Updating J.C. PENNEY CO. INC. and WASHINGTON FEDERAL INC.

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J.C. PENNEY CO. INC. $31 aims to increase its annual sales by 25% over the next four years, mainly through exclusive merchandise deals. For example, it recently signed a 10-year deal with LIZ CLAIBORNE INC. $8.64 that made J.C. Penney the only U.S. department store that carries Liz Claiborne’s clothing and accessories. J.C. Penney also aims to spur its growth with a new customer loyalty plan and a redesigned web site. J.C. Penney is a buy. However, Liz Claiborne is still a hold. WASHINGTON FEDERAL INC. $20 earned $82.1 million, or $0.73 a share, in its second quarter, which ended March 31, 2010. That’s up sharply from $8.4 million, or $0.10 a share, a year earlier. The gain was mainly due to its recent purchase of Horizon Bank, which operates 18 offices in Washington State. The company now has 160 offices in eight western states. A $39-million gain stemming from the settlement of a tax liability also contributed to the higher…