UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
    (Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended August 2, 2008    

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

For the transition period from ______________ to ________________
 
Commission File Number: 1-15274


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
26-0037077
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
 
6501 Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas 75024 - 3698
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(972) 431-1000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes    x       No      o  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer      x           Accelerated filer     o              Non-accelerated filer     o               Smaller reporting company       o         
                                                                                               (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes      o      No     x    
 
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
222,080,326 shares of Common Stock of 50 cents par value, as of September 5, 2008.
 
 

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended August 2, 200 8

INDEX

 
  
 
  
       
  
Page
Part I.
  
Financial Information
  
 
 
  
Item 1.
  
Unaudited Financial Statements
  
 
 
  
 
  
  Consolidated Statements of Operations
  
1
 
  
 
  
  Consolidated Balance Sheets
2
 
  
 
  
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
  
3
 
  
 
  
  Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
  
4
       
 
  
  
  
15
 
  
  
  
24
 
  
  
  
24
     
Part II.
  
Other Information
  
 
 
  
  
  
25
       
25
 
  
  
  
26
   
  
27
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

i
 
 

Table of Contents

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

(Unaudited)


($ in millions, except per share data)
 
13 weeks ended
     
26 weeks ended
 
 
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
     
         Aug. 2,
 
     Aug. 4,
   
   
2008
   
2007
   
             2008
 
    2007
   
                     
Total net sales
  $ 4,282     $ 4,391     $   8,409   $ 8,741    
Cost of goods sold
    2,676       2,717         5,153     5,260    
Gross margin
    1,606       1,674         3,256     3,481    
Operating expenses:
                                 
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A)
    1,248       1,243         2,543     2,534    
Depreciation and amortization
    115       100         225     200    
Pre-opening
    9       15         15     21    
Real estate and other (income), net
    (9 )     (13 )       (18 )   (22 )  
Total operating expenses
    1,363       1,345         2,765     2,733    
Operating income
    243       329         491     748    
Net interest expense
    55       37         108     69    
Bond premiums and unamortized costs
    -       12         -     12    
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    188       280         383     667    
Income tax expense
    72       105         147     254    
Income from continuing operations
  $ 116     $ 175     $   236   $ 413    
Income from discontinued operations, net of income tax (benefit)/expense of $(1), $4, $(1) and $4
    1       7         1     7    
Net income
  $ 117     $ 182     $   237   $ 420    
                                   
Basic earnings per share:
                                 
Continuing operations
  $ 0.52     $ 0.79     $   1.06   $ 1.84    
Discontinued operations
    -       0.03         -     0.03    
Net income
  $ 0.52     $ 0.82     $   1.06   $ 1.87    
                                   
Diluted earnings per share:
                                 
Continuing operations
  $ 0.52     $ 0.78     $   1.06   $ 1.82    
Discontinued operations
    -       0.03         -     0.03    
Net income
  $ 0.52     $ 0.81     $   1.06   $ 1.85    
                                   
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
-1-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.


($ in millions)
 
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Feb. 2,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
     
(1)             
 
Assets
                   
Current assets
                   
Cash and short-term investments
  $ 2,109     $ 2,180     $ 2,471  
Receivables
    500       624       430  
Merchandise inventory (net of LIFO reserves
                       
of $1, $8 and $1)
    3,693       3,649       3,641  
Prepaid expenses
    217       230       209  
Total current assets
    6,519       6,683       6,751  
Property and equipment (net of accumulated
                       
        depreciation of $2,378, $2,267 and $2,219)
    5,161       4,570       4,959  
Prepaid pension
    1,582       1,284       2,030  
Other assets
    534       542       569  
Total Assets
  $ 13,796     $ 13,079     $ 14,309  
                         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                       
Current liabilities
                       
Trade payables
  $ 1,477     $ 1,635     $ 1,472  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    1,469       1,492       1,663  
Current maturities of long-term debt
    201       105       203  
Total current liabilities
    3,147       3,232       3,338  
Long-term debt
    3,505       3,705       3,505  
Deferred taxes
    1,283       1,100       1,463  
Other liabilities
    710       800       691  
Total Liabilities
    8,645       8,837       8,997  
                         
Stockholders' Equity
 
                       
Common stock (2)
    111       111       111  
Additional paid-in-capital
    3,476       3,431       3,453  
Reinvested earnings at beginning of year
    1,540       922       922  
SFAS 158–change in measurement date (3)
    26       -       -  
Adjustment to initially apply FIN 48
    -       5       5  
Net income
    237       420       1,111  
Dividends declared
    (90 )     (90 )     (178 )
Retirement of common stock
    -       (320 )     (320 )
Reinvested earnings at end of period
    1,713       937       1,540  
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)/income
    (149 )     (237     208  
Total Stockholders’ Equity
    5,151       4,242       5,312  
                         
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $ 13,796     $ 13,079     $ 14,309  
(1) Derived from audited financial statements.
(2) 1,250 million shares of common stock are authorized with a par value of $0.50 per share. The total shares issued and outstanding were 222 million as of August 2, 2008, August 4, 2007, and February 2, 2008.
(3) See Note 1 for a discussion of the adoption of SFAS 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans – an Amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R).”
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements .
-2-

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

(Unaudited)

($ in millions)
 
26 weeks ended
 
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 237     $ 420  
(Income) from discontinued operations
    (1 )     (7 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Asset impairments, PVOL and other unit closing costs
    8       3  
Depreciation and amortization
    225       200  
Net (gains) on sale of assets
    -       (6 )
Benefit plans (income)
    (58 )     (34
Stock-based compensation
    24       28  
Tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    9       15  
Deferred taxes
    34       13  
Change in cash from:
               
Receivables
    (46 )     (61 )
Inventory
    (52 )     (250 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    6       13  
Trade payables
    5       268  
Current income taxes payable
    (37 )     (223 )
Accrued expenses and other
    (84 )     (190 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    270       189  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Capital expenditures
    (496 )     (598 )
Proceeds from sales of assets
    -       8  
Net cash (used in) investing activities
    (496 )     (590 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    -       980  
Premium on early retirement of debt
    -       (9 )
Payments of long-term debt, including capital leases
    (2 )     (633 )
Common stock repurchased
    -       (400 )
Dividends paid, common
    (134 )     (130 )
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    4       41  
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
    1       20  
Tax withholding payments reimbursed by restricted stock
    (4 )     (8 )
Net cash (used in) financing activities
    (135 )     (139
Cash flows from discontinued operations
               
Operating cash flows
    -       (2 )
Investing cash flows
    (1 )     (25 )
Financing cash flows
    -       -  
Total cash (paid for) discontinued operations
    (1 )     (27 )
Net (decrease) in cash and short-term investments
    (362     (567 )
Cash and short-term investments at beginning of year
    2,471       2,747  
Cash and short-term investments at end of period
  $ 2,109     $ 2,180  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
-3-

Table of Contents

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

(Unaudited)
 
Note 1 – Basis of Presentation and Effect of New Accounting Standards

Basis of Presentation

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. is a holding company whose principal operating subsidiary is J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. (JCP). JCP was incorporated in Delaware in 1924, and J. C. Penney Company, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in 2002, when the holding company structure was implemented. The holding company has no independent assets or operations, and no direct subsidiaries other than JCP. The holding company and its consolidated subsidiaries, including JCP, are collectively referred to in this quarterly report as “JCPenney” or the “Company,” unless otherwise indicated.

The Company is a co-obligor (or guarantor, as appropriate) regarding the payment of principal and interest on JCP’s outstanding debt securities. The guarantee by the Company of certain of JCP’s outstanding debt securities is full and unconditional.

The accompanying Interim Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, include all material adjustments necessary for a fair presentation and should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008
(2007 10-K).  The Company follows substantially the same accounting policies to prepare quarterly financial statements as are followed in preparing annual financial statements. A description of such significant accounting policies is included in the
2007 10-K. The February 2, 2008 financial information was derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, with related footnotes, included in the 2007 10-K. 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.

