Zale reports 2Q loss

DALLAS Zale Corp. reported a net loss from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 of $4.9 million, or 15 cents per share, compared to net earnings from continuing operations of $0.7 million, or 1 cent per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

Revenues for the fourth quarter ended July 31 were $456 million compared to $430 million last year, an increase of 6.1%. Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter increased 6.1%.

For the full year ended July 31, 2009, the company expects diluted EPS in the range of $1.10 to $1.25. Comparable-store sales are expected to be in the range of negative 1% to flat.