Updating J.C. Penney, Nordstrom and Agilent Technologies

Article Excerpt

J.C. PENNEY CO. INC. $22 (www.jcpenney.com) is selling some of its less-important investments to free up cash as it shifts its 1,100 department stores to an everyday pricing strategy. The company recently raised $248 million by selling part of its investment in Simon Property Group Inc. (New York symbol SPG), which operates shopping malls in North America, Europe and Asia. The proceeds are equal to 5% of Penney’s $4.8-billion market cap. Buy. NORDSTROM INC. $52 (www.nordstrom.com) continues to see strong demand for its upscale clothing, accessories and footwear. In June 2012, the company’s overall sales rose 12.6%, to $1.0 billion from $927 million in June 2011. Same-store sales rose 8.1%. Buy. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC. $36 (www.agilent.com) is paying an undisclosed sum for the wireless-testing division of Spain’s AT4 Wireless. This purchase will enhance Agilent’s ability to test chips for new, advanced wireless standards like Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and Near Field Communications (NFC). Best Buy. Buy…