The 25 Best Public Companies, and the Worst Quarter in the History of Retail

The following video is from Thursday's Investor Beat, in which host Chris Hill, and analysts Jason Moser and Matt Argersinger dissect the hardest-hitting investing stories of the day.

In today's edition, we take a look at countless hours of Motley Fool research compiled into one big list of the 25 best publicly traded companies, and we break down some abominable numbers from J.C. Penney's earnings report. Those stories, plus the day's four biggest movers, and two stocks we'll be watching closely this week.

J.C. Penney has been a train wreck, whose comeback always seems just around the next earnings corner; but people are beginning to doubt if CEO Ron Johnson can weave the same magic that he did at Apple. Investors wondering whether J.C. Penney is a buy today are invited to claim a copy of The Motley Fool's must-read report on the company. Learn everything you need to know about JCP's turnaround -- or lack thereof -- and, as a bonus, you'll receive a full year of expert guidance and updates as key news develops. Simply click here now for instant access.

The article The 25 Best Public Companies, and the Worst Quarter in the History of Retail originally appeared on Fool.com.

Brian Richards has no position in any stocks mentioned. Chris Hill has no position in any stocks mentioned. Jason Moser has no position in any stocks mentioned. Fool contributor Matthew Argersinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Cummins and Teradata. The Motley Fool owns shares of Cummins. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. 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.

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