Basis of Consolidation

All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to the current period presentation. None of the reclassifications affected the Company’s net income in any period.

Effect of New Accounting Standards

Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 06-11, “Accounting for Income Tax Benefits of Dividends on Share-Based Payment Awards,” became effective in the first quarter of 2008.  EITF Issue No. 06-11 requires that the tax benefit received on dividends associated with share-based awards that are charged to retained earnings should be recorded in additional paid-in-capital (APIC) and included in the APIC pool of excess tax benefits available to absorb potential future tax deficiencies on share-based payment awards.  EITF No. 06-11 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” became effective as of the beginning of 2008.  This standard defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, but does not require any new fair value measurements. In November 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-2, which provided a one year deferral for the implementation of SFAS 157 for other non-financial assets and liabilities that are recorded or disclosed on a non-recurring basis. The Company elected to apply the FSP FAS 157-2 deferral of SFAS 157, and accordingly, has not applied SFAS 157 to its long-lived assets that are valued on a non-recurring basis.  See Note 3 for discussion of the partial adoption of SFAS 157. 
 
 
-4-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)

SFAS 158, “Employers’ Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans—An Amendment of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and 132(R),” requires companies to measure plan assets and benefit obligations as of the fiscal year end, effective in 2008. As permitted under SFAS 158, the Company transitioned to a fiscal year end measurement date by re-measuring plan assets and benefit obligations as of the beginning of 2008 (the year of adopting the measurement date provision).  As a result, the Company recorded an increase of $26 million, net of tax, to 2008 opening retained earnings for the transition adjustment to recognize three months of net periodic benefit income from October 31, 2007 to February 2, 2008.  In addition, the Company recorded a decrease of $343 million, net of tax, to the 2008 opening balance of accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of net equity, to reflect the changes in fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation from October 31, 2007 to February 2, 2008, which included an increase in the discount rate from 6.46% to 6.54%.

SFAS 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities," became effective at the beginning of 2008.  SFAS 159 permits an entity to measure certain financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value that were not previously required to be measured at fair value. Entities that elect the fair value option will report unrealized gains and losses in earnings at each subsequent reporting date.  The Company has not elected to measure any financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value which were not previously required to be measured at fair value. Therefore, the adoption of this standard has had no impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.


Note 2 – Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. The diluted EPS calculation includes the impact of restricted stock units and shares that could have been issued under outstanding stock options during the period, except when the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Net income and shares used to compute basic and diluted EPS are reconciled below:

(in millions, except per share data)
 
13 weeks ended
   
26 weeks ended
 
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Earnings:
                       
Income from continuing operations, basic and diluted
  $ 116     $ 175     $ 236     $ 413  
Shares:
                               
Average common shares outstanding (basic shares)
    222       223       222       224  
Adjustment for assumed dilution:
                               
Stock options and restricted stock awards
    1       2       1       3  
Average shares assuming dilution (diluted shares)
    223       225       223       227  
EPS from continuing operations:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.52     $ 0.79     $ 1.06     $ 1.84  
Diluted
  $ 0.52     $ 0.78     $ 1.06     $ 1.82  

 



 
 
-5-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)


The following average potential shares of common stock were excluded from the diluted EPS calculations because their effect would be anti-dilutive:

(shares in millions)
13 weeks ended
   
26 weeks ended
 
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
     
Aug. 2,
 
Aug. 4,
 
2008
   
2007
     
2008
 
2007
Stock options and restricted awards
8
   
1
     
8
 
1


Note 3 – Fair Value Disclosures

The Company adopted SFAS 157 as of the beginning of 2008, as discussed in Note 1, for its investments in public real estate investment trusts (REITs), which are carried at fair value in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.  The carrying amount of short-term investments, receivables and current liabilities approximates fair value because of their short duration.  SFAS 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (i.e., the exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  SFAS 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, as follows:

Level 1 — Valuations are based on quoted market prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Since valuations are readily and regularly available, valuation of level 1 assets and liabilities does not require a significant degree of judgment.

Level 2 — Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar assets in active markets, or quoted prices in markets that are not active for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3 — Valuations are based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement.  Inputs reflect management’s best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Consideration is given to the risk inherent in the valuation technique and the risk inherent in the inputs to the model.

The Company determined the fair value of its REITs using quoted market prices considered level 1 inputs .   The fair value of these investments reflected in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of August 2, 2008 is presented in the table below based on the hierarchy outlined in SFAS 157.  See Note 9 for the accumulated n et unrealized gain of $101 million   in REITs as of the end of second quarter 2008 recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of net equity.

($ in millions)  
 
Assets at Fair Value as of Aug. 2, 2008
 
   
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Total REIT assets
 
$
232
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
232
 


 
 
 
 

 
 
-6-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 4 – Cash and Short-Term Investments

($ in millions)
 
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Feb. 2,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
 
Cash
  $ 133     $ 146     $ 119  
Short-term investments
    1,976       2,034       2,352  
Total cash and short-term investments
  $ 2,109     $ 2,180     $ 2,471  


Restricted Short-Term Investment Balances
There are no restricted investment balances as of August 2, 2008.  Short-term investments include restricted balances of
$59 million as of August 4, 2007 and $49 million as of February 2, 2008. In prior years, restricted balances contained pledged collateral for a portion of casualty insurance program liabilities.


Note 5 – Supplemental Cash Flow Information

($ in millions)
 
26 weeks ended
 
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Interest paid by continuing operations
  $ 137     $ 147  
                 
Interest received by continuing operations
  $ 25     $ 67  
                 
Total income taxes paid
  $ 140     $ 430  
Less: income taxes (received) attributable to discontinued operations
    -       (1 )
Income taxes paid by continuing operations
  $ 140     $ 431  


Note 6– Receivables

($ in millions)
 
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Feb. 2,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
 
Receivables
  $ 500     $ 624     $ 430  

Receivables consist mainly of current and deferred income tax amounts and amounts awaiting settlement for credit card sale transactions.  The decrease in receivables as of August 2, 2008 compared with August 4, 2007 is primarily due to decreased prepaid taxes resulting from the decreased levels of pre-tax income and timing of estimated quarterly income tax payments.  The increase in receivables at the end of the second quarter of 2008 compared to the end of 2007 was primarily due to higher balances of credit card receivables as a result of the difference in sales patterns for these periods.

 

 
 
 
-7-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 7 – Credit Agreement

The Company, JCP and J. C. Penney Purchasing Corporation are parties to a five-year $1.2 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (2005 Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of lenders with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent.

The 2005 Credit Agreement includes a requirement that the Company maintain: (i) a Leverage Ratio (as defined in the 2005 Credit Agreement) of no more than 3.0 to 1.0 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter, measured on a trailing four-quarters basis and (ii) a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2005 Credit Agreement) of at least 3.2 to 1.0 for each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters. As of August 2, 2008, the Company was in compliance with these requirements with a Leverage Ratio of 1.81 to 1.00, and a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 5.34 to 1.00.

No borrowings, other than the issuance of standby and import letters of credit totaling $169 million as of August 2, 2008, have been made under the 2005 Credit Agreement.


Note 8 – Long-Term Debt

Debt Payment
There were no scheduled debt maturities or early repayments during the first half of 2008. During the second quarter of 2007, the Company redeemed the remaining $303 million principal amount of JCP’s 8.125% Debentures Due 2027.  The Company incurred a pre-tax charge of $12 million for this early redemption related to the call premium and write off of unamortized costs of these Debentures.  In the first quarter of 2007, the Company repaid at maturity $325 million outstanding principal amount of JCP’s 7.60% Notes due 2007.

