Edgar Filing: J C PENNEY CO INC

10-Q

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 3, 2013

¨	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

LOGO

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		26-0037077
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

6501 Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas		75024 - 3698
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(972) 431-1000

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 ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

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.

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

(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 ¨ No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. 220,564,447 shares of Common Stock of 50 cents par value, as of September 6, 2013.

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended August 3, 2013

INDEX


	Page
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Operations		3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)		4
Consolidated Balance Sheets		5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		6
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation		7
2. Earnings/(Loss) per Share		8
3. Credit Facility		8
4. Long-Term Debt		9
5. Fair Value Disclosures		9
6. Stockholders’ Equity		10
7. Stock-Based Compensation		12
8. Retirement Benefit Plans		13
9. Restructuring and Management Transition		14
10. Real Estate and Other, Net		15
11. Income Taxes		16
12. Litigation, Other Contingencies and Guarantees		16
13. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement		17
14. Subsequent Event		18
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		19
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		33
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		33
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		33
Item 1A. Risk Factors		34
Item 6. Exhibits		42
SIGNATURES		44

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
(In millions, except per share data)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Total net sales	$	2,663		$	3,022		$	5,298		$	6,174
Cost of goods sold		1,876			2,018			3,699			3,984

Gross margin		787			1,004			1,599			2,190
Operating expenses/(income):
Selling, general and administrative (SG&A)		1,026			1,050			2,104			2,210
Pension		34			58			68			116
Depreciation and amortization		143			128			279			253
Real estate and other, net		(68	)		(208	)		(90	)		(215	)
Restructuring and management transition		47			159			119			235

Total operating expenses		1,182			1,187			2,480			2,599

Operating income/(loss)		(395	)		(183	)		(881	)		(409	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		114			-			114			-
Net interest expense		95			58			156			114

Income/(loss) before income taxes		(604	)		(241	)		(1,151	)		(523	)
Income tax expense/(benefit)		(18	)		(94	)		(217	)		(213	)

Net income/(loss)	$	(586	)	$	(147	)	$	(934	)	$	(310	)


Earnings/(loss) per share:
Basic	$	(2.66	)	$	(0.67	)	$	(4.24	)	$	(1.42	)
Diluted	$	(2.66	)	$	(0.67	)	$	(4.24	)	$	(1.42	)

Weighted average shares – basic		220.6			219.3			220.2			218.9
Weighted average shares – diluted		220.6			219.3			220.2			218.9

See the accompanying notes to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Net income/(loss)	$	(586	)	$	(147	)	$	(934	)	$	(310	)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax:
Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
Unrealized gain/(loss)		(3	)		6			-			33
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gain)/loss		-			(174	)		-			(174	)
Retirement benefit plans
Reclassification for amortization of net actuarial loss/(gain)		27			37			55			77
Reclassification for amortization of prior service cost /(credit)		-			(2	)		(1	)		(4	)

Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax		24			(133	)		54			(68	)

Total comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax	$	(562	)	$	(280	)	$	(880	)	$	(378	)

See the accompanying notes to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


(In millions, except per share data)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			February 2, 2013
(In millions, except per share data)	(Unaudited)			(Unaudited)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash in banks and in transit	$	198		$	171		$	121
Cash short-term investments		1,337			717			809

Cash and cash equivalents		1,535			888			930
Merchandise inventory		3,155			2,993			2,341
Income tax receivable		-			209			57
Deferred taxes		115			407			106
Prepaid expenses and other		209			239			249

Total current assets		5,014			4,736			3,683
Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $3,067, $3,096 and $2,880)		5,820			5,153			5,353
Prepaid pension		22			-			-
Other assets		798			923			745

Total Assets	$	11,654		$	10,812		$	9,781

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Current liabilities:
Merchandise accounts payable	$	1,276		$	1,015		$	1,162
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses		1,350			1,219			1,395
Short-term borrowings		850			-			-
Current portion of capital leases and note payable		27			20			26
Current maturities of long-term debt		23			230			-

Total current liabilities		3,526			2,484			2,583
Long-term capital leases and note payable		71			33			88
Long-term debt		4,850			2,868			2,868
Deferred taxes		242			904			388
Other liabilities		645			852			683

Total Liabilities		9,334			7,141			6,610

Stockholders’ Equity
Common stock⁽¹⁾		110			109			110
Additional paid-in capital		3,828			3,782			3,799
Reinvested earnings/(accumulated deficit)		(554	)		1,057			380
Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)		(1,064	)		(1,277	)		(1,118	)

Total Stockholders’ Equity		2,320			3,671			3,171

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	11,654		$	10,812		$	9,781

(1) 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 220.4 million, 218.8 million and 219.3 million as of August 3, 2013, July 28, 2012 and February 2, 2013, respectively.

See the accompanying notes to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income/(loss)	$	(586	)	$	(147	)	$	(934	)	$	(310	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities:
Restructuring and management transition		24			78			61			90
Asset impairments and other charges		7			3			9			4
Net gain on sale or redemption of non-operating assets		(62	)		(200	)		(62	)		(200	)
Net gain on sale of operating assets		(2	)		-			(18	)		-
Loss on extinguishment of debt		114			-			114			-
Depreciation and amortization		143			128			279			253
Benefit plans		24			41			41			79
Stock-based compensation		11			14			16			26
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		-			(12	)		-			(23	)
Deferred taxes		(25	)		(153	)		(189	)		(197	)
Change in cash from:
Inventory		(357	)		91			(814	)		(77	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(9	)		(22	)		41			(15	)
Merchandise accounts payable		29			31			114			(7	)
Current income taxes		5			113			60			34
Accrued expenses and other		(24	)		5			(178	)		(264	)

Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities		(708	)		(30	)		(1,460	)		(607	)

Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures		(439	)		(132	)		(653	)		(239	)
Net proceeds from sale or redemption of non-operating assets		55			246			55			246
Acquisition		-			-			-			(9	)
Net proceeds from sale of operating assets		1			-			19			-

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		(383	)		114			(579	)		(2	)

Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from short-term borrowings		-			-			850			-
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt		2,180			-			2,180			-
Premium on early retirement of debt		(110	)		-			(110	)		-
Payments of capital leases and note payable		(14	)		-			(19	)		-
Payment of long-term debt		(245	)		-			(245	)		-
Financing costs		(4	)		(2	)		(12	)		(4	)
Dividends paid, common		-			(43	)		-			(86	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		2			1			7			69
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		-			12			-			23
Tax withholding payments for vested restricted stock		(4	)		(3	)		(7	)		(12	)

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		1,805			(35	)		2,644			(10	)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		714			49			605			(619	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		821			839			930			1,507

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	1,535		$	888		$	1,535		$	888

Supplemental cash flow information
Income taxes received/(paid), net		(2	)		55			88			51
Interest received/(paid), net		(152	)		(23	)		(236	)		(113	)
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activity
Increase/(decrease) in other accounts payable related to purchases of property and equipment		(178	)		66			102			50
Financing costs withheld from proceeds of long-term debt		(70	)		-			(70	)		-

See the accompanying notes to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

J. C. PENNEY COMPANY, INC.

NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

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 “we,” “us,” “our,” “ourselves” or the “Company,” unless otherwise indicated.

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

These unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The accompanying unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, in our opinion, include all material adjustments necessary for a fair presentation and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 (2012 Form 10-K). We follow 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 2012 Form 10-K. The February 2, 2013 financial information was derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, with related footnotes, included in the 2012 Form 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.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. As used herein, “three months ended August 3, 2013” and “three months ended July 28, 2012” refer to the 13-week periods ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012, respectively. “Six months ended August 3, 2013” or “2013 first half,” and “six months ended July 28, 2012,” or “2012 first half,” refer to the 26-week periods ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012, respectively. Fiscal year 2013 contains 52 weeks and fiscal year 2012 contained 53 weeks.

Basis of Consolidation

All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications were made to prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation. None of the reclassifications affected our net income/(loss) in any period.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements, in conformity with GAAP, requires us to make assumptions and use estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant estimates relate to: inventory valuation under the retail method; valuation of long-lived assets and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairments; estimation of reserves and valuation allowances specifically related to closed stores, insurance, income taxes, litigation and environmental contingencies and pension accounting. While actual results could differ from these estimates, we do not expect the differences, if any, to have a material effect on the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

2. Earnings/(Loss) per Share

Net income/(loss) and shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings/(loss) per share (EPS) are reconciled below:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
(in millions, except per share data)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Earnings/(loss)
Net income/(loss)	$	(586	)	$	(147	)	$	(934	)	$	(310	)

Shares
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic shares)		220.6			219.3			220.2			218.9
Adjustment for assumed dilution:
Stock options, restricted stock awards and warrant		-			-			-			-

Weighted average shares assuming dilution (diluted shares)		220.6			219.3			220.2			218.9

EPS
Basic	$	(2.66	)	$	(0.67	)	$	(4.24	)	$	(1.42	)
Diluted	$	(2.66	)	$	(0.67	)	$	(4.24	)	$	(1.42	)

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

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

(Shares in millions)

August 3,
2013

July 28,
2012

August 3,
2013

July 28,
2012

Stock options, restricted stock awards and warrant

25.0

25.7

25.0

25.4

3. Credit Facility

On February 8, 2013, J. C. Penney Company, Inc., JCP and J. C. Penney Purchasing Corporation (Purchasing) entered into an amended and restated revolving credit agreement in the amount up to $1,850 million (2013 Credit Facility), which replaces the Company’s prior credit agreement entered into in January 2012, with largely the same syndicate of lenders under the previous agreement, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. The 2013 Credit Facility matures on April 29, 2016, increases the letter of credit sublimit to $750 million from $500 million and provides an accordion feature that could potentially increase the size of the facility by an additional amount not to exceed $400 million.

The 2013 Credit Facility is an asset-based revolving credit facility and is secured by a perfected first-priority security interest in substantially all of our eligible credit card receivables, accounts receivable and inventory. The 2013 Credit Facility is available for general corporate purposes, including the issuance of letters of credit. Pricing under the 2013 Credit Facility is tiered based on JCP’s senior unsecured long-term credit ratings issued by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. JCP’s obligations under the 2013 Credit Facility are guaranteed by J. C. Penney Company, Inc.

Availability under the 2013 Credit Facility is limited to a borrowing base which allows us to borrow up to 85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus 90% of eligible credit card receivables, plus 85% of the liquidation value of our inventory, net of certain reserves. Letters of credit reduce the amount available to borrow by their face value. In the event that availability under the 2013 Credit Facility is at any time less than the greater of (1) $125 million or (2) 10% of the lesser of the total facility or the borrowing base then in effect, for a period of at least 30 days, the Company will be subject to a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant of 1.0 to 1.0 which is calculated as of the last day of the quarter and measured on a trailing four-quarter basis.

On April 12, 2013, we borrowed $850 million under the 2013 Credit Facility. A portion of the borrowing bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 3.0% with the remaining portion bearing interest at a base rate (as defined in the 2013 Credit Facility) plus 2.0% per annum. As of the end of the second quarter of 2013, all of the borrowing remains outstanding. As of the end of the second quarter of 2013, we had $503 million in standby and import letters of credit outstanding under the 2013 Credit Facility, the majority of which are standby letters of credit that support our merchandise initiatives and workers’ compensation. None of the standby or import letters of credit have been drawn on. The applicable rate for standby and import letters of credit was 3.00% and 1.50%, respectively, while the required commitment fee was 0.50% for the unused portion of the 2013 Credit Facility. As of the end of the second quarter of 2013, we had $497 million available for future borrowing, of which $312 million is currently accessible due to the limitation of the fixed charge coverage ratio.

4. Long-Term Debt

Tender Offer

On April 30, 2013 we announced the commencement of a cash tender offer (Tender Offer) and consent solicitation for our 7.125% Debentures Due 2023 (Notes) for total consideration consisting of an amount equal to $1,350 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, including a consent payment in the amount equal to $50 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes. We solicited consents to effect certain proposed amendments to the indenture, as amended and supplemented, governing the Notes (the Indenture) that would eliminate most of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default and other provisions in the Indenture (Proposed Amendments).

On May 14, 2013, we announced that we had amended our previously announced Tender Offer (Amended Tender Offer) and related solicitation of consents to extend the expiration date of the consent solicitation and to increase the tender consideration. The Amended Tender Offer increased the total consideration from $1,350 to $1,450 per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes (Amended Tender Offer Consideration); extended the expiration date of the consent solicitation from May 13, 2013 to May 20, 2013 (Consent Expiration) and extended the expiration of the tender offer from May 28, 2013 to June 4, 2013 (Expiration Time).

Holders that validly tendered their Notes prior to the Consent Expiration, as extended, received the Amended Tender Offer Consideration. Holders that validly tendered their Notes after the Consent Expiration, as extended, but prior to the Expiration Time, as extended, received only the tender offer consideration of $1,400 per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes (Tender Offer Consideration). Holders whose Notes were accepted for purchase in the Amended Tender Offer also received accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the applicable payment date for the Notes. On May 22, 2013, we accepted for purchase $243 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, representing 95.41% of the outstanding principal amount, for aggregate Amended Tender Offer Consideration of $352 million. On June 5, 2013, we accepted for purchase an additional $2 million in aggregate principal amount of the Notes, for aggregate Tender Offer Consideration of $3 million. The Tender Offer resulted in a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $114 million which includes the premium paid over face value of the Notes of $110 million, reacquisition costs of $2 million and the write-off of unamortized debt issue costs of $2 million. As a result of receiving the requisite consent of the Holders of at least 66²/₃% of aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding, the Proposed Amendments were approved and became operative.

