e10vq
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
     
þ   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 3, 2007
OR
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                      to                     
Commission file number 001-15059
NORDSTROM, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Washington
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  91-0515058
(IRS employer
Identification No.)
     
1617 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
(Address of principal executive offices)
  98101
(Zip code)
206-628-2111
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
YES þ NO o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check one):
Large accelerated filer þ   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES o NO þ
Common stock outstanding as of December 1, 2007: 232,084,622 shares of common stock.
 
 

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
                     
                Page
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION        
    Item 1.   Financial Statements (Unaudited).        
 
                   
 
          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Quarter and Nine Months Ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006
    3  
 
                   
 
          Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006
    4  
 
                   
 
          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
Nine Months Ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006
    5  
 
                   
 
          Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended November 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006
    6  
 
                   
 
          Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements     7  
 
                   
    Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     17  
 
                   
    Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     25  
 
                   
    Item 4.   Controls and Procedures     25  
 
                   
 
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION        
    Item 1.   Legal Proceedings     26  
    Item 1A.   Risk Factors     26  
    Item 2.   Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds     27  
    Item 3.   Defaults Upon Senior Securities     27  
    Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     27  
    Item 5.   Other Information     27  
    Item 6.   Exhibits     27  
 
                   
SIGNATURES     28  
 
                   
INDEX TO EXHIBITS     29  
 EXHIBIT 10.1
 EXHIBIT 31.1
 EXHIBIT 31.2
 EXHIBIT 32.1

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).
NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts and percentages)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3,   October 28,   November 3,   October 28,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
Net sales
  $ 1,970,444     $ 1,872,103     $ 6,313,814     $ 5,929,794  
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
    (1,228,506 )     (1,160,123 )     (3,957,178 )     (3,729,759 )
 
               
Gross profit
    741,938       711,980       2,356,636       2,200,035  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (552,632 )     (538,210 )     (1,722,780 )     (1,611,982 )
Gain on sale of Façonnable
    33,925             33,925        
 
               
Operating income
    223,231       173,770       667,781       588,053  
Interest expense, net
    (20,408 )     (11,419 )     (44,431 )     (34,953 )
Other income, net
    68,779       58,819       194,946       173,508  
 
               
Earnings before income tax expense
    271,602       221,170       818,296       726,608  
Income tax expense
    (105,878 )     (85,497 )     (315,345 )     (280,950 )
 
               
Net earnings
  $ 165,724     $ 135,673     $ 502,951     $ 445,658  
 
               
 
                               
Earnings per basic share
  $ 0.69     $ 0.53     $ 2.01     $ 1.70  
Earnings per diluted share
  $ 0.68     $ 0.52     $ 1.98     $ 1.67  
 
                               
Basic shares
    241,521       256,757       250,164       261,920  
Diluted shares
    245,344       261,616       254,475       266,893  
                                 
(% of Net Sales)   Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3,   October 28,   November 3,   October 28,
    2007   2006   2007   2006
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
    (62.3 %)     (62.0 %)     (62.7 %)     (62.9 %)
 
               
Gross profit
    37.7 %     38.0 %     37.3 %     37.1 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    (28.0 %)     (28.7 %)     (27.3 %)     (27.2 %)
Gain on sale of Façonnable
    1.7 %           0.5 %      
 
               
Operating income
    11.3 %     9.3 %     10.6 %     9.9 %
Interest expense, net
    (1.0 %)     (0.6 %)     (0.7 %)     (0.6 %)
Other income, net
    3.5 %     3.1 %     3.1 %     2.9 %
 
               
Earnings before income tax expense
    13.8 %     11.8 %     13.0 %     12.3 %
Income tax expense (as a percentage of earnings before income tax expense)
    (39.0 %)     (38.7 %)     (38.5 %)     (38.7 %)
 
               
Net earnings
    8.4 %     7.2 %     8.0 %     7.5 %
 
               
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                         
    November 3, 2007   February 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Assets
                       
