George Soros Is Going to Lose a Lot of Money on This One

By Rich Smith – Apr 30, 2013 at 5:30PM

OTC: JCPN.Q

J.C. Penney

J.C. Penney looks like a sucker's bet.

J.C. Penney (JCPN.Q) stock skyrocketed last week after news leaked that Soros Fund Management had taken a big stake in the struggling retailer. And yes, with Penney selling today for close to book value, and a price-to-sales ratio less than half what rivals Kohl's (KSS 4.53%) and Macy's (M 0.16%) charge, you can see what might have attracted George Soros' attention.

Problem is, Penney is cheap for a reason. Several reasons, actually. Listen in, as Fool contributor Rich Smith lays them out for you...

Fool contributor Rich Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.