Term Loan Facility

On May 22, 2013, we entered into a new $2.25 billion five-year senior secured term loan facility (2013 Term Loan Facility). The 2013 Term Loan Facility is guaranteed by J. C. Penney Company, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of JCP, and is secured by mortgages on certain real estate of JCP and the guarantors, in addition to substantially all other assets of JCP and the guarantors. Proceeds of the 2013 Term Loan Facility were used to fund the Amended Tender Offer and will be used to fund ongoing working capital requirements and general corporate purposes.

5. Fair Value Disclosures

In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three-level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value, as follows:

Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 — Significant observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities, such as quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs reflecting our own assumptions, consistent with reasonably available assumptions made by other market participants.

REIT Assets Measured on a Recurring Basis

The market value of our investment in public REIT assets are accounted for as available-for-sale securities and are carried at fair value on an ongoing basis in Other assets in the unaudited Interim Consolidated Balance Sheets. We determined the fair value of our investments in REITs using quoted market prices. There were no transfers in or out of any levels during any period presented. Our REIT assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:


			REIT Assets at Fair Value
($ in millions)	Cost Basis		Quoted Prices in Active Markets of Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
August 3, 2013	$	7	$	33	$	-	$	-
July 28, 2012		34		71		-		-
February 2, 2013		7		33		-		-

Other Financial Instruments

Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows:


	August 3, 2013				July 28, 2012				February 2, 2013
	Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair		Carrying		Fair
($ in millions)	Amount		Value		Amount		Value		Amount		Value
Long-term debt, including current maturities	$	4,873	$	4,272	$	3,098	$	2,651	$	2,868	$	2,456
Cost investment		36		-		36		-		36		-

The fair value of long-term debt is estimated by obtaining quotes from brokers or is based on current rates offered for similar debt. The cost investment is for equity securities that are not registered and freely tradable shares and their fair values are not readily determinable; however, we believe the carrying value approximates or is less than the fair value.

As of August 3, 2013, July 28, 2012 and February 2, 2013, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents and accounts payable approximate their carrying values due to the short-term nature of these instruments. In addition, the fair values of short-term borrowings, capital lease commitments and the note payable approximate their carrying values. These items have been excluded from the table above.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

We have no significant concentrations of credit risk.

6. Stockholders’ Equity

The following table shows the change in the components of stockholders’ equity for the six months ended August 3, 2013:


	Number						Reinvested			Accumulated
	of				Additional		Earnings/			Other			Total
	Common		Common		Paid-in		(Accumulated			Comprehensive			Stockholders’
(in millions)	Shares		Stock		Capital		Deficit)			Income/(Loss)			Equity
February 2, 2013		219.3	$	110	$	3,799	$	380		$	(1,118	)	$	3,171
Net income/(loss)		-		-		-		(934	)		-			(934	)
Other comprehensive income/(loss)		-		-		-		-			54			54
Stock-based compensation		1.1		-		29		-			-			29

August 3, 2013		220.4	$	110	$	3,828	$	(554	)	$	(1,064	)	$	2,320

The tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income/(loss) are as follows:


	Three Months Ended
	August 3, 2013									July 28, 2012
				Income									Income
				Tax									Tax
	Gross			(Expense)/			Net			Gross			(Expense)/			Net
($ in millions)	Amount			Benefit			Amount			Amount			Benefit			Amount
REITs
Unrealized gain/(loss)	$	(4	)	$	1		$	(3	)	$	8		$	(2	)	$	6
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gain)/loss		-			-			-			(270	)⁽¹⁾		96			(174	)
Retirement benefit plans
Reclassification for amortization of net actuarial loss/(gain)		44			(17	)		27			63			(26	)		37
Reclassification for amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		-			-			-			(3	)		1			(2	)

Total	$	40		$	(16	)	$	24		$	(202	)	$	69		$	(133	)


	Six Months Ended
	August 3, 2013									July 28, 2012
				Income									Income
				Tax									Tax
	Gross			(Expense)/			Net			Gross			(Expense)/			Net
($ in millions)	Amount			Benefit			Amount			Amount			Benefit			Amount
REITs
Unrealized gain/(loss)	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	51		$	(18	)	$	33
Reclassification adjustment for realized (gain)/loss		-			-			-			(270	)⁽¹⁾		96			(174	)
Retirement benefit plans
Reclassification for amortization of net actuarial loss/(gain)		88			(33	)		55			127			(50	)		77
Reclassification for amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		(1	)		-			(1	)		(7	)		3			(4	)

Total	$	87		$	(33	)	$	54		$	(99	)	$	31		$	(68	)

(1) The reclassification adjustment for the Simon Property Group, L.P. (SPG) units was calculated by using the closing fair market value per SPG unit of $158.13 on July 19, 2012 for the two million REIT units that were redeemed on July 20, 2012. The REIT units were redeemed at a price of $124.00 per unit (see Note 10).

The following table shows the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) balances for the six months ended August 3, 2013:


	Unrealized								Accumulated Other
	Gain/(Loss)		Net Actuarial			Prior Service			Comprehensive
($ in millions)	on REITs		Gain/(Loss)			Credit/(Cost)			Income/(Loss)
February 2, 2013	$	17	$	(1,121	)	$	(14	)	$	(1,118	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-		55			(1	)		54

Net current-period other comprehensive income		-		55			(1	)		54

August 3, 2013	$	17	$	(1,066	)	$	(15	)	$	(1,064	)

Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) are as follows:


	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)												Line Item in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations
	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	August 3,			July 28,			August 3,			July 28,
($ in millions)	2013			2012			2013			2012
Realized (gain)/loss on REITs
Redemption of SPG REIT units	$	-		$	(270	)	$	-		$	(270	)	Real estate and other, net
Tax (expense)/benefit		-			96			-			96		Income tax expense/(benefit)

Total, net of tax		-			(174	)		-			(174	)

Amortization of retirement benefit plans
Actuarial loss/(gain)⁽¹⁾		44			63			88			127		Pension
Prior service cost/(credit)⁽¹⁾		2			-			3			-		Pension
Prior service cost/(credit)⁽¹⁾		(2	)		(3	)		(4	)		(7	)	SG&A
Tax (expense)/benefit		(17	)		(25	)		(33	)		(47	)	Income tax expense/(benefit)

Total, net of tax		27			35			54			73

Total reclassifications	$	27		$	(139	)	$	54		$	(101	)

(1) These accumulated other comprehensive components are included in the computation of net periodic benefits expense/(income). See Note 8 for additional details.

7. Stock-Based Compensation

We grant stock-based compensation awards to employees and non-employee directors under our equity compensation plan. On May 18, 2012, our stockholders approved the J. C. Penney Company, Inc. 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2012 Plan), reserving 7 million shares for future grants (1.5 million newly authorized shares plus up to 5.5 million reserved but unissued shares from our prior 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan (2009 Plan)). In addition, shares underlying any outstanding stock award or stock option grant cancelled prior to vesting or exercise become available for use under the 2012 Plan. The 2009 Plan terminated on May 18, 2012, except for outstanding awards, and all subsequent awards have been granted under the 2012 Plan. As of August 3, 2013, there were approximately 5 million shares of stock available for future grant under the 2012 Plan.

On March 4, 2013, we granted off-cycle awards to employees consisting of approximately 70,000 stock options at an option price of $16.74 and a fair value of $7.88 per option and approximately 94,000 time-based restricted stock units (RSU’s) with a fair value of $16.74 per RSU award.

On April 3, 2013, we made an annual grant to employees consisting of approximately 3.3 million stock options at an option price of $14.43 and a fair value of $7.07 per option, approximately 621,000 RSU’s with a fair value of $14.43 per RSU award and approximately 998,000 performance-based restricted stock units (PBRSU’s) with a fair value of $14.43 per PBRSU award. The number of PBRSU’s that ultimately vest is dependent on the achievement of a 2013 internal profitability target (performance condition).

During the second quarter of 2013, we granted approximately 74,000 stock options to employees at an option price of $18.98 and a fair value of $9.35 per option. Additionally, we granted approximately 77,000 time-based RSUs to employees with a fair value of $18.98 per RSU award as well as 64,000 RSUs to directors with a fair value of $18.72 per RSU award.

The following table presents total stock-based compensation costs by line item in the unaudited Interim Consolidated Statements of Operations:


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	August 3,		July 28,		August 3,		July 28,
($ in millions)	2013		2012		2013		2012
SG&A	$	10	$	13	$	14	$	24
Cost of goods sold		1		1		2		2
Restructuring and management transition (Note 9)		7		-		16		9

Total stock-based compensation	$	18	$	14	$	32	$	35

8. Retirement Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit expense/(income) for our non-contributory qualified defined benefit pension plan (Primary Pension Plan), non-contributory supplemental pension plans and contributory postretirement health and welfare plan are as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3,			July 28,			August 3,			July 28,
Primary Pension Plan	2013			2012			2013			2012
Service cost	$	19		$	23		$	39		$	46
Interest cost		51			62			102			124
Expected return on plan assets		(85	)		(95	)		(170	)		(189	)
Amortization of actuarial loss/(gain)		38			58			76			116
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		2			-			3			-

Net periodic benefit expense/(income)	$	25		$	48		$	50		$	97


Supplemental Pension Plans
Service cost	$	-		$	1		$	-		$	1
Interest cost		3			4			6			7
Amortization of actuarial loss/(gain)		6			5			12			11
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		-			-			-			-

Net periodic benefit expense/(income)	$	9		$	10		$	18		$	19


Primary and Supplemental Pension Plans Total
Service cost	$	19		$	24		$	39		$	47
Interest cost		54			66			108			131
Expected return on plan assets		(85	)		(95	)		(170	)		(189	)
Amortization of actuarial loss/(gain)		44			63			88			127
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		2			-			3			-

Net periodic benefit expense/(income)	$	34		$	58		$	68		$	116


Postretirement Health and Welfare Plan
Service cost	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	-
Interest cost		-			1			-			1
Amortization of actuarial loss/(gain)		-			-			-			-
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		(2	)		(3	)		(4	)		(7	)

Net periodic benefit expense/(income)	$	(2	)	$	(2	)	$	(4	)	$	(6	)


Retirement Benefit Plans Total
Service cost	$	19		$	24		$	39		$	47
Interest cost		54			67			108			132
Expected return on plan assets		(85	)		(95	)		(170	)		(189	)
Amortization of actuarial loss/(gain)		44			63			88			127
Amortization of prior service cost/(credit)		-			(3	)		(1	)		(7	)

Net periodic benefit expense/(income)	$	32		$	56		$	64		$	110

Net periodic benefit expense/(income) for our noncontributory postretirement health and welfare plan is predominantly included in SG&A expense in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Defined Contribution Plans

Our defined contribution plans include a qualified Savings, Profit-Sharing and Stock Ownership Plan (401(k) plan), which includes a non-contributory retirement account, and a non-qualified contributory unfunded mirror savings plan offered to certain members of management. Total expense for our defined contribution plans for the second quarters of 2013 and 2012 was $12 million and $14 million, respectively, and was predominantly included in SG&A expenses in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations. Total expense for the first six months of 2013 and 2012 was $26 million and $30 million, respectively.

9. Restructuring and Management Transition

The composition of restructuring and management transition charges was as follows:


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended				Cumulative Amount Through August 3, 2013
	August 3,		July 28,		August 3,		July 28,
($ in millions)	2013		2012		2013		2012
Supply chain	$	-	$	10	$	-	$	16	$	60
Home office and stores		4		56		32		101		186
Software and systems		-		36		-		36		36
Store fixtures		17		42		45		42		123
Management transition		13		10		29		30		200
Other		13		5		13		10		61

Total	$	47	$	159	$	119	$	235	$	666

Supply chain

As a result of consolidating and streamlining our supply chain organization as part of a restructuring program that began in 2011, during the three and six months ended July 28, 2012 we recorded charges of $10 million and $16 million, respectively, related to increased depreciation, termination benefits and unit closing costs. This restructuring activity was completed during the third quarter of 2012.

Home office and stores

During the three months ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012, we recorded $4 million and $56 million, respectively, of charges associated with employee termination benefits for actions to reduce our store and home office expenses. During the six months ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012, we recorded charges of $32 million and $101 million, respectively.

Software and systems

During the three and six months ended July 28, 2012, we recorded a charge of $36 million related to the disposal of software and systems that based on our evaluation no longer supported our then current strategy. Included in this amount is $3 million of consulting fees related to that evaluation.

Store fixtures

During the three months ended August 3, 2013, we recorded $1 million of charges for the write-off of store fixtures related to the renovations in our home department and $16 million of increased depreciation as a result of shortening the useful lives of fixtures in our department stores that were replaced during the first half of 2013 or are expected to be replaced during 2013.

During the six months ended August 3, 2013, we recorded $7 million of charges for the write-off of store fixtures related to the renovations in our home department and $29 million of increased depreciation as a result of shortening the useful lives of fixtures in our department stores that were replaced during the first half of 2013 or are expected to be replaced during 2013. In addition, during the six months ended August 3, 2013, we recorded $9 million of charges for the impairment of certain store fixtures related to our former shops strategy that were used in our prototype department store.

During the three and six months ended July 28, 2012, we recorded $42 million of charges related to the replacement of store fixtures in connection with the launch of our first 10 attractions in August and September of 2012.