Issuance of Debt
In April 2007, the Company closed on its offering of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of new senior unsecured notes, consisting of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes Due 2018 and $700 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes Due 2036. The Company received proceeds of $980 million from the offering, net of underwriting discounts. A portion of the net proceeds was used in 2007 for the early redemption of JCP’s 8.125% Debentures Due 2027 and general corporate purposes, including debt payments.  The remaining balance will be used in 2008 for general corporate purposes, including the August 15, 2008 payment at maturity of $200 million outstanding principal amount of JCP’s 7.375% Notes Due 2008.  See Note 14 regarding this subsequent event.












 
 
 
 
-8-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 9 – Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

   
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
     
($ in millions)  
 
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) in REITs
 
Net actuarial gain/(loss) and prior service credit/(cost) for pension and post- retirement plans
 
Total
 
Total Comprehensive Income
 
Second Quarter 2008
                         
May 3, 2008
 
$
126
 
$
(250
)
$
(124
)
     
Net unrealized (loss) in REITs
   
(25
)
 
-
   
(25
)
$
(25
)
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
117
 
August 2, 2008
 
$
101
 
$
(250
)
$
(149
)
$
92
 
                           
Second Quarter 2007
                         
May 5, 2007
 
$
159
 
$
(342
)
$
(183
)
     
Net unrealized (loss) in REITs
   
(54
)
 
-
   
(54
)
$
(54
)
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
182
 
August 4, 2007
 
$
105
 
$
(342
)
$
(237
)
$
128
 

First Half 2008
                         
February 2, 2008
 
$
115
(1)
$
93 
(2)
$
208
       
SFAS 158 - change in measurement date
   
-
   
(343)
 
 
(343
)
     
Adjusted balances – February 3, 2008
   
115
   
(250)
 
 
(135
)
     
Net unrealized (loss) in REITs
   
(14
)
 
-  
   
(14
)
$
(14
)
Net income
   
-
   
-  
   
-
   
237
 
August 2, 2008
 
$
101
(1)
$
(250)
(2)
$
(149
)
$
223
 
                           
First Half 2007
                         
February 3, 2007
 
$
166
 
$
(342)
 
$
(176
)
     
Net unrealized (loss) in REITs
   
(61
)
 
-
   
(61
)
$
(61
)
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
420
 
August 4, 2007
 
$
105
(1)
$
(342)
(2)
$
(237
)
$
359
 

(1) Shown net of a deferred tax liability of $56 million as of August 2, 2008, $58 million as of August 4, 2007 and $64 million as of February 2, 2008.
(2) Shown net of a deferred tax asset of $158 million as of August 2, 2008, $218 million as of August 4, 2007 and a deferred tax liability of $60 million as of February 2, 2008.

 
 
 
 
-9-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)


Note 10 – Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock-based awards to employees (associates) and non-employee directors under its 2005 Equity Compensation Plan (2005 Plan).  As of August 2, 2008, 9.8 million shares of stock were available for future grants.  The following table presents total stock-based compensation costs included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Stock-Based Compensation Cost
($ in millions)
13 weeks ended
   
26 weeks ended
 
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
     
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
 
   
2008
   
2007
     
2008
   
2007
 
Stock awards (shares and units)
$
6
 
$
9
   
$
11
 
$
17
 
Stock options
 
6
   
5
     
13
   
11
 
Total stock-based compensation cost
$
12
 
$
14
   
$
24
 
$
28
 
                           
Total income tax benefit recognized in the
                         
Consolidated Statements of Operations for
                         
Stock-based compensation arrangements
$
4
 
$
6
   
$
9
 
$
11
 

Stock Options
On March 12, 2008, the Company made its annual grant of stock options covering approximately 2.2 million shares to associates at an option price of $39.78, with a fair value of $13.90 per option.  Additionally, on July 24, 2008, the Company made a 2008 supplemental annual grant of approximately 1.3 million stock options to selected associates at an option price of $30.88, with a fair value of $9.22 per option.  The weighting of the historical component in the volatility assumption used in the determination of the fair value of the supplemental grant of stock options was increased due to historical volatility being more representative of the Company’s current business model.  Since the announcement of the sale of the Eckerd drugstore business approximately 4.5 years ago, a period that is commensurate with the expected life assumption of the Company’s stock options, historical volatility no longer reflects the volatility associated with the Eckerd drugstore business.

The following table summarizes stock options outstanding as of August 2, 2008, as well as activity during the 26 weeks then ended:

(options in thousands)
 
 
 
Stock Options
   
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at February 2, 2008
    8,233     $ 50  
Granted
    3,500       36  
Exercised
    (131 )     29  
Forfeited or expired
    (605 )     65  
Outstanding at August 2, 2008
    10,997       45  
                 
Exercisable at August 2, 2008
    6,225       44  

As of August 2, 2008, there was $57 million of unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, for unvested stock options, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of approximately 1.2 years.
 
 
-10-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)

Stock Awards
On March 12, 2008, the Company granted approximately 768,000 restricted stock unit awards to associates, representing the annual grant under the 2005 Plan. These awards consisted of approximately 384,000 time-based restricted stock units and approximately 384,000 performance-based restricted stock units. The time-based restricted stock units vest one-third on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date provided that the associate remains continuously employed with the Company during that time.  The performance-based unit grant is a target award with a payout matrix ranging from 0% to 200% based on 2008 earnings per share (defined as per common share income from continuing operations, excluding any unusual and/or extraordinary items as determined by the Human Resources and Compensation Committee of the Board). A payment of 100% of the target award would be achieved at EPS of $4.00. In addition to the performance requirement, this award also includes a time-based vesting requirement, which is the same as the requirement for the time-based restricted stock unit award.  Upon vesting, both the time-based restricted stock units and the performance-based restricted stock units will be paid out in shares of JCPenney common stock.

In addition to the annual associate grant, the Company granted approximately 81,000 restricted stock units consisting of ad-hoc awards to associates and dividend equivalents on outstanding awards during the first half of 2008.  Approximately 30,000 restricted stock unit awards were granted to non-employee members of the Board during the first half of 2008.

In addition to the vesting of individual restricted stock awards during the first half of 2008, one-third, or approximately 238,000 of the Company’s earned 2006 performance units vested in March 2008.  These units were granted on March 22, 2006.  The final one-third of this award will vest in the first quarter of 2009.

Performance-based restricted stock unit awards issued March 14, 2007 were cancelled in 2007 as a result of the 0% payout percentages based on the measurement of 2007 EPS results.

The following table summarizes the non-vested stock awards (shares and units) as of August 2, 2008 and activity during the six months then ended:

(awards in thousands)
 
Non-Vested
   
Weighted- Average Grant
 
   
Stock Awards
   
Date Fair Value
 
Non-vested at February 2, 2008
    894     $ 58  
Granted
    879       40  
Vested
    (337 )     57  
Forfeited
    (37 )     49  
Non-vested at August 2, 2008
    1,399       47  

As of August 2, 2008, there was $29 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unearned associate stock awards which will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of approximately 1.4 years.



 

 
 
 
 
 
 
-11-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)

Common Stock Outstanding
During the first half of 2008 and 2007, the number of outstanding shares of common stock changed as follows:

   
26 weeks ended
 
(shares in millions)
   
Aug. 2,
 
Aug. 4,
 
     
2008
 
2007
 
Shares outstanding at beginning of year
   
221.7
 
225.5
 
Exercise of stock options
   
0.1
 
1.1
 
Vesting of restricted stock units and other
   
0.3
 
0.2
 
Shares terminated for tax withholding
   
-
 
(0.1
)
Shares repurchased
   
-
 
(5.1
)
Shares outstanding at end of period
   
222.1
 
221.6
 


Note 11 – Retirement Benefit Plans

The Company’s retirement benefit plans consist of a non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan (primary pension plan), and non-qualified plan consisting of a non-contributory supplemental retirement plan and deferred compensation plan for certain management associates, a 1997 voluntary early retirement program, a contributory medical and dental plan and a 401(k) and employee stock ownership plan. These plans are discussed in more detail in the Company’s 2007 10-K. Associates hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2002 are not eligible for retiree medical or dental coverage. Associates hired or rehired on or after January 1, 2007 are not eligible to participate in the primary pension plan.

