It might be time to take some profits in J.C. Penney (JCP) a retail stock that has risen 78% in the past six months, says a feature in this week's Barrons.
The retailer reported a 36% increase in fourth-quarter earnings as it benefitted from cost controls and higher sales in men's apparel, women's accessories and beauty products from in-store Sephora boutiques.
While J.C. Penney's earnings results were roughly in line with analyst estimates, the company's first-quarter outlook came in below Street estimates, weighed down by the winding down of its catalog business and the shuttering of outlet stores.