Management transition

During the three months ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012, we implemented several changes within our management leadership team that resulted in management transition costs of $13 million and $10 million, respectively, for both incoming and outgoing members of management. During the six months ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012, we recorded management transition charges of $29 million and $30 million, respectively.

Other

During the three months ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012, we recorded $13 million and $5 million, respectively, of miscellaneous restructuring charges. During the six months ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012, we recorded $13 million and $10 million, respectively, of miscellaneous restructuring charges. The charges during the second quarter of 2013 were related to contract termination costs associated with our previous marketing and shops strategy. The charges in the first quarter of 2012 were primarily related to the exit of our specialty websites CLAD^TM and Gifting Grace^TM and the charges in the second quarter of 2012 were primarily related to costs associated with the closing of our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania customer call center.

Activity for the restructuring and management transition liability for the six months ended August 3, 2013 was as follows:


($ in millions)	Supply Chain			Home Office and Stores			Store Fixtures			Management Transition			Other			Total
February 2, 2013	$	2		$	4		$	-		$	-		$	12		$	18
Charges		-			32			45			29			13			119
Cash payments		(2	)		(27	)		-			(11	)		(1	)		(41	)
Non-cash		-			(1	)		(45	)		(15	)		-			(61	)

August 3, 2013	$	-		$	8		$	-		$	3		$	24		$	35

Non-cash amounts represent charges that do not result in cash expenditures including increased depreciation, write-off of store fixtures and stock-based compensation expense for accelerated vesting related to terminations.

10. Real Estate and Other, Net

Real estate and other consists of ongoing operating income from our real estate subsidiaries whose investments are in REITs, as well as investments in joint ventures that own regional mall properties. Real estate and other also includes net gains from the sale of facilities and equipment that are no longer used in operations, asset impairments and other non-operating charges and credits. The composition of real estate and other, net was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Gain on sale or redemption of non-operating assets, net:
Redemption of SPG REIT units	$	-		$	(200	)	$	-		$	(200	)
Sale of investment in joint venture		(62	)		-			(62	)		-

Net gain on sale or redemption of non-operating assets		(62	)		(200	)		(62	)		(200	)
Dividend income from REITs		-			(2	)		-			(5	)
Investment income from joint ventures		(2	)		(3	)		(4	)		(6	)
Gain on sale of operating assets		(2	)		-			(18	)		-
Other		(2	)		(3	)		(6	)		(4	)

Real estate and other (income)/expense, net	$	(68	)	$	(208	)	$	(90	)	$	(215	)

REIT Assets

On July 20, 2012, SPG redeemed two million of our REIT units at a price of $124.00 per unit for a total redemption price of $246 million, net of fees. As of the market close on July 19, 2012, the SPG REIT units had a fair market value of $158.13 per unit. In connection with the redemption, we realized a net gain of $200 million determined using the first-in-first-out method for determining the cost of REIT units sold. Following the transaction, we continue to hold approximately 205,000 REIT units in SPG.

Joint Venture

During the second quarter of 2013, we sold our investment in a joint venture that owns regional mall properties for $55 million, resulting in a net gain of $62 million. The gain exceeded the cash proceeds as a result of distributions of cash related to refinancing transactions in prior periods that were recorded as net reductions in the carrying amount of the investment. The net book value of the joint venture investment was a negative $7 million and was included in Other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Operating Assets

During the first quarter of 2013, we sold our leasehold interest of a former department store location with a net book value of $2 million for net proceeds of $18 million, realizing a gain of $16 million. During the second quarter of 2013, we sold two properties, realizing a gain of $2 million.

11. Income Taxes

For the three months ended August 3, 2013, we recorded our tax provision based on actual year-to-date results. For the three months ended May 4, 2013 and for the three and six months ended July 28, 2012, we determined the quarterly provision for income taxes using an estimated annual effective tax rate, which was based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The effective tax rate for the three months ended August 3, 2013 was (3.0)% as compared to (39.0)% for the three months ended July 28, 2012. The effective tax rate for the six months ended August 3, 2013 was (18.9)% compared to (40.7)% for the six months ended July 28, 2012. Our effective tax rate for the three and six months ended August 3, 2013 was negatively impacted by a $218 million increase to the tax valuation allowance for deferred tax assets during the second quarter of 2013.

In assessing the need for the valuation allowance, we considered both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. In the second quarter, our net deferred tax position, exclusive of any valuation allowance, changed from a net deferred tax liability to a net deferred tax asset. In addition, we heavily weighted the negative evidence of cumulative losses in recent periods and the positive evidence of future reversals of existing temporary differences. Although a sizable portion of our losses in recent years were the result of charges incurred for restructuring and other special items, even without these charges we still would have incurred significant losses. Accordingly, we considered our pattern of recent losses to be relevant to our analysis. Considering this pattern of recent losses and the uncertainties associated with projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences, we gave no weight to projections showing future U.S. taxable income for purposes of assessing the need for a valuation allowance. As a result of our assessment, we concluded that our net deferred tax assets required a valuation allowance. Our estimate of the realization of deferred tax assets was based solely on future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and tax planning strategies that we would make use of to accelerate taxable income to utilize expiring carryforwards.

Based on the weight of available evidence, we determined it was more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, and accordingly, a valuation allowance of $298 million has been recorded against our deferred tax assets as of August 3, 2013. This resulted in an increase to the valuation allowance during the quarter ended August 3, 2013 of $218 million, of which $183 million relates to the increase in the deferred tax assets created for federal net operating loss carryforwards and $35 million relates to deferred tax assets created for state net operating loss carryforwards.

As a result of the valuation allowance, for the three months ended August 3, 2013, we recorded a net tax benefit of $18 million. The net tax benefit consists of a $9 million benefit related to our federal and state operating losses, a $17 million non-cash benefit relating to other comprehensive income, offset by state and foreign tax expenses of $6 million and $2 million of tax expense on the amortization of certain indefinite-lived intangible assets that were not available to offset existing deferred taxes. In accordance with accounting standards, we are required to allocate a portion of our tax provision between operating losses and accumulated other comprehensive income. Application of this guidance required the recognition of a non-cash income tax benefit of $17 million in operating results, offset by a $17 million charge to other comprehensive income for the quarter.

As of August 3, 2013, we have approximately $2.3 billion of net operating losses available for U.S. federal income tax purposes which expire in 2032 and 2033 for which a net deferred tax asset of $613 million has been recorded, net of a valuation allowance of $183 million. A net deferred tax asset of $53 million, net of a valuation allowance of $115 million, has been recorded for state net operating losses that expire at various dates through 2033.

12. Litigation, Other Contingencies and Guarantees

Litigation

Macy’s Litigation

On August 16, 2012, Macy’s, Inc. and Macy’s Merchandising Group, Inc. (together the Plaintiffs) filed suit against J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, alleging that the Company tortiously interfered with, and engaged in unfair competition relating to a 2006 agreement between Macy’s and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (MSLO) by entering into a partnership agreement with MSLO in December 2011. The Plaintiffs seek primarily to prevent the Company from implementing our partnership agreement with MSLO as it relates to products in the bedding, bath, kitchen and cookware categories. The suit was consolidated with an already-existing breach of contract lawsuit by the Plaintiffs against MSLO, and a bench trial commenced on February 20, 2013. On March 7, 2013, the judge adjourned the trial until April 8, 2013, and ordered the parties into mediation. The parties did not reach a settlement, and the trial continued on April 8, 2013. The parties concluded their presentations of evidence on April 26, 2013, and completed post-trial briefs in late May, 2013. The court held closing arguments on August 1, 2013. The court has not yet issued a final decision in the case. While no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of this matter, we currently believe that the final resolution of this action will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

Other Legal Proceedings

We are subject to various legal and governmental proceedings involving routine litigation incidental to our business. Reserves have been established based on our best estimates of our 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 our results of operations, financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

Contingencies

As of August 3, 2013, we estimated our total potential environmental liabilities to range from $19 million to $25 million and recorded our best estimate of $20 million in other liabilities in the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet as of that date. This estimate covered potential liabilities primarily related to underground storage tanks, remediation of environmental conditions involving our former drugstore locations and asbestos removal in connection with approved plans to renovate or dispose of our facilities. We continue to assess required remediation and the adequacy of environmental reserves as new information becomes available and known conditions are further delineated. If we were to incur losses at the upper end of the estimated range, we do not believe that such losses would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

Guarantees

As of August 3, 2013, we had a guarantee totaling $20 million for the maximum exposure on insurance reserves established by a former subsidiary included in the sale of our Direct Marketing Services business.

In connection with the sale of the operations of our outlet stores, we assigned leases on 7 outlet store locations to the purchaser. In the event that the purchaser fails to make the required lease payments, we continue for a period of time to be liable for lease payments to each landlord of the 7 assigned leases. The purchaser’s obligations under the leases are guaranteed to us by certain principals and affiliates of the purchaser. We are currently engaged in discussions regarding restructuring the agreement. As of August 3, 2013, our maximum liability in connection with the assigned leases is $10 million.

In connection with the redemption of two million of our SPG REIT units, we agreed to make future capital contributions to SPG under certain circumstances. Capital contributions would be required only if (i) one or more unsecured senior notes or term loans of SPG are in default and (ii) the aggregate amount received and/or realized by the lenders with respect to such notes or loans upon the exhaustion of all other remedies available to them is less than the maximum amount of all capital contribution commitments of the Company and other parties with similar commitments. Our contribution obligation is subject to a maximum aggregate amount of $360 million, and is proportionate to our share of all similar commitments provided by the Company and other parties. Under certain circumstances, including the disposition of its remaining SPG REIT units, the Company can terminate its obligation. The possibility that we would be required to make a contribution is considered remote, and as such, no amount has been recorded in the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

13. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncement

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-11, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit when a Net Operating Loss Carryforward or Tax Credit Carryforward Exists. This update provides that an entity’s unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of its unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in its financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, with one exception. That exception states that, to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position, or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. This update applies prospectively to all entities that have unrecognized tax benefits when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists at the reporting date. Retrospective application is also permitted. This update is effective for annual periods, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. We do not anticipate the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated results operations, cash flows or financial position.

14. Subsequent Event

As authorized by our Company’s Board of Directors, the Company adopted a Rights Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2013 (Rights Agreement), by and between the Company and Computershare Inc., as Rights Agent. Pursuant to the terms of the Rights Agreement that expires on August 20, 2014, one preferred stock purchase right (a Right) was attached to each outstanding share of Common Stock of $0.50 par value of the Company (Common Stock) held by holders of record as of the close of business on September 3, 2013. Additionally, the Company will issue one Right with each new share of Common Stock issued. The Rights will initially trade with and be inseparable from our Common Stock and will not be evidenced by separate certificates unless they become exercisable.

Each Right entitles its holder to purchase from the Company 1/1000th of a share of a newly authorized series of participating preferred stock at an exercise price of $55.00, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Rights Agreement, once the Rights become exercisable. In general terms, under the Rights Agreement, the Rights become exercisable if any person or group acquires 10% or more of the Common Stock or, in the case of any person or group that owned 10% or more of the Common Stock as of August 22, 2013, upon the acquisition of any additional shares by such person or group. This does not include certain affiliates of Vornado Realty Trust so long as such party’s beneficial ownership is permitted under such party’s letter agreements with the Company. In addition, the Company, its subsidiaries, employee benefit plans of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and any entity holding Common Stock for or pursuant to the terms of any such plan, are excepted. Upon exercise of the Right in accordance with the Rights Agreement, the holder would be able to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock from the Company having an aggregate market value (as defined in the Rights Agreement) equal to twice the then-current exercise price for an amount in cash equal to the then-current exercise price. The Rights will not prevent a takeover of our Company, but may cause substantial dilution to a person that acquires 10% or more of our Common Stock.

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 “we,” “us,” “our,” “ourselves” or the “Company,” unless otherwise indicated.

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

This discussion is intended to provide information that will assist the reader in understanding our 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 our Company as a whole, as well as how certain accounting principles affect the financial statements. It should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements as of February 2, 2013, 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 (2012 Form 10-K). Unless otherwise indicated, all references to earnings/(loss) per share (EPS) are on a diluted basis and all references to years relate to fiscal years rather than to calendar years.

Second Quarter Summary and Key Developments

For the second quarter of 2013, sales were $2,663 million, a decrease of 11.9% as compared to the corresponding quarter in 2012. Comparable store sales decreased 11.9% for the second quarter of 2013. Sales through jcp.com decreased 2.2%, to $215 million.

For the second quarter of 2013, gross margin as a percentage of sales was 29.6% compared to 33.2% in the same period last year. The decrease in gross margin as a percentage of sales was primarily due to a change in the merchandise sales mix, which includes a higher level of clearance merchandise sales during the quarter, compared to the same period last year.

Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses decreased $24 million, or 2.3%, for the second quarter of 2013 as compared to the corresponding quarter in 2012 as we continue to realize the benefits from our cost savings initiatives.

During the quarter, we enhanced our liquidity by entering into a $2.25 billion senior secured term loan facility. In addition, we paid $355 million to complete a cash tender offer and consent solicitation with respect to substantially all of our outstanding 7.125% Debentures due 2023. In doing so, we also recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $114 million.

In the second quarter of 2013, we recognized a tax benefit of $18 million reflecting a significant reduction in tax benefits typically recognized from federal and state loss carryforwards due to the recognition of a tax valuation allowance of $218 million during the quarter. This resulted in an effective tax rate of only (3.0)% for the second quarter compared to (39.0)% in the second quarter of 2012 and negatively impacted EPS by $0.99.