Current assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 107,913     $ 402,559     $ 208,715  
Accounts receivable, net
    1,734,043       684,376       667,748  
Investment in asset backed securities
          428,175       313,656  
Merchandise inventories
    1,242,163       997,289       1,228,230  
Current deferred tax assets, net
    190,264       169,320       169,858  
Prepaid expenses and other
    68,409       60,474       65,711  
 
           
Total current assets
    3,342,792       2,742,193       2,653,918  
 
                       
Land, buildings and equipment, net
    1,910,193       1,757,215       1,748,395  
Goodwill
    53,613       51,714       51,714  
Acquired tradename
          84,000       84,000  
Other assets
    180,854       186,456       170,355  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 5,487,452     $ 4,821,578     $ 4,708,382  
 
           
 
                       
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
                       
Current liabilities:
                       
Commercial paper
  $ 90,500     $     $  
Accounts payable
    738,037       576,796       758,402  
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
    265,657       339,965       253,440  
Other current liabilities
    437,884       433,487       385,767  
Income taxes payable
    42,422       76,095       42,970  
Current portion of long-term debt
    209,019       6,800       106,572  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    1,783,519       1,433,143       1,547,151  
 
                       
Long-term debt, net
    1,791,416       623,652       624,631  
Deferred property incentives, net
    354,814       356,062       351,733  
Other liabilities
    249,666       240,200       223,262  
Commitments and contingent liabilities
                       
Shareholders’ equity:
                       
Common stock, no par value: 1,000,000 shares authorized; 232,034, 257,313 and 256,904 shares issued and outstanding
    927,527       826,421       791,678  
Retained earnings
    407,758       1,350,680       1,171,364  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (27,248 )     (8,580 )     (1,437 )
 
           
Total shareholders’ equity
    1,308,037       2,168,521       1,961,605  
 
           
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
  $ 5,487,452     $ 4,821,578     $ 4,708,382  
 
           
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                                                 
                                    Accumulated        
                                    Other        
                    Unearned             Comprehensive        
    Common Stock     Stock     Retained     (Loss)        
    Shares     Amount     Compensation     Earnings     Earnings     Total  
 
Balance at February 3, 2007
    257,313     $ 826,421           $ 1,350,680     $ (8,580 )   $ 2,168,521  
 
Cumulative effect adjustment to adopt FIN 48
                      (2,962 )           (2,962 )
 
Adjusted Beginning Balance
    257,313       826,421             1,347,718       (8,580 )     2,165,559  
 
Net earnings
                      502,951               502,951  
Other comprehensive (loss) earnings:
                                               
Foreign currency translation
                            (15,770 )     (15,770 )
Amounts amortized into net periodic benefit cost, net of tax of ($1,406)
                            2,084       2,084  
Fair value adjustment to investment in asset backed securities, net of tax of $2,806
                            (4,982 )     (4,982 )
     
Comprehensive net earnings
                                  484,283  
Cash dividends paid ($0.405 per share)
                      (102,912 )           (102,912 )
Issuance of common stock for:
                                               
Stock option plans
    2,089       59,281                         59,281  
Employee stock purchase plan
    393       17,614                         17,614  
Other
    70       3,930                         3,930  
Stock-based compensation
    7       20,281                         20,281  
Repurchase of common stock
    (27,838 )                 (1,339,999 )           (1,339,999 )
 
Balance at November 3, 2007
    232,034     $ 927,527           $ 407,758     $ (27,248 )   $ 1,308,037  
 
 
                                    Accumulated        
                                    Other        
                    Unearned             Comprehensive        
    Common Stock     Stock     Retained     (Loss)        
    Shares     Amount     Compensation     Earnings     Earnings     Total  
 
Balance at January 28, 2006
    269,549     $ 685,934     $ (327 )   $ 1,404,366     $ 2,708     $ 2,092,681  
Net earnings
                      445,658             445,658  
Other comprehensive (loss) earnings:
                                               
