, 2011, an increase of 10.5 percent compared to $3.0 million for the same period in the prior year.

During the quarter ended April 30, 2011, we opened one and closed two locations in Kiosk Jewelry.  In addition, we closed 24 stores in Fine Jewelry.

Cost of Sales.  Cost of sales includes cost of merchandise sold, as well as receiving and distribution costs.  Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 49.9 percent for the quarter ended April 30, 2011, compared to 49.2 percent for

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the same period in the prior year.  The increase is due to a 160 basis point increase related primarily to higher cost of merchandise and a change in sales mix to lower margin merchandise, partially offset by a 90 basis point decrease in inventory impairment charges as a result of improved sales and an increase in revenues recognized related to warranties compared to the same period in the prior year.

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 49.1 percent of revenues for the quarter ended April 30, 2011, compared to 53.9 percent for the same period in the prior year.  SG&A increased by $8.3 million to $202.3 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2011.  The increase is the result of a $7.1 million increase in labor costs and store performance-based compensation associated with improved sales and a $5.8 million increase in promotional costs related primarily to Valentine’s Day advertising.  The increase was partially offset by a $3.7 million decrease in professional fees and severance costs.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenues for the quarters ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was 2.4 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively.  The decrease is primarily the result of store closures and impairment charges recorded in the current and prior year.

Other (Gains) Charges.  Other (gains) charges for the quarter ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 includes a gain of $0.3 million and a charge of $1.8 million, respectively, related to leases associated with store closures.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense as a percentage of revenues for the quarters ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was 2.1 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively.  Interest expense increased by $6.7 million to $8.7 million for the quarter ended April 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in the prior year.  The increase is primarily due to interest related to the Senior Secured Term Loan (the “Term Loan”) totaling $5.1 million and an increase in the weighted average effective interest rate associated with the revolving credit agreement to 3.7 percent as compared to 1.5 percent for the same period in the prior year.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense.  Income tax benefit totaled $4.2 million for the three months ended April 30, 2011, as compared to $12.0 million for the same period in the prior year.  The income tax benefit for the three months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 is primarily the result of the recognition of a $4.6 million and a $12.8 million tax refund, respectively, associated with the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 (the “WHBA”), partially offset by tax expense primarily associated with our Canadian subsidiaries.

Nine Months Ended April 30, 2011 Compared to Nine Months Ended April 30, 2010

Revenues.  Revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 were $1,365.3 million, an increase of 7.4 percent compared to revenues of $1,271.3 million for the same period in the prior year.  Comparable store sales increased 7.6 percent as compared to the same period in the prior year.  The increase in comparable store sales was attributable to a 5.8 percent increase in average transaction value in our fine jewelry stores and a 2.3 percent increase in the number of customer transactions.  The increase in revenue was also due to $16.5 million in revenues recognized related to warranties and a $10.8 million increase related to the appreciation of the Canadian currency rate, partially offset by a decrease in revenues related to 55 stores closed since April 30, 2010.

Fine Jewelry contributed $1,168.5 million of revenues in the nine months ended April 30, 2011, an increase of 7.5 percent compared to $1,086.6 million for the same period in the prior year.

Kiosk Jewelry contributed $187.6 million of revenues in the nine months ended April 30, 2011 compared to $176.0 million in the prior year, representing an increase of 6.6 percent.  The increase in revenues is due primarily to a 1.4 percent increase in the number of customer transactions and 2.8 percent increase in average transaction value.

All Other contributed $9.2 million in revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2011, as compared to $8.7 million for the same period in the prior year, representing an increase of 5.9 percent.

During the nine months ended April 30, 2011, we converted three store locations to different nameplates and opened one store in Fine Jewelry.  We also opened seven locations in Kiosk Jewelry.  In addition, we closed 46 stores in Fine Jewelry and six locations in Kiosk Jewelry.

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Cost of Sales.  Cost of sales includes cost of merchandise sold, as well as receiving and distribution costs.  Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 49.7 percent for the nine months ended April 30, 2011, compared to 50.3 percent for the same period in the prior year.  The decrease is primarily due to a 150 basis point decrease in inventory impairment charges as a result of improved sales and an increase in revenues recognized related to warranties compared to the same period in the prior year, partially offset by a 110 basis point increase related to both the cost of merchandise and a change in sale mix to lower margin merchandise.

