Good morning,

Zale today announced a 41% increase in net earnings per share during the Company's fiscal year ended July 31, 2000, reporting diluted earnings per share of $3.11 versus diluted earnings per share of $2.21 for the same period last year.

Net sales for fiscal 2000 were $1.794 billion compared to $1.429 billion last year, reflecting a total sales increase of 25.5% and a comparable store sales increase of 11.6%. Net earnings for the year were $111.5 million compared to $80.9 last year.

Net sales for the fourth quarter were $373.8 million, compared to $326.0 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales increased 6.4% for the same period. During the recently completed quarter, net earnings were $11.6 million or $0.32 per diluted share, compared to $8.5 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the same period last year.

Click on the news link at the top of this page to read the full press release.

Keep Foolish and Prosper,

Spirit