Updating Nordstrom Inc., Alcoa Inc. and McKesson Corp.

Article Excerpt

NORDSTROM INC. $12 (New York symbol JWN; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 215.4 million; Market cap: $2.6 billion; WSSF Rating: Average) earned $71 million in its third fiscal quarter ended November 1, 2008, down 57.2% from $166 million a year earlier. However, the year-earlier quarter included a $20.9 million after-tax gain on the sale of a division. Per-share earnings fell 51.5%, to $0.33 from $0.68, on fewer shares outstanding. Sales declined 8.4%, to $1.8 billion from $2.0 billion. Same-store sales fell 11.1%. The company currently operates 169 stores, and plans to open about 20 new stores in the next four years. This expansion has pushed up its long-term debt to $2.2 billion, which is now a high 85% of its market cap. That increases its short-term risk, particularly if sales continue to weaken. However, Nordstrom’s focus on affluent shoppers and strong attention to customer service should help it stay profitable during the current slump. As well, sales at Nordstrom’s…