For the second quarter of 2013, our net loss was $586 million, or $2.66 per share, compared to a net loss of $147 million, or $0.67 per share, for the corresponding prior year quarter. Results for this quarter included $47 million, or $0.21 per share, of restructuring and management transition charges, $25 million, or $0.04 per share, for the impact of our qualified defined benefit pension plan (Primary Pension Plan) expense, $114 million, or $0.52 per share for the loss on extinguishment of debt, and $62 million, or $0.28 per share, for the net gain on the sale of a non-operating asset.

Results of Operations


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions, except EPS)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Total net sales	$	2,663		$	3,022		$	5,298		$	6,174
Percent increase/(decrease) from prior year		(11.9	)%		(22.6	)%		(14.2	)%		(21.3	)%
Comparable store sales increase/(decrease)⁽¹⁾		(11.9	)%		(21.7	)%		(14.3	)%		(20.3	)%
Gross margin		787			1,004			1,599			2,190
Operating expenses/(income):
Selling, general and administrative		1,026			1,050			2,104			2,210
Primary pension plan		25			48			50			97
Supplemental pension plans		9			10			18			19

Total pension		34			58			68			116
Depreciation and amortization		143			128			279			253
Real estate and other, net		(68	)		(208	)		(90	)		(215	)
Restructuring and management transition		47			159			119			235

Total operating expenses		1,182			1,187			2,480			2,599

Operating income/(loss)		(395	)		(183	)		(881	)		(409	)
Adjusted operating income/(loss) (non-GAAP)⁽²⁾		(385	)		(74	)		(774	)		(122	)
Loss on extinguishment of debt		114			-			114			-
Net interest expense		95			58			156			114

Income/(loss) before income taxes		(604	)		(241	)		(1,151	)		(523	)
Income tax expense/(benefit)		(18	)		(94	)		(217	)		(213	)

Net income/(loss)	$	(586	)	$	(147	)	$	(934	)	$	(310	)

Adjusted net income/(loss) (non-GAAP)⁽²⁾	$	(477	)	$	(81	)	$	(766	)	$	(136	)

Diluted EPS	$	(2.66	)	$	(0.67	)	$	(4.24	)	$	(1.42	)
Adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP)⁽²⁾	$	(2.16	)	$	(0.37	)	$	(3.48	)	$	(0.62	)
Ratios as a percent of sales:
Gross margin		29.6	%		33.2	%		30.2	%		35.5	%
SG&A		38.5	%		34.7	%		39.7	%		35.8	%
Total operating expenses		44.4	%		39.3	%		46.8	%		42.1	%
Operating income/(loss)		(14.8	)%		(6.1	)%		(16.6	)%		(6.6	)%
Adjusted operating income/(loss) (non-GAAP)⁽²⁾		(14.5	)%		(2.4	)%		(14.6	)%		(2.0	)%

(1) Comparable store sales include sales from new and relocated stores that have been opened for 12 consecutive full fiscal months and Internet sales through jcp.com. 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.

(2) See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below for a discussion of this non-GAAP measure and reconciliation to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure and further information on its uses and limitations.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We report our financial information in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (GAAP). However, we present certain financial measures and ratios identified as non-GAAP under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to assess our results. We believe the presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures and ratios is useful in order to better understand our financial performance as well as to facilitate the comparison of our results to the results of our peer companies. In addition, management uses these non-GAAP financial measures and ratios to assess the results of our operations. It is important to view non-GAAP financial measures in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, those measures and ratios prepared in accordance with GAAP. We have provided reconciliations of the most directly comparable GAAP measures to our non-GAAP financial measures presented.

The following non-GAAP financial measures are adjusted to exclude the impact of markdowns related to the alignment of inventory with our 2012 strategy, restructuring and management transition charges, the impact of our Primary Pension Plan expense, the loss on extinguishment of debt and the net gain on the sale or redemption of non-operating assets. Unlike other operating expenses, markdowns related to the alignment of inventory with our 2012 strategy, restructuring and management transition charges, loss on extinguishment of debt and the net gain on the sale or redemption of non-operating assets are not directly related to our ongoing core business operations. Primary Pension Plan expense is determined using numerous complex assumptions about changes in pension assets and liabilities that are subject to factors beyond our control, such as market volatility. Accordingly, we eliminate our Primary Pension Plan expense in its entirety as we view all components of net periodic benefit expense as a single, net amount, consistent with its presentation in our Consolidated Financial Statements. We believe it is useful for investors to understand the impact of markdowns related to the alignment of inventory with our 2012 strategy, restructuring and management transition charges, the impact of our Primary Pension Plan expense, the loss on extinguishment of debt and the net gain on the sale or redemption of non-operating assets on our financial results and therefore are presenting the following non-GAAP financial measures: (1) adjusted operating income/(loss); (2) adjusted net income/(loss); and (3) adjusted diluted EPS.

Adjusted Operating Income/(Loss). The following table reconciles operating income/(loss), the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to adjusted operating income/(loss), a non-GAAP financial measure:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Operating income/(loss) (GAAP)	$	(395	)	$	(183	)	$	(881	)	$	(409	)
As a percent of sales		(14.8	)%		(6.1	)%		(16.6	)%		(6.6	)%
Add: markdowns - inventory strategy alignment		-			102			-			155
Add: restructuring and management transition charges		47			159			119			235
Add: primary pension plan expense		25			48			50			97
Less: net gain on sale or redemption of non-operating assets		(62	)		(200	)		(62	)		(200	)

Adjusted operating income/(loss) (non-GAAP)	$	(385	)	$	(74	)	$	(774	)	$	(122	)

As a percent of sales		(14.5	)%		(2.4	)%		(14.6	)%		(2.0	)%

Adjusted Net Income/(Loss) and Adjusted Diluted EPS. The following table reconciles net income/(loss) and diluted EPS, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, to adjusted net income/(loss) and adjusted diluted EPS, non-GAAP financial measures:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions, except per share data)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Net income/(loss) (GAAP)	$	(586	)	$	(147	)	$	(934	)	$	(310	)
Diluted EPS (GAAP)	$	(2.66	)	$	(0.67	)	$	(4.24	)	$	(1.42	)
Add: markdowns - inventory strategy alignment, net of tax of $-, $39, $- and $60		-			63	⁽¹⁾		-			95	⁽¹⁾
Add: restructuring and management transition charges, net of tax of $-, $61, $28 and $91		47	⁽²⁾		98	⁽¹⁾		91	⁽²⁾		144	⁽¹⁾
Add: primary pension plan expense, net of tax of $16, $19, $26 and $38		9	⁽³⁾		29	⁽¹⁾		24	⁽³⁾		59	⁽¹⁾
Add: loss on extinguishment of debt, net of tax of $-, $-, $- and $-		114	⁽²⁾		-			114	⁽²⁾		-
Less: net gain on sale or redemption of non-operating assets, net of tax of $1, $76, $1 and $76		(61	)⁽⁴⁾		(124	)⁽⁵⁾		(61	)⁽⁴⁾		(124	)⁽⁵⁾

Adjusted net income/(loss) (non-GAAP)	$	(477	)	$	(81	)	$	(766	)	$	(136	)

Adjusted diluted EPS (non-GAAP)	$	(2.16	)	$	(0.37	)	$	(3.48	)	$	(0.62	)

(1) Tax effect was calculated using the Company’s statutory rate of 38.82%.

(2) Reflects no tax effect due to the impact of the Company’s tax valuation allowance.

(3) Tax benefit for the three months ended August 3, 2013 is in accordance with the requirement that the Company’s net zero tax provision be allocated between its operating loss and accumulated other comprehensive income. For the three months ended May 3, 2013, tax effect was calculated using the Company’s statutory rate of 38.82%.

(4) Tax effect represents state taxes payable in separately filing states related to the sale of the non-operating asset.

(5) Tax effect was calculated using the effective tax rate for the transaction of 37.75%.

Total Net Sales


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Total net sales	$	2,663		$	3,022		$	5,298		$	6,174

Sales percent increase/(decrease):
Total net sales		(11.9	)%		(22.6	)%		(14.2	)%		(21.3	)%
Comparable store sales		(11.9	)%		(21.7	)%		(14.3	)%		(20.3	)%

Total net sales decreased $359 million in the second quarter of 2013 compared to the second quarter of 2012. For the first six months of 2013, total net sales decreased $876 million from the same period last year. The following table provides the components of the net sales decrease:


	Three Months Ended			Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013			August 3, 2013
Comparable store sales increase/(decrease)	$	(356	)	$	(878	)
New and closed stores, net		(3	)		2

Total net sales increase/(decrease)	$	(359	)	$	(876	)

Store Count

The following table compares the number of stores and gross selling space for the second quarters and first halves of 2013 and 2012:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
jcpenney department stores
Beginning of period		1,102			1,103			1,104			1,102
Stores opened		-			-			-			2
Closed stores		(7	)		(2	)		(9	)		(3	)

End of period⁽¹⁾		1,095			1,101			1,095			1,101


The Foundry Big and Tall Supply Co.⁽²⁾		10			10			10			10

(1) Gross selling space was 111 million square feet as of August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012.

(2) Gross selling space was 51 thousand square feet as of August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012.

In the second quarter of 2013, comparable store sales decreased 11.9%. Internet sales decreased 2.2%, to $215 million. Total net sales decreased 11.9% to $2,663 million compared with $3,022 million in last year’s second quarter. For the first six months of 2013, comparable store sales decreased 14.3% while comparable stores sales in last year’s first six months decreased 20.3%. Internet sales decreased 12.5%, to $432 million. Total net sales decreased 14.2% to $5,298 million compared with $6,174 million last year.

Based on a sample of our mall and off-mall stores, our store traffic and conversion rate decreased in the quarter compared to the second quarter last year. The number of store transactions and the total number of units decreased while the average number of units per transaction increased in the quarter as compared to the prior year corresponding period. The decline in sales is primarily related to the change in our pricing strategy at the beginning of 2012 that focused on everyday low prices and substantially eliminated promotional activities. During the first quarter of 2013, we began the process of returning the majority of our business to a promotional model.

Internet sales experienced less of a decline during the quarter as compared to our stores primarily as a result of better in-stock merchandise positions, improvements in site performance and a favorable response to our promotional activity.

All geographic regions and merchandise divisions experienced comparable store sales declines for the second quarter of 2013 compared to the prior year corresponding period. The home division experienced the largest decline, which includes the lengthy renovation and re-merchandising of our home department that was substantially complete by the end of the second quarter of 2013.

Private brands, including exclusive brands found only at jcpenney, decreased to 49% of total merchandise sales for the second quarter of 2013, compared to 56% in last year’s second quarter. This decrease is primarily attributed to a decline in sales from our private brands as a result of the discontinuation of some of our private label offerings during 2012. During the first half of 2013, we began to reintroduce some of our private brands that had been discontinued.

The strategy we introduced in 2012 emphasized national brands in a shops presentation and introduced new merchandise brands. This re-merchandising effort has not resonated well with our customers so we are editing our existing merchandise assortments and undertaking several merchandise initiatives to make assortments more compelling to customers and to reflect the reintroduction of some of our private brands. The largest implementation of our former strategy was in the home department. These changes also did not resonate with our customers. As a result, we are making adjustments to our home merchandise assortments to present a better balance between traditional and modern home furnishings, a more balanced selection of good, better and best price points across key items, and merchandise arranged by category rather than brand.

Gross Margin

Gross margin for the second quarter of 2013 was $787 million, a decrease of $217 million compared to $1,004 million in the second quarter of 2012. Gross margin as a percentage of sales in the second quarter of 2013 was 29.6% compared to 33.2% in the second quarter of 2012. The 360 basis point decrease resulted from the following:

change in merchandise sales mix, including a higher level of clearance merchandise sales (-360 basis points);

re-ticketing costs as a result of moving back to a promotional strategy on selected merchandise (-27 basis points);

higher levels of markdowns and inventory reserves (-33 basis points);

improved merchandise and distribution costs (+47 basis points);

increased vendor cost concessions (+9 basis points); and

net change in other miscellaneous items (+4 basis points).

Gross margin for the six months ended August 3, 2013 was $1,599 million, a decrease of $591 million compared to $2,190 million for the six months ended July 28, 2012. Gross margin as a percentage of sales for the six months ended August 3, 2013 was 30.2% compared to 35.5% for the six months ended July 28, 2012. The 530 basis point decrease resulted from the following:

change in merchandise sales mix, including a higher level of clearance merchandise sales (-410 basis points);

re-ticketing costs as a result of moving back to a promotional strategy on selected merchandise (-52 basis points);

higher levels of markdowns and inventory reserves (-49 basis points);

reduced vendor cost concessions (-21 basis points); and

net change in other miscellaneous items (+2 basis points).

SG&A Expenses

For the three months ended August 3, 2013, SG&A expenses were $24 million lower compared to the three months ended July 28, 2012. As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses increased to 38.5% compared to 34.7% in the second quarter of 2012, as we were not able to fully leverage our expense reductions against lower sales. The net $24 million decrease primarily resulted from the following:

increased income from the jcpenney private label credit card activities, which is recorded as a reduction of our SG&A expenses (-$13 million);

savings from lower utilities (-$11 million);

savings from general store expense, support costs and rent (-$15 million);

increased advertising expenses (+$33 million); and

net decrease in other miscellaneous items (-$18 million).

