J.C Penney Slashes 1Q Profit Forecast

Plano , Texas J.C. Penney said Friday its first-quarter earnings will be well below its previous forecast because of waning consumer demand. Its shares tumbled almost 12% and prices of other retailers also headed lower.

The disclosure punctuates worries that the slowing economy, higher gas prices and declining consumer confidence may be showing up at the retail cash register.

J.C. Penney said it now anticipates first-quarter net income of about 50 cents per share, down from its prior forecast for profit between 75 cents and 80 cents per share.

Analysts polled by Thomson Financial forecast earnings of 75 cents per share.

J.C. Penney Co. said weakening consumer confidence hurt its results as well as lower-than-expected sales through Easter.