Nordstrom has had an impressive run over the past six months. While the S&P 500 has been flat, the stock has returned 7.3% and now trades at $24.55. This run-up might have investors contemplating their next move.

Is now the time to buy Nordstrom, or should you be careful about including it in your portfolio? Get the full stock story straight from our expert analysts, it’s free.

Why Do We Think Nordstrom Will Underperform?

We’re glad investors have benefited from the price increase, but we don't have much confidence in Nordstrom. Here are three reasons why JWN doesn't excite us and a stock we'd rather own.

1. Flat Same-Store Sales Indicate Weak Demand

Same-store sales show the change in sales for a retailer's e-commerce platform and brick-and-mortar shops that have existed for at least a year. This is a key performance indicator because it measures organic growth.

Nordstrom’s demand within its existing locations has barely increased over the last two years as its same-store sales were flat.Nordstrom Same-Store Sales Growth

2. Weak Operating Margin Could Cause Trouble

Operating margin is a key profitability metric because it accounts for all expenses necessary to run a store, including wages, inventory, rent, advertising, and other administrative costs.

Nordstrom was profitable over the last two years but held back by its large cost base. Its average operating margin of 2.5% was weak for a consumer retail business.Nordstrom Trailing 12-Month Operating Margin (GAAP)

3. Previous Growth Initiatives Haven’t Impressed

Growth gives us insight into a company’s long-term potential, but how capital-efficient was that growth? Enter ROIC, a metric showing how much operating profit a company generates relative to the money it has raised (debt and equity).

Nordstrom historically did a mediocre job investing in profitable growth initiatives. Its five-year average ROIC was 3.3%, lower than the typical cost of capital (how much it costs to raise money) for consumer retail companies.

Final Judgment

We cheer for all companies serving everyday consumers, but in the case of Nordstrom, we’ll be cheering from the sidelines. With its shares topping the market in recent months, the stock trades at 11.8× forward P/E (or $24.55 per share). While this valuation is reasonable, we don’t see a big opportunity at the moment. There are better stocks to buy right now. Let us point you toward a top digital advertising platform riding the creator economy.

Stocks We Like More Than Nordstrom

Market indices reached historic highs following Donald Trump’s presidential victory in November 2024, but the outlook for 2025 is clouded by new trade policies that could impact business confidence and growth.

Story Continues

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