For the six months ended August 3, 2013, SG&A expenses were $106 million lower compared to the six months ended July 28, 2012. As a percent of sales, SG&A expenses increased to 39.7% compared to 35.8% in the second quarter of 2012, as we were not able to fully leverage our expense reductions against lower sales. The net $106 million decrease primarily resulted from the following:

reduced salaries and related benefits, including lower incentive compensation (-$31 million);

increased income from the jcpenney private label credit card activities, which is recorded as a reduction of our SG&A expenses (-$37 million);

savings from lower utilities (-$30 million);

increased advertising expenses (+$24 million);

savings from general store expense, support costs and rent (-$17 million); and

net decrease in other miscellaneous items (-$15 million).

Pension Expense


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013		July 28, 2012		August 3, 2013		July 28, 2012
Primary Pension Plan	$	25	$	48	$	50	$	97
Supplemental pension plans		9		10		18		19

Total pension expense	$	34	$	58	$	68	$	116

Total pension expense, which consists of our Primary Pension Plan expense and our supplemental pension plans expense, is based on our 2012 year-end measurement of pension plan assets and benefit obligations. Primary Pension Plan expense for the period decreased $23 million, to $25 million compared with $48 million in the second quarter of 2012. The decrease in Primary Pension Plan expense for 2013 is a result of lower amortization of our actuarial loss due to certain lump-sum settlements in 2012, lower service cost due to a decrease in the number of participants accruing benefits and strong asset performance in 2012. These decreases were partially offset by an approximately 60 basis point decrease in our discount rate and a 50 basis point decrease in our assumed expected return on assets. During the three months ended August 3, 2013 and July 28, 2012, supplemental pension plans expense was $9 million and $10 million, respectively. For the first six months of 2013, our Primary Pension Plan expense decreased $47 million to $50 million and our supplemental pension plans expense decreased $1 million to $18 million.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Depreciation and amortization expense in the second quarter of 2013 increased $15 million to $143 million from $128 million for the comparable 2012 period. For the first six months of 2013, depreciation and amortization increased $26 million to $279 million from $253 million last year. This increase is a result of our investment and replacement of store fixtures in connection with the implementation of our former shops strategy. Depreciation and amortization expense for the three and six months ended August 3, 2013 excludes $16 million and $29 million, respectively, of increased depreciation as a result of shortening the useful lives of store fixtures in our department stores that were replaced during the quarter or are expected to be replaced during 2013 with the build out of our home department and other attractions. This amount is included in the line Restructuring and Management Transition in the interim Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Restructuring and Management Transition

The composition of restructuring and management transition charges was as follows:


	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013		July 28, 2012		August 3, 2013		July 28, 2012
Supply chain	$	-	$	10	$	-	$	16
Home office and stores		4		56		32		101
Software and systems		-		36		-		36
Store fixtures		17		42		45		42
Management transition		13		10		29		30
Other		13		5		13		10

Total	$	47	$	159	$	119	$	235

Supply chain

Home office and stores

Software and systems

Store fixtures

Management transition

Other

Real Estate and Other, Net

Real estate and other consists of ongoing operating income from our real estate subsidiaries whose investments are in real estate investment trusts (REITs), as well as investments in joint ventures that own regional mall properties. Real estate and other also includes net gains from the sale of facilities and equipment that are no longer used in operations, asset impairments and other non-operating charges and credits. The composition of real estate and other, net was as follows:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Gain on sale or redemption of non-operating assets, net:
Redemption of SPG REIT units	$	-		$	(200	)	$	-		$	(200	)
Sale of investment in joint venture		(62	)		-			(62	)		-

Net gain on sale or redemption of non-operating assets		(62	)		(200	)		(62	)		(200	)
Dividend income from REITs		-			(2	)		-			(5	)
Investment income from joint ventures		(2	)		(3	)		(4	)		(6	)
Gain on sale of operating assets		(2	)		-			(18	)		-
Other		(2	)		(3	)		(6	)		(4	)

Real estate and other (income)/expense, net	$	(68	)	$	(208	)	$	(90	)	$	(215	)

REIT Assets

Joint Venture

Operating Assets

Operating Income/(Loss)

For the second quarter of 2013, we reported an operating loss of $395 million compared to an operating loss of $183 million in the prior year corresponding period. Excluding the impact of markdowns related the alignment of inventory with our 2012 strategy, restructuring and management transition charges, the impact of our Primary Pension Plan expense and the net gain on the sale or redemption of non-operating assets, adjusted operating income/(loss) (non-GAAP) decreased $311 million from an adjusted operating loss of $74 million in the second quarter last year to an adjusted operating loss of $385 million in the current period.

For the first half of 2013, we reported an operating loss of $881 million compared to operating loss of $409 million in the prior year corresponding period. Excluding the impact of markdowns related the alignment of inventory with our 2012 strategy, restructuring and management transition charges, the impact of our Primary Pension Plan expense and the net gain on the sale or redemption of non-operating assets, adjusted operating income/(loss) (non-GAAP) decreased $652 million from $122 million in the first half of last year to a loss of $774 million in the first half of 2013.

Loss on Extinguishment of Debt

During the second quarter of 2013, we paid $355 million to complete a cash tender offer and consent solicitation with respect to substantially all of our outstanding 7.125% Debentures due 2023. In doing so, we also recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $114 million, which includes the premium paid over face value of the Notes of $110 million, reacquisition costs of $2 million and the write-off of unamortized debt issue costs of $2 million.

Net Interest Expense

Net interest expense for the second quarters of 2013 and 2012 was $95 million and $58 million, respectively. For the first six months of 2013, net interest expense was $156 million compared to $114 million in the first six months of 2012. The increase in net interest expense for the period is primarily related to the increased interest expense associated with the $850 million borrowed under our revolving credit facility during the first quarter of 2013 and the $2.25 billion five-year senior secured term loan that was entered into on May 22, 2013.

Income Taxes

For the three months ended August 3, 2013, we recorded our tax provisions based on actual year-to-date results. For the three months ended May 4, 2013 and for the three and six months ended July 28, 2012, we determined the quarterly provision for income taxes using an estimated annual effective tax rate, which was based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. The effective tax rate for the three months ended August 3, 2013 was (3.0)% as compared to (39.0)% for the three months ended July 28, 2012. The effective tax rate for the six months ended August 3, 2013 was (18.9)% compared to (40.7)% for the six months ended July 28, 2012. Our effective tax rate for the three and six months ended August 3, 2013 was negatively impacted by a $218 million increase to the tax valuation allowance for deferred tax assets during the second quarter of 2013.

In assessing the need for the valuation allowance, we considered both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. In the second quarter of 2013, the balance of deferred tax liabilities changed from a net deferred tax liability position to a net deferred tax asset position exclusive of any valuation allowance. Based on the weight of available evidence, it was more likely than not that a portion of our deferred tax assets will not be realized, and accordingly, we determined that a valuation allowance of $298 million was needed against our deferred tax assets as of August 3, 2013. Our estimate of the realization of deferred tax assets was based solely on future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and tax planning strategies that we would make use of to accelerate taxable income to utilize expiring carryforwards. This resulted in an increase to the valuation allowance during the quarter ended August 3, 2013 of $218 million relating to the increase in the deferred tax assets created for federal net operating loss carryforwards of $183 million and $35 million relating to the increase in state net operating loss carryforwards.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Our primary sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations, available cash and cash equivalents and access to our revolving credit facility and the capital markets. As of the end of the second quarter of 2013, we had $1,535 million of cash and cash equivalents. On February 8, 2013, we entered into an amended and restated revolving credit facility (2013 Credit Facility) in an amount up to $1,850 million. During the first quarter of 2013, we borrowed $850 million under our 2013 Credit Facility. As of the end of the second quarter of 2013, we had $497 million available for future borrowing, of which $312 million is currently accessible due to the limitation of the fixed charge coverage ratio. In order to further enhance our liquidity position, on May 22, 2013, we closed on a $2.25 billion five-year senior secured term loan that is guaranteed by J. C. Penney Company, Inc. and certain subsidiaries of JCP, and is secured by mortgages on certain real estate of JCP and the guarantors, in addition to substantially all other assets of JCP and the guarantors. As of the end of the second quarter of 2013, our total available liquidity is $1.85 billion. The future success of our business will depend on our ability to generate positive free cash flow (non-GAAP).

The following table provides a summary of our key components and ratios of financial condition and liquidity:


	Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,535		$	888
Merchandise inventory		3,155			2,993
Property and equipment, net		5,820			5,153

Total debt⁽¹⁾		5,821			3,151
Stockholders’ equity		2,320			3,671

Total capital		8,141			6,822
Maximum capacity under our credit agreement		1,850			1,500
Short-term borrowings under credit agreement		850			-
Cash flow from operating activities		(1,460	)		(607	)
Free cash flow (non-GAAP)⁽²⁾		(2,094	)		(932	)
Capital expenditures⁽³⁾		653			239
Dividends paid		-			86
Ratios:
Total debt-to-total capital⁽⁴⁾		72	%		46	%
Cash-to-total debt⁽⁵⁾		26	%		28	%

(1) Total debt includes long-term debt, including current maturities, capital leases, note payable and our current borrowing under our 2013 Credit Facility.

(2) See “Free Cash Flow” below for a reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure and further information on its uses and limitations.

(3) As of the end of the second quarters of 2013 and 2012, we had accrued and unpaid capital expenditures of $156 million and $91 million, respectively.

(4) Total debt divided by total capitalization.

(5) Cash and cash equivalents divided by total debt.

Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP)

Free cash flow is a key financial measure of our ability to generate additional cash from operating our business and in evaluating our financial performance. We define free cash flow as cash flow from operating activities, less capital expenditures and dividends paid, plus the proceeds from the sale of operating assets. Free cash flow is a relevant indicator of our ability to repay maturing debt, revise our dividend policy or fund other uses of capital that we believe will enhance stockholder value. Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure under the rules of the SEC. Free cash flow is limited and does not represent remaining cash flow available for discretionary expenditures due to the fact that the measure does not deduct payments required for debt maturities, pay-down of off-balance sheet pension debt, and other obligations or payments made for business acquisitions. Therefore, it is important to view free cash flow in addition to, rather than as a substitute for, our entire statement of cash flows and those measures prepared in accordance with GAAP.

The following table reconciles net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure:


	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
($ in millions)	August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012			August 3, 2013			July 28, 2012
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities (GAAP)	$	(708	)	$	(30	)	$	(1,460	)	$	(607	)
Add:
Proceeds from sale of operating assets		1			-			19			-
Less:
Capital expenditures⁽¹⁾		(439	)		(132	)		(653	)		(239	)
Dividends paid, common		-			(43	)		-			(86	)

Free cash flow (non-GAAP)	$	(1,146	)	$	(205	)	$	(2,094	)	$	(932	)

(1) As of the end of the second quarters of 2013 and 2012, we had accrued and unpaid capital expenditures of $156 million and $91 million, respectively.

Free cash flow for the three months ended August 3, 2013 decreased $941 million to an outflow of $1,146 million compared to an outflow of $205 million in the same period last year. Free cash flow for the six months ended August 3, 2013 decreased $1,162 million compared to an outflow of $932 million in last year’s first half. The decrease was primarily a result of the decline in sales and resulting use of cash from operating activities during the period as well as an increase in capital expenditures compared to last year. These decreases were partially offset by the discontinuation of our quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share on May 15, 2012.

Operating Activities

While a significant portion of our sales, profit and operating cash flows have historically been realized in the fourth quarter, our quarterly results of operations may fluctuate significantly as a result of many factors, including seasonal fluctuations in customer demand, product offerings, inventory levels and promotional activity.

For the three months ended August 3, 2013, cash flow from operating activities was an outflow of $708 million, a decrease of $678 million compared to an outflow of $30 million during the same period last year. Cash flow from operating activities for the first half decreased $853 million to an outflow of $1,460 million compared to an outflow of $607 million last year. Our net loss for the first half of 2013 of $934 million includes significant expenses and charges that do not impact operating cash flow including depreciation and amortization, restructuring and management transition charges, pension expense and the loss on extinguishment of debt. The overall increased cash outflow from operations for the first half of 2013 related to a larger net loss for the period and the increase in inventory slightly offset by an increase in the corresponding merchandise payable.

Merchandise inventory increased $162 million to $3,155 million, or 5.4%, as of the end of the second quarter of 2013 compared to $2,993 million as of the end of the second quarter last year. Compared to the end of fiscal year 2012, merchandise inventory increased $814 million, reflecting re-stocking of basics and private branded categories during the quarter in anticipation of the back to school and holiday seasons, as well as to support the return to our promotional strategy and to replenish low inventory levels.

Investing Activities

Investing activities for the first six months of 2013 were cash outflows of $579 million compared to an outflow of $2 million for the same period in 2012. The increase in the cash outflow from investing activities was primarily a result of increased capital expenditures and a decrease in proceeds from the sale or redemption of non-operating assets.

Cash capital expenditures were $653 million for the six months ended August 3, 2013. These expenditures related primarily to the opening of the women’s and kid’s Joe Fresh^® attractions in nearly 700 of our department stores and renovations in our home department in approximately 500 of our department stores. In addition, as of the end of the second quarter of 2013, we also had $156 million of accrued and unpaid capital expenditures primarily related to the renovation of our home department. During the six months ended August 3, 2013, we also opened 30 Sephora inside jcpenney stores.

Capital expenditures during the first half of 2012 included furniture and fixtures relating to Men’s and Women’s The Original Arizona Jean Co.^® attractions, Levi’s^® attractions, and i jeans by Buffalo attractions^TM in approximately 680 stores that launched on August 1, 2012. During the six months ended July 28, 2012, we opened 40 Sephora inside jcpenney stores and two new department stores.

