Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) Quarterly Valuation – April 2014
Benjamin Graham taught that Intelligent Investors must do a thorough fundamental analysis of investment opportunities to determine their intrinsic value and inherent risk.  This is best done by utilizing a systematic approach to analysis that will provide investors with a sense of how a specific company compares to another company or by reviewing 5 Undervalued Companies for the Defensive Investor. By using the ModernGraham method one can review a company’s historical accomplishments and determine an intrinsic value that can be compared across industries.  What follows is a specific look at how Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) fares in the ModernGraham valuation model.
Company Profile (obtained from Google Finance): Nordstrom, Inc. is a fashion specialty retailer. As of March 18, 2013, the Company operates 242 United States stores located in 31 states, as well as an e-commerce business through nordstrom.com. The Company operates in two segments: Retail and Credit. As of December February 02, 2013, the Company had opened two Nordstrom Rack stores (Boston, Massachusetts and Upland, California). As of March 18, 2013, the Retail segment includes its 117 Nordstrom branded full-line stores and its online store at www.nordstrom.com, its 121 off-price Nordstrom Rack stores, one clearance store that operates under the name Last Chance and its other retail channels, including its online private sale subsidiary HauteLook, its two Jeffrey boutiques and one treasure&bond store. Its Credit segment includes its wholly owned federal savings bank, Nordstrom fsb, through which the Company provides a private label credit card, two Nordstrom VISA credit cards and a debit card.
Defensive Investor – must pass at least 6 of the following 7 tests: Score = 6/7
- Adequate Size of Enterprise – market capitalization of at least $2 billion – PASS
- Sufficiently Strong Financial Condition – current ratio greater than 2 – PASS
- Earnings Stability – positive earnings per share for at least 10 straight years – PASS
- Dividend Record – has paid a dividend for at least 10 straight years – PASS
- Earnings Growth – earnings per share has increased by at least 1/3 over the last 10 years using 3 year averages at beginning and end of period – PASS
- Moderate PEmg ratio – PEmg is less than 20 – PASS
- Moderate Price to Assets – PB ratio is less than 2.5 or PB x PEmg is less than 50 – FAIL
Enterprising Investor – must pass at least 4 of the following 5 tests or be suitable for a defensive investor: Score = 4/5
- Sufficiently Strong Financial Condition, Part 1 – current ratio greater than 1.5 – PASS
- Sufficiently Strong Financial Condition, Part 2 – Debt to Net Current Assets ratio less than 1.1 – FAIL
- Earnings Stability – positive earnings per share for at least 5 years – PASS
- Dividend Record – currently pays a dividend – PASS
- Earnings growth – EPSmg greater than 5 years ago – PASS
Valuation Summary
Key Data:
| Recent Price | $60.98 |
| MG Value | $78.29 |
| MG Opinion | Fairly Valued |
| Value Based on 3% Growth | $48.06 |
| Value Based on 0% Growth | $28.17 |
| Market Implied Growth Rate | 4.95% |
| Net Current Asset Value (NCAV) | -$6.62 |
| PEmg | 18.40 |
| Current Ratio | 2.06 |
| PB Ratio | 5.61 |
Balance Sheet – 2/1/2014
| Current Assets | $5,228,000,000 |
| Current Liabilities | $2,541,000,000 |
| Total Debt | $3,106,000,000 |
| Total Assets | $8,574,000,000 |
| Intangible Assets | $175,000,000 |
| Total Liabilities | $6,494,000,000 |
| Outstanding Shares | 191,200,000 |
Earnings Per Share
| 2014 | $3.71 |
| 2013 | $3.56 |
| 2012 | $3.14 |
| 2011 | $2.75 |
| 2010 | $2.01 |
| 2009 | $1.83 |
| 2008 | $2.87 |
| 2007 | $2.55 |
| 2006 | $1.98 |
| 2005 | $1.38 |
Earnings Per Share – ModernGraham
| 2014 | $3.31 |
| 2013 | $2.96 |
| 2012 | $2.62 |
| 2011 | $2.37 |
| 2010 | $2.20 |
| 2009 | $2.24 |
Dividend History
JWN Dividend data by YCharts
Conclusion:
Nordstrom Inc. is suitable for either the Defensive Investor or the Enterprising Investor. Â The Defensive Investor’s only gripe is the high PB ratio, and the Enterprising Investor’s only issue is the level of debt relative to the current assets. Â As a result, value investors following the ModernGraham approach based on Benjamin Graham’s methods should feel very comfortable proceeding with further research into the company and comparing it to a competitor through a review of ModernGraham’s valuation of Macy’s Inc. (M) while keeping in mind the 7 Key Tips to Value Investing. Â From a valuation perspective, the company appears to be fairly valued after growing its EPSmg (normalized earnings) from $2.20 in 2010 to $3.31 for 2014. Â This level of demonstrated growth supports the market’s implied estimate of 4.95% earnings growth and leads the ModernGraham valuation model to return an estimate of intrinsic value that falls within a margin of safety relative to the price.
The next part of the analysis is up to individual investors, and requires discussion of the company’s prospects.  What do you think?  What value would you put on Nordstrom Inc. (JWN)?  Where do you see the company going in the future?  Is there a company you like better?  Leave a comment on our Facebook page or mention @ModernGraham on Twitter to discuss.
If you like our valuations, why not check out ModernGraham Stocks & Screens?  It’s a great way to review the valuations while screening for things like low PE ratio, undervalued companies, etc.!
Disclaimer: Â The author did not hold a position in Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) or any other company mentioned in the article at the time of publication and had no intention of changing that position within the next 72 hours.
Logo taken from wikipedia; this article is not affiliated with the company in any manner.