Selling, General and Administrative.  Included in SG&A are store operating, advertising, buying, cost of insurance operations and general corporate overhead expenses.  SG&A was 48.0 percent of revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2011, compared to 51.1 percent for the same period in the prior year.  SG&A increased by $6.1 million to $655.6 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2011.  The increase is primarily the result of a $13.8 million increase in labor costs and store and corporate performance-based compensation associated with improved sales and a $2.3 million increase in fees related to our private label credit card programs primarily due to increased sales in the U.S.  The increase was partially offset by a $2.3 million decrease in promotional costs resulting from a more efficient use of advertising dollars during the Holiday season and an $8.3 million decrease in professional fees and severance costs.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was 2.3 percent and 3.0 percent, respectively.  The decrease is primarily the result of store closures and impairment charges recorded in the current and prior year.

Other (Gains) Charges.  Other (gains) charges for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 includes a $3.7 million charge related to the impairment of long-lived assets for underperforming stores.  Other (gains) charges for the nine months ended April 30, 2010 includes a $23.3 million charge related to the impairment of long-lived assets for underperforming stores and a $5.5 million charge related to leases associated with closed stores.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense as a percentage of revenues for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was 5.4 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively.  Interest expense increased by $67.5 million to $73.4 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 as compared to the same period in the prior year.  The increase is primarily due to a charge totaling $45.8 million associated with the first amendment to our Term Loan on September 24, 2010.  In accordance with ASC 470-50, Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments, the amendment is considered a significant modification, which required us to account for the Term Loan and related unamortized costs as an extinguishment and record the amended Term Loan at fair value.  The charge consisted of $20.3 million related to the unamortized discount associated with the warrants issued in connection with the Term Loan, a $12.5 million amendment fee, $10.3 million related to the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Term Loan and $2.7 million related to the prepayment premium and other costs associated with the amendment.  The remaining $21.7 million increase in interest expense is due primarily to interest related to the Term Loan totaling $16.2 million and an increase in the weighted average effective interest rate associated with the revolving credit agreement to 3.6 percent as compared to 1.6 percent for the same period in the prior year.

Income Tax (Benefit) Expense.  Income tax expense totaled $2.1 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 as compared to a $22.9 million income tax benefit for the same period in the prior year.  The income tax expense for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 is primarily associated with earnings of our Canadian subsidiaries, partially offset by the recognition of a $4.6 million tax refund associated with the WHBA.  The income tax benefit for the nine months ended April 30, 2010 is primarily the result of the recognition of a $29.7 million refund associated with the WHBA, partially offset by tax expense primarily associated with 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.  Through April 30, 2011, our cash requirements were 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.  The average vendor payment terms during the nine months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010 was approximately 45 days and 41 days, respectively.  As of April 30, 2011, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling $36.9 million.

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Net cash from operating activities decreased from $29.4 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2010 to a deficit of $33.6 million for the nine months ended April 30, 2011.  The $63.0 million decrease is the result of: (1) a $97.9 million increase in inventory; (2) a $15.2 million payment related to the Term Loan amendment; (3) a $21.7 million increase in interest payments primarily related to the Term Loan; and (4) a $14.3 million decrease in federal tax refunds.  The increase was partially offset by: (1) a $14.6 million decrease related to the timing of vendor payments; (2) a $10.7 million decrease in cash payments related to lease terminations associated with closed stores; and (3) an increase in cash generated from operations.

Our business is highly seasonal, with a disproportionate amount of sales (approximately 30 to 40 percent) occurring in November and December of each year, the Holiday season.  Other important 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.  Owned inventory at April 30, 2011 was $756.4 million, an increase of $63.3 million compared to inventory levels at April 30, 2010.  The increase is the result of higher merchandise cost, additional merchandise purchased as a result of increased sales, an increase in the Canadian exchange rate and lower inventory valuation reserves due to improved inventory turn.  The increase was partially offset by a $12.0 million increase in the LIFO reserve compared to the same period in the prior year.

Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement

On May 10, 2010, we entered into an agreement to amend and restate various terms of the revolving credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A. and certain other lenders.  The Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) consisted of two tranches: (a) an extended tranche totaling $530 million, including seasonal borrowings of $88 million, maturing on April 30, 2014 and (b) a non-extending tranche totaling $120 million, including seasonal borrowings of $20 million, maturing on August 11, 2011.  The commitments under the agreement from both tranches total $650 million, including seasonal borrowings of $108 million.  On April 21, 2011, the $120 million non-extending tranche was assigned to other lenders and the maturity date was extended to April 30, 2014, the maturity for the remainder of the credit facility.  Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement are capped at the lesser of: (1) 73 percent of the cost of eligible inventory during October through December and 69 percent for the remainder of the year (less certain reserves that may be established under the agreement), plus 85 percent of eligible credit card receivables or (2) 87.5 percent of the appraised liquidation value of eligible inventory (less certain reserves that may be established under the agreement), plus 85 percent of eligible credit card receivables.  The rate applied to the appraised liquidation value was 90 percent prior to January 1, 2011.  The Revolving Credit Agreement also contains an accordion feature that allows us to permanently increase commitments up to an additional $100 million, subject to approval by our lenders and certain other requirements.  The Revolving 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.  At April 30, 2011, we had borrowing availability under the Revolving Credit Agreement of $194.0 million.

Based on the most recent inventory appraisal performed as of February 28, 2011, available borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement will be determined under item (2) described in the preceding paragraph.  The monthly borrowing rates calculated from the cost of eligible inventory are as follows: ranging from 60 percent to 63 percent for the period of April 2011 through September 2011, ranging from 72 percent to 74 percent for the period of October 2011 through December 2011 and ranging from 60 to 63 percent for the period of January 2012 through March 2012.

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest based on average excess availability at either: (i) LIBOR plus the applicable margin (ranging from 350 to 400 basis points) or (ii) the base rate (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) plus the applicable margin (ranging from 250 to 300 basis points).  We are required to pay a quarterly unused commitment fee of 50 basis points based on the preceding quarter’s unused commitment.

Excess availability (as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement) cannot be less than $40 million during the term of the agreement and less than $50 million on one occasion for three consecutive business days in each four-month period, except for the period from September 1 through November 30, when excess availability can be less than $50 million on two occasions, but in no event can excess availability be less than $50 million more than four times during any 12 consecutive months.  Excess availability was approximately $144.0 million as of April 30, 2011.  The Revolving Credit Agreement contains various other covenants including restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales.  As of April 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

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We incurred debt issuance costs associated with the Revolving Credit Agreement totaling $14.1 million, including $1.1 million associated with the April 21, 2011 extension of the $120 million portion of the credit facility.  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 four-year life of the Revolving Credit Agreement.

Senior Secured Term Loan

On May 10, 2010, we entered into a $150 million Senior Secured Term Loan (the “Term Loan”) and a Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement (as discussed below) with Z Investment Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Golden Gate Capital.  The Term Loan matures on May 10, 2015 and is secured by a first priority security interest in substantially all current and future intangible assets not secured under the Revolving Credit Agreement and a second priority security interest on merchandise inventory, credit card receivables and certain other assets.  The proceeds received were used to pay down amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement after payment of debt issuance costs incurred pursuant to the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Term Loan.  Debt issuance costs associated with the Term Loan totaled approximately $13.0 million, $1.7 million of which was attributable to the warrants issued in connection with the Term Loan (see more details below under Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement) and expensed on the date of issuance.

On September 24, 2010, we amended the Term Loan with Z Investment Holdings, LLC.  The amendment eliminated the Minimum Consolidated EBITDA covenant and our option to pay a portion of future interest payments in kind subsequent to July 31, 2010.  As a result, all future interest payments will be made in cash.  In consideration for the amendment, we paid Z Investment Holdings, LLC an aggregate of $25.0 million, of which $11.3 million was used to pay down the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan, $1.2 million was a prepayment premium and $12.5 million was an amendment fee.  The outstanding balance of the Term Loan after the amendment totaled $140.5 million.  In accordance with ASC 470-50, Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments, the amendment is considered a significant modification, which required us to account for the Term Loan and related unamortized costs as an extinguishment and record the amended Term Loan at fair value.  As a result, we recorded a charge to interest expense totaling $45.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.  The charge consists of $20.3 million related to the unamortized discount associated with the warrants issued in connection with the Term Loan, the $12.5 million amendment fee, $10.3 million related to the unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Term Loan and $2.7 million related to the prepayment premium and other costs associated with the amendment.