Investing activities for the first half of 2012 were positively impacted by an inflow of $246 million from the redemption of two million REIT units at a cash price of $124.00 per unit during the second quarter of 2012.

We anticipate full year 2013 capital expenditures to be approximately $1.0 billion. Capital expenditures for the remainder of 2013 include accrued and unpaid capital expenditures of $156 million at the end of the second quarter primarily related to the renovations in our home department and the investment in additional attractions. We anticipate full year 2014 capital expenditures to be approximately $300 million.

Financing Activities

Financing activities for the six months ended August 3, 2013 were an inflow of $2,644 million compared to an outflow of $10 million for the same period last year. During the second quarter of 2013, we received net proceeds of $2.18 billion from our senior secured term loan facility and completed the cash tender offer and consent solicitation with respect to our outstanding 7.125% Debentures due 2023 for $355 million. During the first quarter of 2013, we incurred financing costs of $8 million primarily to amend and restate our revolving credit facility and borrowed $850 million under our revolving credit facility.

For the six months ended July 28, 2012, as authorized by the Board, we paid quarterly dividends of $0.20 per share during the first half of 2012. On May 15, 2012, we announced that we had discontinued the quarterly $0.20 per share dividend, resulting in approximately $175 million in annual cash savings.

Cash Flow Outlook

During the first quarter of 2013, we borrowed $850 million under our 2013 Credit Facility and on May 22, 2013, we closed on a $2.25 billion five-year senior secured term loan. For the remainder of 2013, we believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents will be adequate to fund our capital expenditures and working capital needs.

Our cash flows may be impacted by many factors including the economic environment, consumer confidence, competitive conditions in the retail industry and the success of our strategies.

2013 Revolving Credit Facility

On April 12, 2013, we borrowed $850 million under the 2013 Credit Facility. A portion of the borrowing bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 3.0% with the remaining portion bearing interest at a base rate (as defined in the 2013 Credit Facility) plus 2.0% per annum. As of the end of the second quarter of 2013, all of the borrowing remains outstanding. As of the end of the second quarter of 2013, we had $503 million in standby and import letters of credit outstanding under the 2013 Credit Facility, the majority of which are standby letters of credit that support our merchandise initiatives and workers’ compensation. None of the standby or import letters of credit have been drawn on. As of the end of the second quarter of 2013, we had $497 million available for future borrowing, of which $312 million is currently accessible due to the limitation of the fixed charge coverage ratio.

Credit Ratings

Our credit ratings and outlook as of September 6, 2013 were as follows:


	Corporate	Long-Term Debt	Outlook
Fitch Ratings	B-	B-	Negative
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.	Caa1	Caa1	Negative
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services	CCC+	CCC+	Negative

Credit rating agencies periodically review our capital structure and the quality and stability of our earnings. Rating agencies consider, among other things, changes in operating performance, comparable store sales, the economic environment, conditions in the retail industry, financial leverage and changes in our business strategy in their rating decisions. Downgrades to our long-term credit ratings could result in reduced access to the credit and capital markets and higher interest costs on future financings.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

Aggregate information about our obligations and commitments to make future payments under contractual or contingent arrangements was disclosed in the 2012 Form 10-K. Our unrecorded contractual obligations related to merchandise have increased approximately 6% since year end primarily due to the seasonality of our business and updates to our supplier base in the ordinary course of business.

Inflation

Our business is affected by general economic conditions, including rising petroleum, energy and cotton prices. Over the past few years, the retail industry has experienced some inflationary cost increases. Inflation impacted our results of operations primarily during the first quarter of 2012. This increase was driven primarily by rising costs for cotton and petroleum based textiles for 2011 holiday and early 2012 spring goods. Beginning in the second quarter of 2012 and continuing through the end of the fiscal year, these pressures eased. During the first half of 2013, we did not experience inflationary cost increases and we expect this trend to continue through the end of the year.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our unaudited 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 us to make estimates and use judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate 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. While actual results could differ from these estimates, we do not expect the differences, if any, to have a material effect on the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

There were no changes to our critical accounting policies during the first half of 2013. For a further discussion of the judgments we make in applying our accounting policies, see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our 2012 Form 10-K.

We are providing the following disclosures regarding critical accounting estimates based on establishing a tax valuation allowance during the second quarter of 2013.

Valuation of Deferred Tax Assets

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not such assets will be realized.

In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of the realization of the deferred tax assets based on future events. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents our best estimate of those future events. If based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not (defined as a likelihood of more than 50%) the deferred tax assets will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance. The weight given to both positive and negative evidence is commensurate with the extent to which the evidence may be objectively verified. As such, it is generally difficult for positive evidence regarding projected future taxable income, exclusive of reversing taxable temporary differences, to outweigh objective negative evidence of recent losses. Cumulative losses in recent years is a significant piece of negative evidence that is difficult to overcome in determining that a valuation allowance is not needed against deferred tax assets.

This assessment is completed on a taxing jurisdiction basis and takes into account several types of evidence, including the following:

Nature, frequency, and severity of current and cumulative financial reporting losses. A pattern of recent losses is heavily weighted as a source of negative evidence. In certain circumstances, historical information may not be as relevant due to a change in circumstances.

Sources of future taxable income. Future reversals of existing temporary differences are heavily weighted sources of objectively verifiable positive evidence. Projections of future taxable income, exclusive of reversing temporary differences, are a source of positive evidence only when the projections are combined with a history of recent profits and can be reasonably estimated. Otherwise, these projections are considered inherently subjective and generally will not be sufficient to overcome negative evidence that includes cumulative losses in recent years, particularly if the projected future taxable income is dependent on an anticipated turnaround to profitability that has not yet been achieved. In such cases, we generally give these projections of future taxable income no weight for the purposes of our valuation allowance assessment.

Tax planning strategies. If necessary and available, tax-planning strategies would be implemented to accelerate taxable amounts to utilize expiring net operating loss carryforwards. These strategies would be a source of additional positive evidence and, depending on their nature, could be heavily weighted.

In the second quarter, our net deferred tax position, exclusive of any valuation allowance, changed from a net deferred tax liability to a net deferred tax asset. In our assessment of the need for a valuation allowance, we heavily weighted the negative evidence of cumulative losses in recent periods and the positive evidence of future reversals of existing temporary differences. Although a sizable portion of our losses in recent years were the result of charges incurred for restructuring and other special items, even without these charges we still would have incurred significant losses. Accordingly, we considered our pattern of recent losses to be relevant to our analysis. Considering this pattern of recent losses and the uncertainties associated with projected future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences, we gave no weight to projections showing future U.S. taxable income for purposes of assessing the need for a valuation allowance. As a result of our assessment, we concluded that our net deferred tax assets required a valuation allowance. Our estimate of the realization of deferred tax assets was based solely on future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and tax planning strategies that we would make use of to accelerate taxable income to utilize expiring carryforwards.

Future book pre-tax losses will require additional valuation allowances to offset the deferred tax assets created. A sustained period of profitability is required before we would change our need for a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. Changes in our current estimates, due to unanticipated events or otherwise, could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

See Note 11 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding income taxes and also “Risk Factors—The Company’s ability to use net operating loss carry-forwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be limited.”

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently issued accounting pronouncements are discussed in Note 13 to the unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality

While a significant portion of our sales, profit and operating cash flows have historically been realized in the fourth fiscal quarter, our quarterly results of operations may fluctuate significantly as a result of many factors, including seasonal fluctuations in customer demand, product offerings, inventory levels and the impact of our strategies. The results of operations and cash flows for the six months ended August 3, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results for future quarters or the entire year.

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 our current view of future events and financial performance. The words expect, plan, anticipate, believe, intend, 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 our actual results to be materially different from planned or expected results.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions, including inflation, recession, unemployment levels, consumer spending patterns, credit availability and debt levels, changes in store traffic trends, the cost of goods, trade restrictions, customer acceptance of our new strategies, the impact of cost reduction initiatives, our secured debt facilities and level of indebtedness, implementation of new systems and platforms, changes in tariff, freight and shipping rates, changes in the cost of fuel and other energy and transportation costs, increases in wage and benefit costs, competition and retail industry consolidations, interest rate fluctuations, dollar and other currency valuations, the impact of weather conditions, risks associated with war, an act of

terrorism or pandemic, a systems failure and/or security breach that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or Company information and legal and regulatory proceedings. 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 we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution 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 this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We intend the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to speak only as of the date of this report and do not undertake to update or revise these projections as more information becomes available.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks in the normal course of business due to changes in interest rates. Our market risks related to interest rates at August 3, 2013 are similar to those disclosed in the 2012 Form 10-K.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation of our 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, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit 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 our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter ended August 3, 2013, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Macy’s Litigation

Ozenne Derivative Lawsuit

On January 19, 2012, a purported shareholder of the Company, Everett Ozenne, filed a shareholder derivative lawsuit in the 193^rd District Court of Dallas County, Texas, against certain of the Company’s Board of Directors and executives. The Company is a nominal defendant in the suit. The lawsuit alleges breaches of fiduciary duties, corporate waste and unjust enrichment involving decisions regarding executive compensation, specifically that compensation paid to certain executive officers from 2008 to 2011 was too high in light of the Company’s financial performance. The suit seeks damages including unspecified compensatory damages, disgorgement by the former officers of allegedly excessive compensation, and equitable relief to reform the Company’s compensation practices. The Company and the named individuals filed an Answer and Special Exceptions to the lawsuit, arguing primarily that the plaintiff could not proceed with his suit because he failed to make demand on the Company’s Board of Directors, and that because demand on the Board would not be futile, demand is not excused. The trial court heard arguments on the Special Exceptions on June 25, 2012, and denied them. The Company and named individuals filed a mandamus proceeding in the Fifth District Court of Appeals challenging the trial court’s decision. The parties have settled the litigation and the appellate court stayed the appeal so that the trial court could review the proposed settlement. On August 5, 2013, the trial court preliminarily approved the settlement, and notice was mailed to shareholders soon thereafter. The trial court will hold a final settlement approval hearing on October 28, 2013. While no assurance can be given as to the ultimate outcome of this matter, we currently believe that the final resolution of this action will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, liquidity or capital resources.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risk factors listed below update and supersede the risk factors associated with our business previously disclosed in Part II, Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 4, 2013.

Our ability to return to profitable growth is subject to both the risks affecting our business generally and the inherent difficulties associated with shifting our strategic plan.

In fiscal 2012, we made changes to our strategies that resulted in a pronounced decline in sales and resulted in significant variability between our financial expectations and actual results. We began shifting our strategies in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, but it may take longer than expected or planned to recover from our negative sales trends and operating results, and actual results may be materially less than planned. Our ability to improve our operating results depends upon a significant number of factors, some of which are beyond our control, including:

customer response to our marketing and merchandise strategies;

our ability to respond to competitive pressures in our industry;

our ability to achieve profitable sales and to make adjustments in response to changing conditions;

our ability to benefit from capital improvements made to our store environment;

our ability to effectively manage inventory;

the success of our cost reduction initiatives;

our ability to respond to any unanticipated changes in expected cash flows, liquidity, cash needs and cash expenditures, including our ability to obtain any additional financing or other liquidity enhancing transactions, if and when needed;

our ability to achieve positive cash flow;

our ability to access adequate and uninterrupted supply of merchandise from suppliers at expected levels and on acceptable terms; and

general economic conditions.

There is no assurance that our pricing, branding, store layout, marketing and merchandising strategies, or any future adjustments to our strategies, will improve our operating results.

We operate in a highly competitive industry that includes significant promotional activity, which could adversely impact our sales and profitability.

The retail industry is highly competitive, with few barriers to entry. We compete with many other local, regional and national retailers for customers, employees, locations, merchandise, services and other important aspects of our business. Those competitors include other department stores, discounters, home furnishing stores, specialty retailers, wholesale clubs, direct-to-consumer businesses, including those on the Internet, and other forms of retail commerce. Some competitors are larger than jcpenney, and/or have greater financial resources available to them, and, as a result, may be able to devote greater resources to sourcing, promoting and selling their products. Competition is characterized by many factors, including merchandise assortment, advertising, price, quality, service, location, reputation and credit availability. During fiscal 2012, we discontinued our former promotional strategy and encountered difficulties in communicating our value proposition. We have shifted our strategy in fiscal 2013 and are re-introducing certain promotional activities. However, we have experienced, and anticipate that we will continue to experience for at least the foreseeable future, significant competition from promotional activities of our competitors. The performance of competitors as well as changes in their pricing and promotional policies, marketing activities, new store openings, launches of Internet websites, brand launches and other merchandise and operational strategies could cause us to have lower sales, lower gross margin and/or higher operating expenses such as marketing costs and other selling, general and administrative expenses, which in turn could have an adverse impact on our profitability.

Our sales and operating results depend on our ability to develop merchandise offerings that resonate with our existing customers and help to attract new customers.

Our sales and operating results depend in part on our ability to predict and respond to changes in fashion trends and customer preferences in a timely manner by consistently offering stylish, quality merchandise assortments at competitive prices. We continuously assess emerging styles and trends and focus on developing a merchandise assortment to meet customer preferences. Even with these efforts, we cannot be certain that we will be able to successfully meet constantly changing customer demands. To the extent our predictions regarding our merchandise differ from our customers’ preferences, we may be faced with reduced sales and excess inventories for some products and/or missed opportunities for others. Any sustained failure to identify and respond to emerging trends in lifestyle and customer preferences and buying trends could have an adverse impact on our business. In addition, merchandise misjudgments may adversely impact the perception or reputation of our Company, which could result in declines in customer loyalty and vendor relationship issues, and ultimately have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our ability to increase sales and store productivity is largely dependent upon our ability to increase customer traffic and conversion.

