The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Nordstrom, DSW, Kohl's, Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance and Newmont Mining

News provided by

Oct 18, 2012, 09:30 ET

CHICAGO, Oct. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE:JWN), DSW Inc. (NYSE:DSW), Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS), Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. (Nasdaq:ULTA) and Newmont Mining Corporation (NYSE:NEM).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO)

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Wednesday's Analyst Blog:

Nordstrom Expanding in Michigan

In order to solidify its footprint in North America, leading fashion specialty retailer Nordstrom Inc. (NYSE:JWN) has recently decided to open a new Nordstrom Rack store at Baldwin Commons in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The store – scheduled to open in spring 2013 – will include a wide selection of apparel, accessories and shoes.

Nordstrom Rack store is an off-price retail format of Nordstrom. It sells the company's off-season and clearance goods from its mall stores and Nordstrom.com, at a discount of 50–60% from original Nordstrom prices. Rack also showcases apparel, accessories and shoes, which are specially purchased for Nordstrom Rack at a discount of 30–70% on original prices. The Rack concept is specifically designed to attract customers who appreciate the brand, but are unable to afford the price tag.

The new store, spanning 34,800 square feet, will replace the former Linens 'n Things space and share the building with tenants, such as DSW Inc. (NYSE:DSW), Kohl's Corporation (NYSE:KSS), Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. (Nasdaq:ULTA), Old Navy, etc.

Owned and managed by Lormax Stern, Kirco Development and Walbridge, the Baldwin Commons building is located at Interstate 75 on Baldwin Road, which is one of the busiest areas in the city. Nordstrom expects the location to help it attract customers residing in the greater Detroit area and the residents of North Oakland County.

The company already operates 3 full-line and 2 Nordstrom Rack stores in Michigan. Earlier, in September this year, the company announced that it will open a Nordstrom Rack store at Arborland Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan in spring 2013. The Arborland Center is situated in southeastern Ann Arbor between the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University.

Our Recommendation

Nordstrom's latest store openings signify the company's commitment to expand its stores to drive its top-line growth. As of October 16, 2012, Nordstrom operated 117 Nordstrom full-line stores, 116 Nordstrom Rack, 2 Jeffrey boutiques, 1 treasure&bond store and 1 clearance store, thus bringing the total store count to 237.

Moreover, the company remains on track to achieve its target of opening 16 new stores in fiscal 2012 consisting of 1 full-line store and 15 Nordstrom Rack Stores. Year-to-date, the company has already opened 1 full-line store and 11 rack stores and will open one more Rack store this month at Huntington Shopping Center in Huntington, New York.

Further, Nordstrom plans to add 24 new Rack stores in fiscal 2013 and intends to operate 230 of such stores by the end of 2016.

Currently, Nordstrom has a Zacks #2 Rank, which translates to a short-term Buy rating. However, we remain slightly cautious on the stock and uphold our long-term 'Neutral' recommendation, waiting to see further catalysts before becoming more positive on the stock.

Newmont Sees Lower Production

Mining company Newmont Mining Corporation (NYSE:NEM) reported preliminary third quarter 2012 attributable gold and copper production of 1.24 million ounces and 35 million pounds, respectively compared with gold and copper production of 1.3 million ounces and 58 million pounds respectively reported in the third quarter of 2011.

Lower mill availability and recoveries at Boddington, and lower ore tons and grade mined at Tanami in Australia were the primary reasons cited by the company for lower production.

Newmont reported attributable gold and copper sales of 1.21 million ounces and 38 million pounds, respectively, for the quarter. The company also announced that it expects to incur a $27 million charge related to Hope Bay care and maintenance, and another charge of $50 million for restructuring severance and other related costs for the quarter.

Newmont released its second quarter 2012 financial results in July 2012. The company's second quarter-2012 adjusted earnings of 59 cents a share significantly lagged last year's earnings of 90 cents, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 94 cents by a huge margin.

Reported profits plunged 47% to $279 million, or 56 cents per share, in the quarter, from $523 million or $1.06 per share in the prior-year quarter. Revenues went down 6% year over year to $2.2 billion and trailed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.4 billion.

Newmont's attributable gold and copper production declined 3% and 10%, respectively, from last year to 1.18 million ounces and 38 million pounds in the quarter. On a year-over-year basis, attributable gold and copper sales also dropped 6% and 35%, respectively, to 1.14 million ounces and 29 million pounds.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5515.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5517

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leon Zacks. As a PhD from MIT Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5518.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
[email protected]
http://www.zacks.com

SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.