==JC Penney (JCP) reports Nov/Dec comparable store sales declined

J. C. Penney reports Nov/Dec comparable store sales declined 0.8% YoY; reaffirms EBITDA target of $1 billion for fiscal 2016 :

Co reports nine-week November andDecember period comparable store sales declined 0.8% YoY. Co reaffirms EBITDA target of $1 billion for fiscal 2016.

Related management quotes:

• "The first three weeks of November proved to be challenging in stores,consistent with the trends in the broader retail industry. However, thebusiness improved and overall comp sales for the six-week period fromThanksgiving week through the end of December were positive. During the holidayseason we saw strength in appliances, outerwear, boots, toys, Sephora and finejewelry. However, weakness in women's apparel continued to impact ourperformance. We are also encouraged by a very strong performance in our e-commerce business, evidenced by double-digit growth."
• "As we prepare for a new fiscal year, our turnaround in profitability remains ontrack, and I am pleased that we expect to deliver our fourth consecutive quarterof positive operating profit."