Changes to the funded status of the Company’s primary pension plan are reflected in the prepaid pension asset on the balance sheet.  The following table details the changes to prepaid pension.

($ in millions)
 
SFAS 158 Funded Status Adjustments
   
Measurement Date Change Transition Adjustment
   
Current Period Pension Accrual
   
Total
 
Balance as of August 4, 2007
                    $ 1,284  
2007 second half changes
  $ 697     $ -     $ 49       746  
Balance as of February 2, 2008
                            2,030  
2008 first half changes
    (561 )     47       66       (448 )
Balance as of August 2, 2008
                          $ 1,582  
                                 

The increase to prepaid pension during the second half of 2007 was attributable to an improvement in the funded status of the plan reflecting strong capital market returns on plan assets.  The decline during the first half of 2008 reflects a change in the measurement date from October 31, 2007 to February 3, 2008 as required by SFAS 158, at which time the funded status had declined due to negative capital market returns.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-12-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)

Net Periodic Benefit (Income)/ Expense
The components of net periodic benefit (income)/expense for the qualified and nonqualified pension plans and the postretirement plans for the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 are as follows:

   
Pension Plans
       
   
Qualified
   
Supplemental
(Nonqualified)
   
Postretirement
Plan
 
($ in millions)
 
13 weeks ended
   
13 weeks ended
   
13 weeks ended
 
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Service cost
  $ 22     $ 24     $ 1     $ 1     $ -     $ -  
Interest cost
    59       54       5       5       -       1  
Expected return on plan assets
    (114     (103     -       -       -       -  
Net amortization
    -       1       5       7       (6     (8 )
Net periodic benefit (income)/expense
  $ (33 )   $ (24 )   $ 11     $ 13     $ (6 )   $ (7 )
                                                 

The components of net periodic benefit (income)/expense for the qualified and nonqualified pension plans and the postretirement plans for the 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 are as follows:

   
Pension Plans
       
   
Qualified
   
Supplemental
(Nonqualified)
   
Postretirement
Plan
 
($ in millions)
 
26 weeks ended
   
26 weeks ended
   
26 weeks ended
 
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Service cost
  $ 44     $ 47     $ 2     $ 2     $ -     $ -  
Interest cost
    118       109       10       11       -       1  
Expected return on plan assets
    (228     (207     -       -       -       -  
Net amortization
    -       3       10       13       (12     (16 )
Net periodic benefit (income)/expense
  $ (66 )   $ (48 )   $ 22     $ 26     $ (12 )   $ (15 )
                                                 

Employer Contributions
The Company’s policy with respect to funding the primary pension plan is to fund at least the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), and not more than the maximum amount deductible for tax purposes. The Company does not expect to be required to make a contribution under ERISA in 2008. The Company did not make a discretionary contribution during the first half of 2008 or 2007.





 
 
-13-


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 12 – Real Estate and Other (Income)/Expense

($ in millions)
 
13 weeks ended
   
26 weeks ended
 
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
Real estate activities
  $ (10 )   $ (9 )   $ (20 )   $ (19 )
Net gains on sale of real estate
    -       (6 )     -       (6 )
Other
    1       2       2       3  
Total
  $ (9 )   $ (13 )   $ (18 )   $ (22 )

Real estate and other consists primarily of ongoing operating income from the Company’s real estate subsidiaries and net gains/losses on sale of real estate properties.


Note 13 – Litigation, Other Contingencies and Guarantees

The Company is subject to various legal and governmental proceedings involving routine litigation incidental to its business. Reserves have been established based on management’s best estimates of the Company’s potential liability in certain of these matters. These estimates have been developed in consultation with in-house and outside counsel. While no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of these matters, management currently believes that the final resolution of these actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position, liquidity or capital resources of the Company.

As of August 2, 2008, the Company estimated its total potential environmental liabilities to range from $38 million to $49 million and recorded management’s best estimate of $43 million in other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of that date. This estimate covered potential liabilities primarily related to underground storage tanks, remediation of environmental conditions involving the Company’s former Eckerd drugstore locations and asbestos removal in connection with approved plans to renovate or dispose of Company facilities. Management continues to assess required remediation and the adequacy of environmental reserves as new information becomes available and known conditions are further delineated. If the Company were to incur losses at the upper end of the estimated range, management does not believe that such losses would have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

As of August 2, 2008, JCP had guarantees totaling $26 million, which are described in detail in the 2007 10-K. These guarantees consist of: $3 million related to investments in a real estate investment trust; $20 million maximum exposure on insurance reserves established by a former subsidiary included in the sale of the Company’s Direct Marketing Services business; and $3 million for certain personal property leases assumed by the purchasers of the Company’s Eckerd drugstore operations (Eckerd), which were previously reported as operating leases.


Note 14 – Subsequent Events

On August 15, 2008, the Company repaid at maturity $200 million outstanding principal amount of JCP’s 7.375% Notes Due 2008.

 
 
 
 
-14-


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

General

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. is a holding company whose principal operating subsidiary is J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. (JCP). JCP was incorporated in Delaware in 1924, and J. C. Penney Company, Inc. was incorporated in Delaware in 2002, when the holding company structure was implemented. The holding company has no independent assets or operations and no direct subsidiaries other than JCP. The holding company and its consolidated subsidiaries, including JCP, are collectively referred to in this quarterly report as “JCPenney” or the “Company,” unless otherwise indicated.

The Company is a co-obligor (or guarantor, as appropriate) regarding the payment of principal and interest on JCP’s outstanding debt securities. The guarantee by the Company of certain of JCP’s outstanding debt securities is full and unconditional.

The following discussion, which presents the results of the Company, should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of February 2, 2008, and for the year then ended, and related Notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A), all contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 2, 2008 (2007 10-K).

This discussion is intended to provide information that will assist the reader in understanding the Company’s financial statements, the changes in certain key items in those financial statements from period to period, and the primary factors that accounted for those changes, how operating results affect the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as a whole, as well as how certain accounting principles affect the Company’s financial statements. Unless otherwise indicated, this MD&A relates only to results from continuing operations, all references to earnings per share (EPS) are on a diluted basis and all references to years relate to fiscal years rather than to calendar years.

Key Items

§  
The difficult economic environment impacting consumers continued in the second quarter of 2008 and negatively impacted both sales and profits.  However, despite the challenging environment, management was able to execute effectively by focusing on managing inventory and controlling expenses.

§  
Comparable store inventory decreased 3.5% as of the end of the second quarter of 2008 compared with last year’s second quarter as a result of lower merchandise receipts and effective clearance of seasonal merchandise.  At the end of the second quarter, inventory was better aligned with current sales trends.

§  
SG&A expenses were well managed across the entire organization and increased only slightly in the second quarter of 2008, despite the addition of 35 new stores, net of closings and relocations, since the second quarter of 2007.

§  
Brand launches for the all important Back-to-School season included Fabulosity™ and Decree™ in juniors, and White Tag™ and the expansion of American Living™ in young men’s. In home, the Company introduced Dorm Life™ and Linden Street™.

§   
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company opened 12 new stores, three of which were relocations, and 11 of the new stores were in the new off-mall format.  The Company plans to open a total of 35 new or relocated stores in 2008, representing a 2.8% increase in gross square footage. One of the openings originally scheduled for 2008 has been deferred to 2009.  The Company also opened 10 new Sephora inside JCPenney locations during the second quarter of 2008.  Sephora inside JCPenney continues to be one of the strongest areas of the Company’s business and ended the second quarter of 2008 with 81 locations.

