Nordstrom's Earnings Beat Last Year's by 26%

Nordstrom (NYS: JWN) reported earnings on Feb. 21. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Feb. 2 (Q4), Nordstrom met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue increased. GAAP earnings per share expanded significantly.

Gross margins were steady, operating margins expanded, net margins grew.

Revenue details
Nordstrom chalked up revenue of $3.60 billion. The 17 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated sales of $3.64 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 13% higher than the prior-year quarter's $3.27 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
EPS came in at $1.40. The 23 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $1.34 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.40 for Q4 were 26% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.11 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 38.1%, much about the same as the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 13.5%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 7.7%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.79 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.80.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $12.87 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.98.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Nordstrom is hold, with an average price target of $60.09.

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The article Nordstrom's Earnings Beat Last Year's by 26% originally appeared on Fool.com.

Seth Jayson had no position in any company mentioned here at the time of publication. You can view his stock holdings here. He is co-advisor ofMotley Fool Hidden Gems, which provides new small-cap ideas every month, backed by a real-money portfolio. TMFDisclosureHere

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