Customer traffic depends upon our ability to successfully market compelling merchandise assortments as well as present an appealing shopping environment and experience to existing customers and new customers. In fiscal 2012, our store customer traffic significantly decreased compared to the prior year. We are making changes to our strategy to increase customer traffic and improve conversion in our stores and online. There can be no assurance that our efforts to increase customer traffic and conversion will be successful or will result in increased sales. We may need to respond to any declines in customer traffic or conversion rates by increasing markdowns or promotions to attract customers to our stores, which could adversely impact our gross margins, operating results and cash flows from operating activities.

If we are unable to manage our inventory effectively, our gross margins could be adversely affected.

Our profitability depends upon our ability to manage appropriate inventory levels and respond quickly to shifts in consumer demand patterns. We must properly execute our inventory management strategies by appropriately allocating merchandise among our stores, timely and efficiently distributing inventory to stores, maintaining an appropriate mix and level of inventory in stores, adjusting our merchandise mix between our private and exclusive brands and national brands, appropriately changing the allocation of floor space of stores among product categories to respond to customer demand and effectively managing pricing and markdowns. If we overestimate customer demand for our merchandise, we will likely need to record inventory markdowns and move the excess inventory to be sold at clearance prices which would negatively impact our gross margins and operating results. If we underestimate customer demand for our merchandise, we may experience inventory shortages which may result in missed sales opportunities and have a negative impact on customer loyalty.

Disruptions in our Internet website, or our inability to successfully execute our online strategy, could have an adverse impact on our sales and results of operations.

We sell merchandise over the Internet through our website, www.jcp.com. As a result of a significant decline in sales volume through our website in fiscal 2012, we reorganized our Internet operations in fiscal 2013. However, it may take longer than expected or planned to recover from our negative online sales trends. Our Internet operations are also subject to numerous risks, including rapid technological change and the implementation of new systems and platforms; liability for online content; violations of state or federal laws, including those relating to online privacy; credit card fraud; problems associated with the operation of our website and related support systems; computer viruses; telecommunications failures; electronic break-ins and similar disruptions; and the allocation of inventory between our website and department stores. The failure of our website to perform as expected could result in disruptions and costs to our operations and make it more difficult for customers to purchase merchandise online. In addition, our inability to successfully develop and maintain the necessary technological interfaces for our customers to purchase merchandise through our website, including user friendly software applications for smart phones and tablets, could result in the loss in Internet sales and have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

The failure to retain, attract and motivate our employees, including employees in key positions, could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

Our results depend on the contributions of our employees, including our senior management team and other key employees. This depends to a great extent on our ability to retain, attract and motivate talented employees throughout the organization, many of whom, particularly in the stores, are in entry level or part-time positions with historically high rates of turnover. Our ability to meet our changing labor needs while controlling our costs is also subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, competing wages and potential union organizing efforts. Because of our lower than expected operating results during fiscal 2012, we have not generally paid bonuses, and salary increases and incentive compensation opportunities could be limited. Any prolonged inability to provide salary increases or incentive compensation opportunities or substantial changes to our business model could have an adverse impact on our ability to attract, retain and motivate our employees. If we are unable to retain, attract and motivate talented employees with the appropriate skill sets, we may not achieve our objectives and our results of operations could be adversely impacted. In addition, the loss of one or more of our key personnel or the inability to effectively identify a suitable successor to a key role in our senior management could have a material adverse effect on our business.

The reduction and restructuring of our workforce may adversely impact our operating performance and operating efficiency.

As part of our cost reduction initiatives in fiscal 2012, we significantly reduced our corporate and operations headcount, including management level employees, and distribution and field employees. These reductions, combined with our voluntary early retirement plan initiated in 2011 and voluntary departures of employees, have resulted in a substantial amount of turnover of officers and line

managers with specific knowledge relating to us, our operations and our industry that could be difficult to replace. We now operate with significantly fewer individuals who have assumed additional duties and responsibilities, which could have an adverse impact on our operating performance and operating efficiency.

Actions taken under our cost reduction initiatives may not produce the savings expected.

In fiscal 2012, we implemented cost reduction initiatives, including significant workforce reductions, significant reductions in projected marketing spend and other cost and spend reductions. We have forecasted substantial cost savings from these initiatives based on a number of assumptions and expectations which, if achieved, would improve our profitability and cash flows from operating activities. There can be no assurance that actual results achieved will not vary materially from what we have assumed and forecasted, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, liquidity and financial position.

We must protect against security breaches or other disclosures of private data of our customers as well as of our employees and other third parties.

As part of our normal operations, we receive and maintain personal information about our customers, our employees and other third parties. The confidentiality of all of our internal private data must at all times be protected against security breaches or other disclosure. We have systems and processes in place that are designed to protect information and protect against security and data breaches as well as fraudulent transactions and other activities. Despite our safeguards and security processes and protections, we cannot be assured that all of our systems and processes are free from vulnerability to security breaches or inadvertent data disclosure by third parties or us. Any failure to protect the confidential data of our customers or of our employees or other third parties could materially damage our brand and reputation as well as result in significant damage claims, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.

Our operations are dependent on information technology systems; disruptions in those systems or increased costs relating to their implementation could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

Our operations are dependent upon the integrity, security and consistent operation of various systems and data centers, including the point-of-sale systems in the stores, our Internet website, data centers that process transactions, communication systems and various software applications used throughout our Company to track inventory flow, process transactions and generate performance and financial reports.

In May 2013, we implemented the initial phase of an integrated suite of products from a third party vendor to simplify our processes and reduce our use of customized existing legacy systems and expect to place additional systems into operation in the future. Implementing new systems carries substantial risk, including implementation delays, cost overruns, disruption of operations, potential loss of data or information, lower customer satisfaction resulting in lost customers or sales, inability to deliver merchandise to our stores or our customers, and the potential inability to meet reporting requirements. There can be no assurances that we will successfully launch the new systems as planned, that the new systems will perform as expected or that the new systems will be implemented without disruptions to our operations, any of which may cause critical information upon which we rely to be delayed, unreliable, corrupted, insufficient or inaccessible.

We also outsource various information technology functions to third party service providers and may outsource other functions in the future. We rely on those third party service providers to provide services on a timely and effective basis and their failure to perform as expected or as required by contract could result in disruptions and costs to our operations.

We are also implementing mobile point-of-service and enhanced standard point-of-service technologies to enable our employees to provide high quality service to our customers and to provide our customers a better experience. We may not be able to effectively implement these technologies or be successful in marketing them to our customers. Our new or upgraded technology might not provide the anticipated benefits, it might take longer than expected to realize the anticipated benefits, may cost more than the expected costs to implement or the technology might fail altogether.

Changes in our credit ratings may limit our access to capital markets and adversely affect our liquidity.

The credit rating agencies periodically review our capital structure and the quality and stability of our earnings, as a result of which we have experienced multiple corporate credit ratings downgrades. These downgrades, and any future downgrades, to our long-term credit ratings could result in reduced access to the credit and capital markets and higher interest costs on future financings. The future availability of financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as economic and market conditions, the availability of credit and our credit ratings, as well as the possibility that lenders could develop a negative perception of us. If required, we may not be able to obtain additional financing, on favorable terms or at all.

Our profitability depends on our ability to source merchandise and deliver it to our customers in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Our merchandise is sourced from a wide variety of suppliers, and our business depends on being able to find qualified suppliers and access products in a timely and efficient manner. Inflationary pressures on commodity prices and other input costs could increase our cost of goods, and an inability to pass such cost increases on to our customers or a change in our merchandise mix as a result of such cost increases could have an adverse impact on our profitability. Additionally, the impact of current and future economic conditions on our suppliers cannot be predicted and may cause our suppliers to be unable to access financing or become insolvent and thus become unable to supply us with products.

Our arrangements with our suppliers and vendors may be impacted by our financial results or financial position.

Substantially all of our merchandise suppliers and vendors sell to us on open account purchase terms. There is a risk that our key suppliers and vendors could respond to any actual or apparent decrease in or any concern with our financial results or liquidity by requiring or conditioning their sale of merchandise to us on more stringent or more costly payment terms, such as by requiring standby letters of credit, earlier or advance payment of invoices, payment upon delivery or other assurances or credit support or by choosing not to sell merchandise to us on a timely basis or at all. Our arrangements with our suppliers and vendors may also be impacted by media reports regarding our financial position. Our need for additional liquidity could significantly increase and our supply of merchandise could be materially disrupted if a significant portion of our key suppliers and vendors took one or more of the actions described above, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales, customer satisfaction, cash flows, liquidity and financial position.

Our senior secured term loan credit facility is secured by certain of our real property and substantially all of our personal property, and such property may be subject to foreclosure or other remedies in the event of our default. In addition, the term loan credit facility contains provisions that could restrict our operations and our ability to obtain additional financing.

In May 2013, we entered into a $2.25 billion senior secured term loan credit facility that is secured by mortgages on certain real property of the Company, in addition to liens on substantially all personal property of the Company, subject to certain exclusions set forth in the credit and security agreement governing the term loan credit facility and related security documents. The real property subject to mortgages under the term loan credit facility includes our headquarters, distribution centers and certain of our stores.

The credit and guaranty agreement governing the term loan credit facility contains operating restrictions which may impact our future alternatives by limiting, without lender consent, our ability to borrow additional funds, execute certain equity financings or enter into dispositions or other liquidity enhancing or strategic transactions regarding certain of our assets, including our real property. Our ability to obtain additional or other financing or to dispose of certain assets could also be negatively impacted because a substantial portion of our owned assets have been pledged as collateral for repayment of our indebtedness under the term loan credit facility.

If an event of default occurs and is continuing, our outstanding obligations under the term loan credit facility could be declared immediately due and payable or the lenders could foreclose on or exercise other remedies with respect to the assets securing the term loan credit facility, including our headquarters, distribution centers and certain of our stores. If an event of default occurs, there is no assurance that we would have the cash resources available to repay such accelerated obligations or refinance such indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. The occurrence of any one of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Our revolving credit facility limits our borrowing capacity to the value of certain of our assets. In addition, our revolving credit facility is secured by certain of our personal property, and lenders may exercise remedies against the collateral in the event of our default.

In February 2013, we amended and restated our existing revolving credit facility to increase the aggregate lending commitments to $1.85 billion. Our borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facility varies according to the Company’s inventory levels, accounts receivable and credit card receivables, net of certain reserves. In the event of any material decrease in the amount of or appraised value of these assets, our borrowing capacity would similarly decrease, which could adversely impact our business and liquidity. In April 2013, we borrowed $850 million under the revolving credit facility.

Our revolving credit facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and certain restrictions on operations become applicable if our availability falls below certain thresholds. These covenants could impose significant operating and financial limitations and restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to enter into particular transactions and to engage in other actions that we may believe are advisable or necessary for our business. In addition, the revolving credit facility provides for a springing fixed charge coverage ratio if our availability falls below a specified threshold.

Our obligations under the revolving credit facility are secured by liens with respect to inventory, accounts receivable, deposit accounts and certain related collateral. In the event of a default that is not cured or waived within any applicable cure periods, the lenders’ commitment to extend further credit under our revolving credit facility could be terminated, our outstanding obligations could become immediately due and payable, outstanding letters of credit may be required to be cash collateralized and remedies may be exercised against the collateral, which generally consists of the Company’s inventory, accounts receivable and deposit accounts and cash credited thereto. If we are unable to borrow under our revolving credit facility, we may not have the necessary cash resources for our operations and, if any event of default occurs, there is no assurance that we would have the cash resources available to repay such accelerated obligations, refinance such indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, or cash collateralize our letters of credit, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

Our level of indebtedness may adversely affect our business and results of operations and may require the use of our available cash resources to meet repayment obligations, which could reduce the cash available for other purposes.

As of September 6, 2013, we have approximately $5.821 billion in total indebtedness and are highly leveraged. Our level of indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional financing, if needed, to fund additional projects, working capital requirements, capital expenditures, debt service, and other general corporate or other obligations, as well as increase the risks to our business associated with general adverse economic and industry conditions. Our level of indebtedness may also place us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors that are not as highly leveraged.

We are required to make quarterly repayments in a principal amount equal to $5.625 million during the five-year term of the term loan credit facility, beginning September 30, 2013, subject to certain reductions for mandatory and optional prepayments. In addition, we are required to make prepayments of the term loan credit facility with the proceeds of certain asset sales, insurance proceeds and excess cash flow, which will reduce the cash available for other purposes and could impact our ability to reinvest in other areas of our business.

We cannot assure that our internal and external sources of liquidity will at all times be sufficient for our cash requirements.

We must have sufficient sources of liquidity to fund our working capital requirements, capital improvement plans, service our outstanding indebtedness and finance investment opportunities. The principal sources of our liquidity are funds generated from operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents, borrowings under our credit facilities, other debt financings and sales of non-operating assets. Our recent operating losses have limited our capital resources. Our ability to achieve our business and cash flow plans is based on a number of assumptions which involve significant judgments and estimates of future performance, borrowing capacity and credit availability, which cannot at all times be assured. Accordingly, we cannot assure that cash flows from operations and other internal and external sources of liquidity will at all times be sufficient for our cash requirements. If necessary, we may need to consider actions and steps to improve our cash position and mitigate any potential liquidity shortfall, such as modifying our business plan, pursuing additional financing to the extent available, reducing capital expenditures, pursuing and evaluating other alternatives and opportunities to obtain additional sources of liquidity and other potential actions to reduce costs. We cannot assure that any of these actions would be successful, sufficient or available or available on favorable terms. Any inability to generate or obtain sufficient levels of liquidity to meet our cash requirements at the level and times needed could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial position.