§   
On June 25, 2008, the Company announced updated Bridge Plan targets for 2009, including a further reduction in capital expenditures to approximately $650 million, versus $1 billion planned for 2008. This reflects plans to open 20 new or relocated stores in 2009, down from 35 new or relocated stores that are currently planned to open in 2008. The Company has also reduced its store renovation plans to 10-15 stores in 2009, down from the 20 renovations it expects to complete in 2008.  See page 22 for additional discussion of the Bridge Plan.
-15-

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—(Continued)

Current Developments

Brand Launches
The Company continues to offer new brands to provide compelling merchandise with the combination of style, quality and smart prices that customers desire.  Early in August 2008, the Company launched Xersion™, a new performance-wear collection for the modern lifestyle in women’s and men’s apparel, footwear and accessories.  Additionally, the Company will be “powering-up” two of its existing private brands, Stafford® and Worthington®, in the second half of the year by adding enhanced style, quality and features to make these brands even more exciting and relevant to customers.

JCP Rewards Program
On August 7, 2008, early in the third quarter, the Company launched JCP Rewards, a loyalty reward program that enables customers to earn reward points and receive special members-only benefits by shopping with JCPenney in-store, online at jcp.com or via catalog.  Customers enrolled in JCP Rewards automatically receive points from qualified purchases during the month, from which they receive a maximum monthly benefit of a $10 reward certificate.  The reward certificate is good towards future purchases of merchandise at JCPenney and expires at the end of the calendar month in which it is issued.  JCP Rewards members can earn up to $120 in reward certificates annually.
































 
 
-16-

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—(Continued)

Results of Operations

Like other retailers, the Company’s second quarter results continued to be impacted by soft consumer spending. The combination of weak housing conditions, mortgage and credit market concerns and rising fuel and food prices led to a challenging macroeconomic environment for consumers, resulting in a softening in sales, beginning in the second half of 2007 and continuing through the first half of 2008.

($ in millions)
 
13 weeks ended
   
26 weeks ended
 
   
Aug. 2,,
   
Aug. 4,
   
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
 
   
2008
   
2007
   
2008
   
2007
 
                         
Total net sales
  $ 4,282     $ 4,391     $ 8,409     $ 8,741  
Gross margin
    1,606       1,674       3,256       3,481  
Operating expenses:
                               
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A)
    1,248       1,243       2,543       2,534  
Depreciation and amortization
    115       100       225       200  
Pre-opening
    9       15       15       21  
Real estate and other (income), net
    (9 )     (13 )     (18 )     (22 )
    Total operating expenses
    1,363       1,345       2,765       2,733  
Operating income
    243       329       491       748  
Net interest expense
    55       37       108       69  
Bond premiums and unamortized costs
    -       12       -       12  
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
    188       280       383       667  
Income tax expense
    72       105       147       254  
Income from continuing operations
    116       175       236       413  
                                 
Diluted EPS from continuing operations
  $ 0.52     $ 0.78     $ 1.06     $ 1.82  
                                 
Ratios as a percent of sales:
                               
Gross margin
    37.5 %     38.1 %     38.7 %     39.8 %
SG&A
    29.1 %     28.3 %     30.2 %     29.0 %
Total operating expenses
    31.8 %     30.6 %     32.9 %     31.2 %
Operating income
    5.7 %     7.5 %     5.8 %     8.6 %

Operating Performance Summary

The Company reported income from continuing operations of $116 million, or $0.52 per share, for the second quarter of 2008 compared with $175 million, or $0.78 per share, for the same 2007 period.  Operating income decreased $86 million to $243 million, or 5.7% of sales, for the second quarter of 2008, compared with $329 million, or 7.5% of sales, in last year’s second quarter, reflecting a decrease of $68 million in gross margin and an increase in total operating expenses of $18 million.
Operating income was better than initial expectations at the beginning of the quarter as a result of improved gross margin performance and effective expense management.  Gross margin benefited from good inventory management, effective promotional pricing actions to clear seasonal merchandise and initial positive customer response to new brand launches.  Total operating expenses increased primarily due to growth related depreciation and amortization expense, while SG&A expenses were well managed across the entire organization and increased only $5 million compared to last year’s second quarter.

For the first half of 2008, income from continuing operations was $236 million, or $1.06 per share, compared with
$413 million, or $1.82 per share, for the first half of 2007.  Operating income was $491 million for the first half of 2008 compared with $748 million for the same period last year.
-17-

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—(Continued)

Total Net Sales
($ in millions)
 
13 weeks ended
   
26 weeks ended
 
   
Aug. 2,
2008
   
Aug. 4,
2007
   
Aug. 2,
2008
   
Aug. 4,
2007
 
Total net sales
  $ 4,282     $ 4,391     $ 8,409     $ 8,741  
Sales percent (decrease)/increase:
                               
Total net sales
    (2.5 )%      3.6 %     (3.8 )%      3.3 %
Comparable store sales (1)
    (4.3 )%      2.9 %     (5.8 )%      3.1

(1)  
Comparable store sales include sales from new and relocated stores that have been opened for 12 consecutive full fiscal months.  Stores closed for an extended period are not included in comparable store sales calculations, while stores remodeled and minor expansions not requiring store closures remain in the calculations. Beginning in 2008, the Company changed its sales reporting to include online sales, through jcp.com, in comparable store sales. Comparable store sales presented in the table above have been reclassified for all periods presented to include jcp.com sales.

Total net sales decreased $109 million, or 2.5%, to $4,282 million in the second quarter of 2008 from $4,391 million in the second quarter of 2007.  Total department store results reflect sales of 35 new stores, net of closings and relocations, opened subsequent to last year’s second quarter, including a net of nine new and relocated stores opened in this year’s second quarter.  In the second quarter of 2008, comparable store sales decreased 4.3% compared with a 2.9% increase in last year’s second quarter.  While down compared to last year, mall traffic trends during the second quarter of 2008 for JCPenney were slightly better than overall mall traffic trends. JCPenney off-mall traffic was also down compared to last year, but continues to be higher than mall traffic.  Consistent with the difficult retail environment, the number of transactions and number of units sold declined for the quarter.

Sales for jcp.com, which continues to be the Company’s fastest growing sales channel, are included in comparable store sales and increased 5.6% for the second quarter of 2008, on top of a 17.4% increase in last year’s second quarter, while catalog print media and outlet store sales declined, as expected.

Although sales weakness was broad based across most merchandise categories, the best performing divisions were in women’s apparel and shoes.  Fine jewelry and most home categories of merchandise continue to experience weakness in consumer demand.  The positive initial response to new brand launches, coupled with the Company’s effective promotions and clearance activities, helped offset the impact of soft sales in other merchandise areas during the second quarter of 2008.  The Company’s private brands, including exclusive brands found only at JCPenney, increased to 53% of total merchandise sales for the second quarter of 2008 from 49% in last year’s second quarter. Geographically, the best performances were in the northeast and central regions, while the southeast and southwest regions were the softest.

While management continues to be pleased with customer response, American Living™ was launched in a significantly more challenging environment than when it was initially announced in early 2007.  The brand has similar inventory challenges as other merchandise categories.   The Company is working with Polo Ralph Lauren’s Global Brand Concepts to update the product and pricing beginning with the Spring 2009 assortments and believes that American Living™ is a successful concept that will achieve the goal of becoming a billion dollar brand over the next few years.

During the second quarter of 2008, the Company opened 10 Sephora inside JCPenney locations.  Sephora inside JCPenney continues to report strong results and the Company plans to grow the number of locations over the next several years.  At the end of the second quarter, Sephora inside JCPenney locations totaled 81 compared with 36 at the end of the second quarter of 2007.  The number of Sephora inside JCPenney locations is expected to approach 100 by the end of 2008.

For the first half of 2008, total net sales decreased $332 million, or 3.8%, to $8,409 million compared to $8,741 million in the first half of 2007. Comparable store sales decreased 5.8% in the first half of 2008 compared to a 3.1% increase in last year’s first half.  Internet sales increased 7.2% on top of a 17.6% increase in last year’s first half.
 
