Time to Buy J.C. Penney

Article Excerpt

Fears of slowing customer spending, spurred by lower consumer confidence in the wake of the housing market slowdown and higher fuel prices, have driven down the stocks of most retailers in the past year. The weaker U.S. dollar also makes imports more expensive. Department store operator J.C. Penney is down 43% from its all-time peak of $87 a year ago. However, new investments in cost-saving computerized inventory systems, store upgrades and private label brands should quickly expand the company’s profits and cash flow when consumer spending rebounds. At its current price, we feel Penney has great long-term appeal. J.C. PENNEY CO. INC. $50 (New York symbol JCP; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 221.7 million; Market cap: $11.1 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) operates 1,067 department stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. About 40% of U.S. households have shopped at a JC Penney store in the past year. Apparel, footwear and jewelry account for about 75% of Penney’s total sales. Home…