The Term Loan bears interest at 15 percent payable on a quarterly basis.  We may repay all or any portion of the Term Loan with the following penalty prior to maturity: (i) 10 percent during the first year; (ii) 7.5 percent during the second year; (iii) 5.0 percent during the third year; (iv) 2.5 percent during the fourth year and (v) no penalty in the fifth year.  Our ability to repay the Term Loan prior to maturity is restricted by certain conditions under the Revolving Credit Agreement, including a fixed charge coverage ratio that we currently do not meet.

The Term Loan contains various covenants, as defined in the agreement, including maintaining minimum store contribution thresholds for Piercing Pagoda and Zale Canada, as defined, and restrictions on the incurrence of certain indebtedness, liens, investments, acquisitions and asset sales.  The Piercing Pagoda minimum store contribution threshold for the twelve-month periods ending April 30, 2011 and July 31, 2011 is $19 million and $20 million, respectively.  The Zale Canada minimum store contribution threshold for the twelve-month periods ending April 30, 2011 and July 31, 2011 is CAD $28 million and CAD $30 million, respectively.  As of April 30, 2011, store contribution for Piercing Pagoda and Zale Canada would have to decline by more than 41 percent and 31 percent, respectively, to breach these covenants.  Liquidity (as defined in the Term Loan) was $266.0 million as of April 30, 2011, which exceeded the $135 million minimum liquidity requirement under the Term Loan.  As of April 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants under the Term Loan.

Warrant and Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the execution of the Term Loan, 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

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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 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.  Issuance costs attributable to the Warrants totaling $1.7 million was expensed on the date of issuance.  As indicated above, the remaining unamortized discount as of September 24, 2010 totaling $20.3 million associated with the Warrants was charged to interest expense during the first quarter of fiscal year 2011.

Private Label Credit Card Programs

On May 7, 2010, we entered into a five year Private Label Credit Card Program Agreement (the “TD Agreement”) with TD Financing Services Inc. (“TDFS”) to provide financing for our Canadian customers to purchase merchandise through private label credit cards beginning July 1, 2010.  In addition, TDFS provides credit insurance for our customers and receives 40 percent of the net profits, as defined, and the remaining 60 percent is paid to us.  The TD Agreement replaced the agreement with Citi Cards Canada Inc., which expired on June 30, 2010.  The TD Agreement 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.  If TDFS terminates the agreement as a result of a breach by us, we will be required to pay a termination fee of $1.0 million in the first year, $0.7 million in the second year or $0.3 million in the third year.  As of April 30, 2011, credit sales exceeded the $50 million threshold for the program year ending June 30, 2011.  Our customers use our private label credit card to pay for approximately 22 percent of purchases in Canada.

On September 23, 2010, we entered into a five year agreement to amend and restate various terms of the Merchant Services Agreement (“MSA”) with Citibank (South Dakota), N.A. (“Citibank”), to provide financing for our U.S. customers to purchase merchandise through private label credit cards beginning October 1, 2010.  The MSA 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.  We may be obligated to purchase the credit card portfolio upon termination with Citibank as a result of insolvency, material breaches of the MSA and violations of applicable law related to the credit card program.  As of April 30, 2011, we were in compliance with all covenants under the MSA.  We will be required to meet the net credit card sales threshold of $315 million beginning October 1, 2011, which we expect to exceed.  Our customers use our private label credit card to pay for approximately 36 percent of purchases in the U.S.

Lease Terminations

In connection with the sale of the Bailey Banks & Biddle brand in November 2007, we assigned the brand’s store operating leases to the buyer, Finlay Fine Jewelry Corporation (“Finlay”).  As a condition of this assignment, we remained liable for the leases for the remainder of the respective lease terms, which generally ranged from fiscal year 2009 through fiscal year 2017.  On August 5, 2009, Finlay filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and subsequently decided to liquidate.  We recorded a $23.2 million charge during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2009 associated with all 45 Bailey Banks & Biddle locations.  The remaining liability for base rent payments under the remaining three leases which have not yet been settled as of April 30, 2011 totaled approximately $2.8 million.  As of April 30, 2011, the remaining lease reserve associated with the Bailey Banks & Biddle lease obligations totaled $0.9 million.  During the nine months ended April 30, 2011, we made payments totaling $5.1 million.  In addition, the lease reserve was increased by $0.3 million as a result of changes in assumptions used to calculate the reserve.