-18-

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—(Continued)

New JCPenney Brand Launches
For the 2008 Back-to-School season, the Company introduced several new brands for the younger shopper. In junior’s, the Company launched private brand Decree™, a denim-inspired line of apparel for girls and young women, and two new exclusive brands: LeTigre™ from Kenneth Cole Productions and Fabulosity™, a complete line of sportswear designed by Kimora Lee Simmons.  For young men’s, the Company has extended the exclusive American Living™ brand with new denim, graphic t-shirts and jackets, and launched White Tag™, a new “urban rock” inspired national brand of premium denim and art-driven t-shirts.  In addition to the new fashion brands for Back-to-School, the Company introduced Dorm Life™, a new private modern lifestyle brand in the home division featuring merchandise to furnish a college dorm or off-campus housing.

In July 2008, the Company supported the apparel launches with an integrated Back-to-School marketing campaign featuring the new brands.  The campaign targeted teens and included both traditional ads and non-traditional media components, such as ads in cinema theatres, online games and text messaging.  Management is pleased with the initial customer response to these exciting new brands.

In addition, the Company launched Linden Street™, which was the most comprehensive home brand launch in Company history.  It is a blend of traditional and contemporary styles offering a classic, timeless design.

Gross Margin
Gross margin for the second quarter of 2008 declined by $68 million to $1,606 million compared to $1,674 million in the second quarter of 2007 as a result of lower sales volumes that reflected the continuing soft selling environment.  Gross margin as a percent of sales was 37.5% in this year’s second quarter, a decline of 60 basis points compared to 38.1% in the same period last year primarily as a result of higher markdowns.  Gross margin performance during the second quarter of 2008 exceeded the Company’s initial expectations at the beginning of the quarter.  Gross margin benefited from a number of factors including effective promotional pricing actions to clear seasonal merchandise, better sell through of clearance product and effective use of state-of-the-art tools in the merchandise flow and allocation process, all leading to better than expected markdown performance.  Additionally, gross margin benefited from good initial customer response to new brand launches.  Through the first half of 2008, gross margin decreased 110 basis points to 38.7% of sales, or $3,256 million, compared with 39.8% of sales, or $3,481 million, for the comparable 2007 period.

SG&A Expenses
SG&A expenses were well managed across the entire organization in the second quarter of 2008, increasing slightly to $1,248 million, compared to $1,243 million for the second quarter of 2007, despite the addition of 35 net new stores since the second quarter of last year.  As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses increased 80 basis points as a result of lower sales volumes.    Overall SG&A expenses benefited from associate productivity improvements through the use of the Company’s new workforce management system, which allows more effective matching of staffing levels to store traffic patterns, while improving customer service levels as indicated by the early positive results from the rollout of the Company’s CustomerFirst initiative.  SG&A expenses were well controlled throughout the first half of 2008, with an increase of only $9 million, to $2,543 million compared to $2,534 million in last year’s first half.

Depreciation and Amortization Expenses
Depreciation and amortization expenses in the second quarter of 2008 increased to $115 million from $100 million for the same 2007 period reflecting new store openings and store renovations. Depreciation and amortization expenses increased to $225 million, for the first half of 2008, compared with $200 million for the same 2007 period.

Pre-Opening Expenses
Pre-opening expenses include costs such as advertising, hiring and training new associates, processing and stocking initial merchandise inventory and rental costs.  Pre-opening expenses were $9 million for the second quarter of 2008 and $15 million for the comparable 2007 period due to the deceleration of store openings in 2008.  Through the first half of 2008 and 2007, pre-opening expenses were $15 million and $21 million, respectively.  The Company opened 12 stores during the second quarter of 2008 and 15 stores during the second quarter of 2007, which increased the year-to-date total of new stores to 23 and 22 for 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
-19-

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—(Continued)

Real Estate and Other (Income)/Expense
Real estate and other consists primarily of ongoing operating income from the Company's real estate subsidiaries.  Real estate and other was a net credit of $9 million and $13 million in the second quarters of 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In addition to ongoing operating income from real estate subsidiaries, the second quarter of 2007 included net gains from sale of real estate properties of $6 million. For the first half of 2008 and 2007, real estate and other was a net credit of $18 million and
$22 million, respectively.

Net Interest Expense
Net interest expense consists principally of interest expense on long-term debt, net of interest income earned on cash and short-term investments.  Net interest expense was $55 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared with $37 million for the second quarter of 2007.  The increase in net interest expense was due primarily to a decrease in the weighted-average annual interest rate earned on short-term investment balances to 2.20% in the second quarter of 2008 from 5.25% in the second quarter of 2007, combined with a decrease in average outstanding short-term investments. Net interest expense was
$108 million for the first half of 2008 compared with $69 million for the first half of 2007.

Income Taxes
The Company’s effective income tax rate for the second quarter of 2008 was 38.3%, compared with 37.5% in the same period last year.  The tax rate for the second quarter of 2007 benefited primarily from the state income tax legislative changes enacted in 2007, reducing the tax liability by $3 million.  The Company’s effective income tax rate for continuing operations for the first half of 2008 was 38.4% compared with 38.1% for the first half of 2007.

Discontinued Operations
Discontinued operations reflected net credits of $1 million for both the second quarter and first half of 2008 and net credits of $7 million, or $0.03 per share, for both the second quarter and first half of 2007, and were related primarily to management’s ongoing review and true-up of reserves related to previously discontinued operations.

Net Income
Net income, including the effects of discontinued operations was $117 million, or $0.52 per share, for the second quarter of 2008 compared with $182 million, or $0.81 per share, for the same period in 2007.  For the first half of 2008, net income was $237 million, or $1.06 per share, compared with $420 million, or $1.85 per share, for the first half of 2007.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company ended the second quarter of 2008 with approximately $2.1 billion in cash and short-term investments, which represented approximately 57% of the $3.7 billion of outstanding long-term debt, including current maturities of approximately $200 million.

In April 2007, the Company closed on its offering of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of new senior unsecured notes, consisting of $300 million aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Notes Due 2018 and $700 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes Due 2036. The Company received proceeds of $980 million from the offering, net of underwriting discounts. A portion of the net proceeds was used in 2007 for the early redemption of the remaining $303 million of JCP’s 8.125% Debentures Due 2027 and general corporate purposes, including debt payments.  The remaining balance will be used in 2008 for general corporate purposes, including the August 15, 2008 payment at maturity of $200 million outstanding principal amount of JCP’s 7.375% Notes Due 2008.  See Note 14 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements regarding this subsequent event.

The Company, JCP and J. C. Penney Purchasing Corporation are parties to a five-year $1.2 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (2005 Credit Agreement) with a syndicate of lenders with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. As of August 2, 2008, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under the 2005 Credit Agreement. No borrowings, other than the issuance of standby and import letters of credit totaling $169 million as of the end of the second quarter of 2008, have been made under the 2005 Credit Agreement. See Note 7 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the 2005 Credit Agreement.
-20-

Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—(Continued)

Cash Flows
The following is a summary of the Company’s cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for both continuing and discontinued operations:
   
26 weeks ended
 
($ in millions)
 
Aug. 2,
   
Aug. 4,
 
   
2008
   
2007
 
Net cash provided by/(used in):
           
Continuing operations:
           
Operating activities
  $ 270     $ 189  
Investing activities
    (496 )     (590 )
Financing activities
    (135     (139 )
Discontinued operations:
               
Operating activities
    -       (2 )
Investing activities
    (1     (25 )
Financing activities
    -       -  
Net (decrease) in cash and short-term investments
  $ (362 )   $ (567 )

Cash Flow from Operating Activities - Continuing Operations
Cash flow from operating activities improved year-over-year and was positively impacted by effective inventory management and lower income tax payments, as well as a decline in certain payroll related payments, primarily incentive compensation and the Company’s discretionary contribution to its 401(k) and employee stock ownership plan.  These increases to cash flow were partially offset by lower net income and a decline in trade payables related to lower merchandise receipts.

