Nordstrom profits from loyal clientele

Article Excerpt

NORDSTROM INC. $16 (New York symbol JWN; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 215.4 million; Market cap: $3.4 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.4; WSSF Rating: Average) operates 169 department stores that cater mainly to upscale shoppers. Last month, its same-store sales fell 15.4% compared to February 2008. In response, the company has scaled back its expansion plans and tightened its credit-card policies. Nordstrom has also brought in more lower-priced merchandise, which should lift its sales. Nordstrom’s reputation for good customer service and its loyal customer base should help it cope with the recession. The stock trades at 13.4 times its probable 2009 earnings of $1.18 a share. The $0.64 dividend still appears secure, and yields 4.0%. Nordstrom is a buy. buy…