Our ability to obtain any additional financing or any refinancing of our debt, if needed at any time, depends upon many factors, including our existing level of indebtedness and restrictions in our debt facilities, historical business performance, financial projections, prospects and creditworthiness and external economic conditions and general liquidity in the credit and capital markets. Any additional debt, equity or equity-linked financing may require modification of our existing debt agreements, which we cannot assure would be obtainable. Any additional financing or refinancing could also be extended only at higher costs and require us to satisfy more restrictive covenants, which could further limit or restrict our business and results of operations, or be dilutive to our stockholders.

Operating results and cash flows at the store level may cause us to incur asset impairment charges.

Long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, are reviewed at the store level at least annually for impairment, or whenever changes in circumstances indicate that a full recovery of net asset values through future cash flows is in question. Our impairment review requires us to make estimates and projections regarding, but not limited to, sales, operating profit and future cash flows. If these estimates or projections change or prove incorrect, we may be required to record asset impairment charges on certain store locations and other property and equipment. In fiscal 2012, our sales and operating profit declined significantly. If our operating performance begins to reflect a sustained decline and actual results are not consistent with our estimates and projections, we may be exposed to significant asset impairment charges in the future, which could be material to our results of operations.

We are subject to risks associated with importing merchandise from foreign countries.

A substantial portion of our merchandise is sourced by our vendors and by us outside of the United States. All of our suppliers must comply with our supplier legal compliance program and applicable laws, including consumer and product safety laws. Although we diversify our sourcing and production by country and supplier, the failure of a supplier to produce and deliver our goods on time, to meet our quality standards and adhere to our product safety requirements or to meet the requirements of our supplier compliance program or applicable laws, or our inability to flow merchandise to our stores or through the Internet channel in the right quantities at the right time could adversely affect our profitability and could result in damage to our reputation.

Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to facilitate compliance with laws and regulations relating to doing business in foreign markets and importing merchandise from abroad, there can be no assurance that suppliers and other third parties with whom we do business will not violate such laws and regulations or our policies, which could subject us to liability and could adversely affect our results of operations.

We are subject to the various risks of importing merchandise from abroad and purchasing product made in foreign countries, such as

potential disruptions in manufacturing, logistics and supply;

changes in duties, tariffs, quotas and voluntary export restrictions on imported merchandise;

strikes and other events affecting delivery;

consumer perceptions of the safety of imported merchandise;

product compliance with laws and regulations of the destination country;

product liability claims from customers or penalties from government agencies relating to products that are recalled, defective or otherwise noncompliant or alleged to be harmful;

concerns about human rights, working conditions and other labor rights and conditions and environmental impact in foreign countries where merchandise is produced and raw materials or components are sourced, and changing labor, environmental and other laws in these countries;

local business practice and political issues that may result in adverse publicity or threatened or actual adverse consumer actions, including boycotts;

compliance with laws and regulations concerning ethical business practices, such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; and

economic, political or other problems in countries from or through which merchandise is imported.

Political or financial instability, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates, labor conditions, transport capacity and costs, systems issues, problems in third party distribution and warehousing and other interruptions of the supply chain, compliance with U.S. and foreign laws and regulations and other factors relating to international trade and imported merchandise beyond our control could affect the availability and the price of our inventory. A significant amount of merchandise we offer for sale is made in China and accordingly, a revaluation of the Chinese currency, or a lessening of Chinese governmental control of the exchange rate for that currency, in each case leading to an increase in its value relative to the U.S. dollar, could potentially result in a significant increase in the cost of inventory. These risks and other factors relating to foreign trade could subject us to liability or hinder our ability to access suitable merchandise on acceptable terms, which could adversely impact our results of operations.

Our Company’s growth and profitability depend on the levels of consumer confidence and spending.

Our results of operations are sensitive to changes in overall economic and political conditions that impact consumer spending, including discretionary spending. Many economic factors outside of our control, including the housing market, interest rates, recession, inflation and deflation, energy costs and availability, consumer credit availability and terms, consumer debt levels, tax rates and policy, and unemployment trends influence consumer confidence and spending. The domestic and international political situation and actions also affect consumer confidence and spending. Additional events that could impact our performance include pandemics, terrorist threats and activities, worldwide military and domestic disturbances and conflicts, political instability and civil unrest. Declines in the level of consumer spending could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

Our business is seasonal, which impacts our results of operations.

Our annual earnings and cash flows depend to a great extent on the results of operations for the last quarter of our fiscal year, which includes the holiday season. Our fiscal fourth-quarter results may fluctuate significantly, based on many factors, including holiday spending patterns and weather conditions. This seasonality causes our operating results to vary considerably from quarter to quarter.

Our profitability may be impacted by weather conditions.

Our merchandise assortments reflect assumptions regarding expected weather patterns and our profitability depends on our ability to timely deliver seasonally appropriate inventory. Unseasonable or unexpected weather conditions such as warm temperatures during the winter season or prolonged or extreme periods of warm or cold temperatures could render a portion of our inventory incompatible

with consumer needs. Extreme weather or natural disasters could also severely hinder our ability to timely deliver seasonally appropriate merchandise, delay capital improvements or cause us to close stores. A reduction in the demand for or supply of our seasonal merchandise could have an adverse effect on our inventory levels, gross margins and results of operations.

Changes in federal, state or local laws and regulations could increase our expenses and adversely affect our results of operations.

Our business is subject to a wide array of laws and regulations. The current political environment, financial reform legislation, the current high level of government intervention and activism, regulatory reform and stockholder activism may result in substantial new regulations and disclosure obligations, which may lead to additional compliance costs as well as the diversion of our management’s time and attention from strategic initiatives. If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations we could be subject to legal risk, including government enforcement action and class action civil litigation that could increase our cost of doing business. Changes in the regulatory environment regarding topics such as privacy and information security, product safety or environmental protection, including regulations in response to concerns regarding climate change, collective bargaining agreements and health care mandates, among others, could also cause our compliance costs to increase and adversely affect our results of operations.

Legal and regulatory proceedings could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

Our Company is subject to various legal and regulatory proceedings relating to our business, certain of which may involve jurisdictions with reputations for aggressive application of laws and procedures against corporate defendants. We are impacted by trends in litigation, including class action litigation brought under various consumer protection, employment, and privacy and information security laws. In addition, litigation risks related to claims that technologies we use infringe intellectual property rights of third parties have been amplified by the increase in third parties whose primary business is to assert such claims. Reserves are established based on our best estimates of our potential liability. However, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation. Regardless of the outcome or whether the claims are meritorious, legal and regulatory proceedings may require that we devote substantial time and expense to defend our Company. Unfavorable rulings could result in a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Significant changes in discount rates, actual investment return on pension assets, and other factors could affect our earnings, equity, and pension contributions in future periods.

Our earnings may be positively or negatively impacted by the amount of income or expense recorded for our qualified pension plan. Generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP) require that income or expense for the plan be calculated at the annual measurement date using actuarial assumptions and calculations. The most significant assumptions relate to the capital markets, interest rates and other economic conditions. Changes in key economic indicators can change the assumptions. Two critical assumptions used to estimate pension income or expense for the year are the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate. In addition, at the measurement date, we must also reflect the funded status of the plan (assets and liabilities) on the balance sheet, which may result in a significant change to equity through a reduction or increase to other comprehensive income. Although GAAP expense and pension contributions are not directly related, the key economic factors that affect GAAP expense would also likely affect the amount of cash we could be required to contribute to the pension plan. Potential pension contributions include both mandatory amounts required under federal law and discretionary contributions to improve a plan’s funded status.

Provisions in our charter and bylaws, Delaware law, and our stockholder rights plan could delay and discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider favorable.

Certain provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, and Bylaws, as amended, and applicable provisions of Delaware corporate law, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us or have the effect of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire control of us. Our Restated Certificate of Incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock, which could be issued as a defensive measure in response to a takeover proposal. In addition, our Bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may only be called by the Board of Directors. We are also subject to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which prohibits a person who owns in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock from merging or combining with us for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person acquired in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock, unless the merger or combination is approved in a prescribed manner. In addition, the fact that our ability to utilize our tax net operating losses could be adversely affected by a change in control could have an anti-takeover effect.

We adopted a stockholder rights plan in August 2013 that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or could discourage a third party from acquiring, our Company or a large block of our common stock. A third party that acquires 10% or more of our common stock could suffer substantial dilution of its ownership interest under the terms of the stockholder rights plan through the issuance of common stock or common stock equivalents to all stockholders other than the acquiring person.

The foregoing provisions may adversely affect the marketability of the common stock by discouraging potential investors from acquiring our stock. In addition, these provisions could delay or frustrate the removal of incumbent directors and could make more difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving us, or impede an attempt to acquire a significant or controlling interest in us, even if such events might be beneficial to us and our stockholders.

Our stock price has been and may continue to be volatile.

The market price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially and may continue to fluctuate significantly. Future announcements or disclosures concerning us or any of our competitors, our strategic initiatives, our sales and profitability, any quarterly variations in actual or anticipated operating results or comparable sales, any failure to meet analysts’ expectations and sales of large blocks of our common stock, among other factors, could cause the market price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, the stock market has experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected the market price of many retail and other stocks and that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of these companies. Securities class action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a company’s securities. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs, divert our management’s attention and resources and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. This volatility could affect the price at which you could sell shares of our common stock.

The Company’s ability to use net operating loss carry-forwards to offset future taxable income for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be limited.

In fiscal 2012, the Company incurred a federal net operating loss (“NOL”) of approximately $1.5 billion of which approximately $0.3 billion was carried-back. The remaining NOL carry-forward (expiring in 2032) is available to offset future taxable income. The pre-tax losses of $1.1 billion incurred in the first and second quarters of fiscal 2013 as adjusted for book and tax timing differences increase the federal carryforward and would expire in 2033. The total federal carryforward at August 3, 2013 is approximately $2.3 billion.

Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) imposes an annual limitation on the amount of taxable income that may be offset if a corporation experiences an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Code. An ownership change occurs when the Company’s “five-percent shareholders” (as defined in Section 382 of the Code) collectively increase their ownership in the Company by more than 50 percentage points (by value) over a rolling three-year period.

If an ownership change occurs, the amount of the taxable income for any post-change year which may be offset by a pre-change loss is subject to an annual limitation that is cumulative to the extent it is not all utilized in a year. This limitation is derived by multiplying the fair market value of the Company stock as of the ownership change by the applicable federal long-term tax-exempt rate which was 3.16% at August 3, 2013. To the extent that a company has a net unrealized built-in gain at the time of an ownership change, which is realized or deemed recognized during the five-year period following the ownership change, there is an increase in the annual limitation for each of the first five-years.

The Company has an ongoing study of the rolling three-year testing periods. Final conclusions of the study will depend on information that may not have yet been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) by all five-percent shareholders. Based upon the information that has been filed with the SEC as of September 6, 2013, the company has not had a Section 382 ownership change through August 3, 2013.

If an ownership change should occur in the future, the Company’s ability to use the NOL to offset future taxable income will be subject to an annual limitation and will depend on the amount of taxable income generated by the Company in future periods. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to fully utilize the NOL and the Company could be required to record an additional valuation allowance related to the amount of the NOL that may not be realized, which could impact the Company’s result of operations.

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Index

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit No.

Exhibit Description

Form

SEC
File No.

Exhibit

Filing
Date

Filed (†)
Herewith
(as indicated)

3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of J. C. Penney Company, Inc., as amended to May 20, 2011

10-Q

001-15274

3.1

6/8/2011

3.2

J. C. Penney Company, Inc. Bylaws, as amended to July 23, 2013

8-K

001-15274

3.1

7/26/2013

10.1

Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 20, 2013, among J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc., J. C. Penney Company, Inc., as co-obligor, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as successor trustee

8-K

001-15274

4.1

5/24/2013

10.2

First Amendment, dated as of May 20, 2013, to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 27, 2012, as further amended and restated as of February 8, 2013, among J. C. Penney Company, Inc., J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc., J. C. Penney Purchasing Corporation, the lenders party thereto, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as LC agent

8-K

001-15274

10.1

5/24/2013

10.3

Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of May 22, 2013, among J. C. Penney Company, Inc., J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as administrative agent, collateral agent and lead arranger, the other joint arrangers and joint bookrunners party thereto and the other agents party thereto

†

10.4

Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of May 22, 2013, among J. C. Penney Company, Inc., J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc., the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as collateral agent

†

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit No.

Exhibit Description

Form

SEC
File No.

Exhibit

Filing
Date

Filed (†)
Herewith
(as indicated)

10.5

Intercreditor and Collateral Cooperation Agreement, dated as of May 22, 2013, among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as representative with respect to the ABL credit agreement, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, as representative with respect to the term loan agreement, J. C. Penney Company, Inc., J. C. Penney Corporation, Inc. and the subsidiary guarantors party thereto

†

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

†

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

†

32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

†

32.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

†

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

†

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

†

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

†

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

†

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

†

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

†

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/ Mark R. Sweeney
Mark R. Sweeney Senior Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: September 10, 2013