Total merchandise inventory increased 1.2% to $3,693 million at the end of the second quarter of 2008 compared to $3,649 million at the end of the second quarter of 2007.  This increase included inventory for the 35 new stores, net of closings and relocations, opened since last year’s second quarter.  Merchandise inventory was $3,641 million at February 2, 2008.  The change in inventory in the first half of 2008 compared with the first half of 2007 provided cash flow benefits of approximately $200 million.

Payments of income taxes were lower in the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007 by approximately $290 million due primarily to lower pre-tax income, as well as the timing of quarterly federal income tax payments.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities - Continuing Operations
Capital expenditures were $496 million for the first half of 2008, compared with $598 million for the first half of 2007. Capital spending was principally for new stores, store renewals and modernizations.  The reduction in spending is consistent with the Company’s 2008 capital expenditure plan to open 35 new stores in the year.  During the first half of 2008, the Company opened 23 new stores, six of which were relocations, and closed one store.  During the first half of 2007, the Company opened 22 new stores, including eight relocations.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities - Continuing Operations
There were no issuances of new debt during the first half of 2008.  As authorized by the Board, the Company paid quarterly dividends of $134 million for the first half of 2008 and $130 million for the first half of 2007.  Net proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $4 million for the first half of 2008 compared with $41 million for the first half of 2007.

During the first half of 2007, the Company received proceeds of $980 million, net of underwriting discounts, from the issuance of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of new senior unsecured notes.

For the first half of 2007, cash payments on long-term debt, including capital leases, totaled $633 million, primarily consisting of the early redemption of $303 million outstanding principal amount of JCP’s 8.125% Debentures Due 2027 in June 2007 and the payment at maturity of $325 million outstanding principal amount of JCP’s 7.60% Notes Due 2007 in the first quarter of 2007.
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  Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—(Continued)


During the first half of 2007, the Company repurchased 5.1 million shares of common stock for $400 million.

For the remainder of 2008, management believes that cash flow generated from operations, combined with existing cash and short-term investments, will be adequate to fund capital expenditures, working capital, dividend payments and the August 2008 scheduled long-term debt maturity, therefore no external financing will be required.  Management believes that the Company’s financial position will continue to provide the financial flexibility to support its strategic plan. In February 2008, Moody’s affirmed the Company’s long-term credit rating at Baa3 and changed their rating outlook to stable from positive, citing recent negative comparable store sales and an uncertain overall economic outlook.   Both Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and Moody’s affirmed the Company’s long-term debt ratings and stable outlook after the Company issued revised earnings guidance on March 28, 2008.

The Company’s cash flows may be impacted by many factors, including the effects of the current economic environment and consumer confidence and competitive conditions in the retail industry.  Based on the nature of the Company's business, management considers the above factors to be normal business risks.

Aggregate information about the Company’s obligations and commitments to make future payments under contractual or contingent arrangements was disclosed in the 2007 10-K.  Additionally, in conjunction with the Company’s 2007 adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,"  there have been no material changes to the unrecognized tax benefits since February 2, 2008, as disclosed in the 2007 10-K.

Bridge Plan

At the Company’s April 2008 analyst meeting, senior management discussed its modifications to the Company’s financial and business plans, referred to as the Bridge Plan, designed to enable the Company to effectively navigate through the current challenging retail environment, while working to improve both the Company’s competitive positioning and market share. On June 25, 2008, the Company announced updated Bridge Plan targets for 2009, including a further reduction in capital expenditures to approximately $650 million, versus $1 billion planned for 2008. This reflects plans to open 20 new or relocated stores in 2009, down from 35 new or relocated stores that are currently planned to open in 2008. One of the new store openings originally scheduled for 2008 has been deferred to 2009.  The Company has also reduced its store renovation plans to 10-15 stores in 2009, down from the 20 renovations it expects to complete in 2008. Management continues to focus on aligning inventory levels with expected sales trends and carefully managing operating expenses. Management is taking these additional steps under the Company’s Bridge Plan to effectively balance support of key merchandise and marketing initiatives with the goal of maintaining a strong financial position.


Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation

As of August 2, 2008, unrecognized compensation expense for unearned associate stock awards totaled $29 million, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of approximately 1.4 years. Additionally, there was $57 million of unrecognized compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, for unvested stock options, which will be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of approximately 1.2 years.

There were no material changes to stock-based compensation cost reported during the second quarter or first half of 2008 as compared to the respective 2007 periods.   See Note 10 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for more details regarding the Company’s stock-based compensation.



 
 
 
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Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—(Continued)

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations is based upon the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates estimates used, including those related to inventory valuation under the retail method; valuation of long-lived assets; estimation of reserves and valuation allowances specifically related to closed stores, insurance, income taxes, litigation and environmental contingencies; and pension accounting. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

There were no changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies during the first half of 2008.

For a further discussion of the judgments management makes in applying its accounting policies, see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in the 2007 10-K.


Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently issued accounting pronouncements are discussed in Effect of New Accounting Standards in  Note 1 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality

The results of operations and cash flows for the 13 weeks and 26 weeks ended August 2, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year. The Company’s annual earnings depend to a great extent on the results of operations for the last quarter of its fiscal year when a significant portion of the Company’s sales and profits are recorded.


Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which reflect the Company’s current view of future events and financial performance. The words expect, plan, anticipate, believe, intent, should, will and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from planned or expected results.

Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, including inflation, recession, consumer spending patterns and debt levels, the cost of goods, trade restrictions, changes in tariff, freight, paper and postal rates, changes in the cost of fuel and other energy and transportation costs, competition and retail industry consolidations, interest rate fluctuations, dollar and other currency valuations, risks associated with war, an act of terrorism or pandemic, and a systems failure and/or security breach that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or Company information. Furthermore, the Company typically earns a disproportionate share of its operating income in the fourth quarter due to holiday buying patterns, and such buying patterns are difficult to forecast with certainty. While the Company believes that its assumptions are reasonable, it cautions that it is impossible to predict the degree to which any such factors could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted results.

For additional discussion on risks and uncertainties, see Item 1A, Risk Factors, in the Company’s 2007 10-K. The Company intends the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to speak only as of the date of this report and does not undertake to update or revise these projections as more information becomes available.
 
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Table of Contents



Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company is exposed to market risks in the normal course of business due to changes in interest rates. The Company’s market risks related to interest rates at August 2, 2008 are similar to those disclosed in the 2007 10-K.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Based on their evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company's principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Company’s second quarter ended August 2, 2008, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.





















 





 
 

 
 
-24-

Table of Contents

Part II. Other Information


Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A of the 2007 Form 10-K.


Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

1.  
Election of Directors.  At the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 16, 2008, each of the nominees listed below was elected a director to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her respective successor has been elected and qualified.  Set forth below next to the name of each of the nominees is the number of shares of common stock voted for and against each nominee and the number of shares of common stock abstaining with respect to each nominee:

 
                      Nominee
 
For
 
Against
 
Abstain
Colleen C. Barrett
 
117,866,785
 
67,606,198
 
2,487,230
M. Anthony Burns
 
123,318,765
 
61,987,678
 
2,653,769
Maxine K. Clark
 
117,885,215
 
67,464,253
 
2,610,745
Thomas J. Engibous
 
129,191,376
 
56,162,956
 
2,605,881
Kent B. Foster
 
129,257,091
 
56,083,220
 
2,619,901
Ken C. Hicks
 
180,732,779
 
 5,196,557
 
2,030,878
Leonard H. Roberts
 
129,110,866
 
56,277,428
 
2,571,920
Javier G. Teruel
 
180,880,381
 
 4,839,859
 
2,239,972
Myron E. Ullman, III
 
128,031,796
 
57,310,757
 
2,617,660

The following persons’ term of office as a director continued after the meeting for the term expiring at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

    Burl Osborne
    R. Gerald Turner
    Mary Beth West


2.  
Ratification of Appointment of Independent Auditor.  At the Company’s Annual Meeting, the stockholders ratified the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditor for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009 by a vote of 181,600,425 shares voting for, 4,457,399 shares voting against, and 1,902,388 shares abstaining.

