Investing isn't easy. Even Warren Buffett counsels that most investors should invest in a low-cost index like the S&P 500. That way, "you'll be buying into a wonderful industry, which in effect is all of American industry," he says.
But there are, of course, companies whose long-term fortunes differ substantially from the index. In this series, we look at how individual stocks have performed against the broad S&P 500.
Step on up, J.C. Penney (JCPN.Q).
J.C. Penney shares have underperformed the S&P 500 over the past quarter-century. By quite a bit, too:
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Since 1987, shares have returned an average of 4.8% a year, compared with 9.7% a year for the S&P (both include dividends). One thousand dollars invested in the S&P in 1987 would be worth $19,200 today, and. In J.C. Penney, it'd be worth $4,400.
Dividends accounted for a lot of those gains. Compounded since 1987, dividends have made up essentially all of J.C. Penney's total returns (the company doesn't currently pay a dividend). For the S&P, dividends account for 39% of total returns.
Now have a look at how J.C. Penney earnings compare with S&P 500 earnings:
Source: S&P Capital IQ.
Deep underperformance here, too. Since 1995, J.C. Penney's earnings per share have declined, compared with 6% a year growth for the broader index.
What's that meant for valuations? J.C. Penney has traded for an average of 17 times earnings since 1987 -- below the 24 times earnings for the broader S&P 500.
Through it all, shares have been disappointments over the past quarter-century.
Of course, the important question is whether that will continue. That's where you come in. Our CAPS community currently ranks J.C. Penney with a one-star rating (out of five). Care to disagree? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below, or add J.C. Penney to My Watchlist.