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During the first nine months of fiscal year 2011, we recorded lease termination charges totaling $0.1 million related to certain Fine Jewelry stores closed in fiscal year 2009.  As of April 30, 2011, the remaining lease reserve associated with the store closures totaled $1.2 million.  During the nine months ended April 30, 2011, we made payments totaling $4.0 million related to the closures.

We were not able to finalize agreements with all of the landlords, and certain landlords have made demands, or initiated legal proceedings to collect the remaining base rent payments associated with the terminated leases.  While we believe we have made reasonable estimates and assumptions to record these charges, it is possible that a material change could occur and we may be required to record additional charges.

Capital Expenditures

During the nine months ended April 30, 2011, we invested approximately $0.4 million in capital expenditures to convert three stores to different nameplates and open one store in Fine Jewelry.  We also opened seven stores in Kiosk Jewelry.  We invested approximately $4.5 million to remodel, relocate and refurbish eight stores in Fine Jewelry and to complete store enhancement projects.  We also invested $3.2 million in infrastructure, primarily related to our information technology.  We anticipate investing approximately $7.5 million in capital expenditures for the remainder of fiscal year 2011, including $4.3 million in existing store refurbishments and approximately $3.2 million in capital investments related to information technology infrastructure and support operations.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement

In January 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 2010-06, Improving Disclosures about Fair Value Measurements (“ASU 2010-06”).  ASU 2010-06 provides more robust disclosures about the transfers between Levels 1 and 2, the activity in Level 3 fair value measurements and clarifies the level of disaggregation and disclosure related to the valuation techniques and inputs used.  The new disclosures are effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the Level 3 activity disclosures, which are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010.  We do not expect a material impact from the adoption of this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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, our Canadian operations expose us to market risk from currency rate exposures, which may adversely affect our results of operations.  During the nine months ended April 30, 2011 and 2010, the average Canadian currency rate appreciated by approximately five percent and 12 percent, respectively, relative to the U.S. dollar.  The appreciation in the Canadian currency rate for the nine months ended April 30, 2011 resulted in a $10.8 million increase in reported revenues, offset by an increase in reported cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses of $5.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively.  The appreciation in the Canadian currency rate for the nine months ended April 30, 2010 resulted in a $23.1 million increase in reported revenues, offset by an increase in reported cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses of $10.9 million and $8.9 million, respectively.

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 gold, silver and diamond costs, are primary components in determining our LIFO inventory.  As a result of recent commodity cost increases, we have recorded LIFO charges in cost of sales totaling $5.4 million and $9.1 million during the three and nine months ended April 30, 2011, respectively.  The LIFO charge for the three and nine months ended April 30, 2010 totaled $1.9 million and $2.8 million, respectively.  It is likely that the increase in commodity prices will continue to result in higher merchandise costs, which could materially affect us in the future.

At April 30, 2011, 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, 2010.  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 33 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2010.

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 has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting implemented during the quarter ended April 30, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company included restated financial statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2009, in order to correct certain accounting errors.  As previously disclosed, the Staff of the Fort Worth, Texas office of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) has been conducting a formal investigation of the circumstances underlying the restatement.  On April 14, 2011, the SEC notified the Company that they had completed the investigation and did not recommend any enforcement action against the Company.

Additional information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 11 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 the Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports we file with the 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, sales and earnings, 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, e-commerce 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.  The economic downturn that began in 2008 has significantly impacted our sales and the continuation of this downturn, and particularly its worsening, would have a material adverse impact 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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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.  Our vendors have experienced significant increases in commodity costs, especially diamond, gold and silver costs.  It is likely that the increase in commodity prices will result in higher merchandise costs, which could materially affect us in the future.  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.

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 weather, gas prices and similar factors.

We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry.

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

Any failure by us to manage our inventory effectively 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 misjudge consumer preferences or 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.

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.

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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 customers 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 customers could negatively impact our business and financial condition.

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

We are dependent upon our Revolving Credit Agreement, Term Loan and other third party financing arrangements for our liquidity needs.

We have a Revolving Credit Agreement and a Term Loan that contain various financial and other covenants.  Should we be unable to fulfill the covenants contained in these loans, 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.

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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 customer 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.

Ineffective internal controls can have adverse impacts on the Company.

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

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

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

Additional factors that 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, 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.

*                    Filed herewith.