3.  
Stockholder proposal relating to stockholder approval of certain severance agreements.  At the Company’s Annual Meeting, the proposal was approved by a vote of 119,024,443 shares voting for, 46,203,542 shares voting against, 2,608,085 shares abstaining and 20,124,144 broker non-votes.


 
 
 
-25-


Part II. Other Information–(Continued)

Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit Index

       
Incorporated by Reference
   
Exhibit No.
 
Exhibit Description
 
Form
 
SEC
File No.
 
Exhibit
 
Filing
Date
 
Filed
Herewith
3.1
 
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of J. C. Penney Company, Inc., as amended to May 19, 2006
 
 
10-Q
 
001-15274
 
3.1
 
06/07/2006
   
3.2
 
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. Bylaws, as amended to
March 27, 2008
 
 
8-K
 
001-15274
 
3.1
 
04/02/2008
   
10.1**
 
Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation
 
                 
X
10.2**
 
Third Amendment to Indemnification Trust Agreement between J. C. Penney Company, Inc., J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, effective as of June 1, 2008
 
                 
X
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
                 
X
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
                 
X
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
                 
X
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
                 
X
** Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.













 
 
 
 
-26-

SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 







 
 
J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.
   By   /s/ Dennis P. Miller  
 
 
Dennis P. Miller
 
Senior Vice President and Controller
 
(Principal Accounting Officer)



 
 
 



Date: September 10, 2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
-27-

Exhibit 10.1


J. C. Penney Company, Inc.
Non-Employee Director Compensation

Effective June 1, 2008, the Annual Cash Retainer for the Presiding Director was increased to $15,000.  Set forth below is a summary of all non-employee director compensation.


 
Annual Cash Retainer *      $    60,000
Annual Restricted Stock Unit Award    $  120,000 **
Annual Cash Retainer – Audit Committee Chair *     $    15,000
Annual Cash Retainer – Human Resources and Compensation Committee Chair *     $    10,000
Annual Cash Retainer – Corporate Governance / Finance Committee Chairs *   $      7,500
Annual Cash Retainer – Presiding Director *   $    15,000
Annual Cash Retainer – Representatives under Indemnification Trust Agreement ***   $      5,000
 
                                                                                                                                     
 
* Payable quarterly and can be deferred at the director’s election, or paid in shares of Company Common Stock, also at the director’s election.

** Each non-employee director receives a number of restricted stock units equal to $120,000 divided by the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the date of grant (rounded up to the nearest whole unit).

*** Directors who serve as Representatives under an Indemnification Trust Agreement among the Company, its wholly owned subsidiary J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank, as trustee (currently Directors Barrett, Engibous, Osborne, and Turner) each receive an additional annual cash retainer of $5,000. This retainer can be deferred or paid in shares of Company Common Stock at the director's election.
 
Exhibit 10.2

 
THIRD AMENDMENT to INDEMNIFICATION TRUST AGREEMENT, effective as of June 1st, 2008 ("Third Amendment"), by and among J. C. Penney Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation and J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (herein collectively called the "Company"), and JPMorgan Chase Bank (as successor to Chemical Bank), a bank organized and existing under the laws of the State of New York, as trustee ("Trustee").

The Company and Trustee have heretofore executed an Indemnification Trust Agreement, dated as of July 30, 1986, as amended March 30, 1987 and January 27, 2002 ("Trust Agreement"), for the benefit of the Indemnitees (as defined on page 1 of the Trust Agreement).  Pursuant to Section 9(d) of the Trust Agreement, upon the written consent of the Representatives (as defined in Section 4(a) of the Trust Agreement), the Company and the Trustee now wish to amend the section of the Trust Agreement described below to reflect a change in the timing of payment by the Company to each Representative of his or her annual fee under the Trust Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Company and the Trustee agree that:

1.  
Section 4(e) of the Trust Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

(e)  In consideration for their services hereunder to the beneficiaries hereof, each Representative shall be paid by the Company an annual fee of $5,000 (payable monthly in arrears for each full or partial month of service as a Representative or by such other payment method that the Company deems appropriate), plus $600 for attendance at each meeting (whether by presence in person or by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment) of Representatives regarding any matter relating to this Trust Agreement, and shall be reimbursed for expenses of meeting attendance.

2.  
This Third Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together constitute one and the same instrument.

3.  
This Third Amendment shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.




[Remainder of page intentionally left blank.  Signature page follows.]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed and delivered this Third Amendment as of the date(s) set forth below.


J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

ATTEST                                                          By    /s/ Jeffrey J. Vawrinek                                                  
Name    Jeffrey J. Vawrinek       Title    Acting Secretary                                                              
Date    May 20, 2008                                                             
By   /s/ Charlotte M. Thacker                                                      
Name    Charlotte M. Thacker                                                              
Title    Manager - Office of the Coporate
         Secretary & Assistant Secretary                                                              
Date   May 20, 2008                                                               


J. C. PENNEY CORPORATION, INC.

ATTEST                                                          By    /s/ Jeffrey J. Vawrinek                    
Name   Jeffrey J. Vawrinek                        
Title    VP, Associate General Counsel    
                                               and Acting Secretary                         
Date     May 20, 2008                                                             
By    /s/ Charlotte M. Thacker                                                      
Name    Charlotte M. Thacker                                                                
Title      Manager - Office of the Corporate  
          Secretary & Assistant Secretary                                                               
Date     May 20, 2008                                                             


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK

ATTEST                                                          By      /s/ Janet Hudnall                                                    
Name   Janet Hudnall                                                               
Title      Vice President & Senior          
                                                    Fiduciary Officer                 Date    5/9/2008                                                             
By    /s/ Allison T. Heath                                                     
Name   Allison T. Heath                                                               
Title    Vice President & Fiduciary Officer                                                              
Date    5/9/2008                                                            

 
 
 
 

CONSENT OF THE REPRESENTATIVES

Third Amendment to
Indemnification Trust Agreement,
effective as of June 1st, 2008


We, the undersigned, being Representatives, as defined in the Indemnification Trust Agreement between J. C. Penney Company, Inc., J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. and JPMorgan Chase Bank (as successor to Chemical Bank), dated as of July 30, 1986, as amended March 30, 1987 and January 27, 2002, hereby approve the Third Amendment to Indemnification Trust Agreement, effective as of June 1st, 2008.


Dated as of the date(s) set forth below.


By          /s/ Colleen C. Barrett                                        
Name        Colleen C. Barrett        
Date           5/9/2008                  


By        /s/ Thomas J. Engibous   
Name        Thomas J. Engibous    
Date           5/9/2008                    



By        /s/ Burl Osborne                       
Name        Burl Osborne        
Date          5/9/2008                         



By        /s/ R. Gerald Turner                    
Name        R. Gerald Turner    
Date          5/9/2008                              

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Myron E. Ullman, III, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of J. C. Penney Company, Inc.;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 

Date: September 10, 2008. 
/s/ Myron E. Ullman, III
Myron E. Ullman, III
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 
Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, Robert B. Cavanaugh, certify that:
 
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of J. C. Penney Company, Inc.;
 
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
 

Date: September 10, 2008.

 
/s/ Robert B. Cavanaugh
Robert B. Cavanaugh
 
Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer


Exhibit 32.1


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending August 2, 2008 (the "Report"), I, Myron E. Ullman, III, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1)  the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


DATED this 10th day of September 2008.

 
/s/ Myron E. Ullman, III
Myron E. Ullman, III
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit 32.2


CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending August 2, 2008 (the "Report"), I, Robert B. Cavanaugh, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1)  the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


DATED this 10th day of September 2008.




 
/s/ Robert B. Cavanaugh
Robert B. Cavanaugh
 
Executive Vice President and
 
Chief Financial Officer