Foreign currency translation
                            1,131       1,131  
Fair value adjustment to investment in asset backed securities, net of tax of $3,253
                            (5,276 )     (5,276 )
     
Comprehensive net earnings
                                  441,513  
Cash dividends paid ($0.315 per share)
                      (83,139 )           (83,139 )
Issuance of common stock for:
                                               
Stock option plans
    2,909       68,272                         68,272  
Employee stock purchase plan
    446       16,635                         16,635  
Other
    17       257       327                   584  
Stock-based compensation
          20,580                         20,580  
Repurchase of common stock
    (16,017 )                 (595,521 )           (595,521 )
 
Balance at October 28, 2006
    256,904     $ 791,678           $ 1,171,364     $ (1,437 )   $ 1,961,605  
 
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006  
Operating Activities
               
Net earnings
  $ 502,951     $ 445,658  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization of buildings and equipment
    202,523       205,816  
Gain on sale of Façonnable
    (33,925 )      
Amortization of deferred property incentives and other, net
    (30,190 )     (25,255 )
Stock-based compensation expense
    20,875       25,075  
Deferred income taxes, net
    (33,443 )     (49,755 )
Tax benefit from stock-based payments
    27,203       29,691  
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payments
    (25,228 )     (25,384 )
Provision for bad debt expense
    71,334       10,715  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
    (1,143,339 )     (38,652 )
Investment in asset backed securities
    420,387       242,204  
Merchandise inventories
    (282,554 )     (235,623 )
Prepaid expenses
    (10,084 )     (10,092 )
Other assets
    (28,481 )     (4,203 )
Accounts payable
    131,625       213,294  
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
    (66,536 )     (34,861 )
Other current liabilities
    (60 )     (22,559 )
Income taxes payable
    (21,902 )     (38,647 )
Deferred property incentives
    41,839       13,779  
Other liabilities
    2,487       11,328  
 
       
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (254,518 )     712,529  
 
       
 
               
Investing Activities
               
Capital expenditures
    (358,119 )     (187,748 )
Proceeds from sale of Façonnable
    215,761        
Proceeds from sale of assets
    12,205        
Purchases of short-term investments
          (109,550 )
Sales of short-term investments
          163,550  
Other, net
    3,471       (6,380 )
 
       
Net cash used in investing activities
    (126,682 )     (140,128 )
 
       
 
               
Financing Activities
               
Proceeds from commercial paper
    90,500        
Proceeds from long-term borrowing
    1,521,500       100,000  
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (176,838 )     (306,465 )
Increase (decrease) in cash book overdrafts
    23,036       (21,511 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    32,102       38,917  
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan
    17,591       16,300  
Excess tax benefit from stock-based payments
    25,228       25,384  
Cash dividends paid
    (102,912 )     (83,139 )
Repurchase of common stock
    (1,339,999 )     (595,521 )
Other, net
    (3,654 )     (307 )
 
       
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    86,554       (826,342 )
 
       
 
               
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (294,646 )     (253,941 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    402,559       462,656  
 
       
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 107,913     $ 208,715  
 
       
The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The same accounting policies are followed for preparing quarterly and annual financial information. All adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature.
In May 2007, we increased our ownership in Jeffrey. As a result of the additional purchase, Jeffrey is now consolidated and included in our retail segment. This additional purchase included $29,436 of goodwill.
Our business, like that of other retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Our Anniversary Sale in July and the holidays in December typically result in higher sales in the second and fourth quarters of our fiscal years. Accordingly, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.
Accounting Policies
The preparation of our financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Our accounting policies in 2007 are consistent with those discussed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K, with the exception of our adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”) in the beginning of the first quarter of 2007. Additionally, in the first quarter of 2007, we converted our Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables into one on-balance sheet securitization program, which is accounted for as a secured borrowing (on-balance sheet).
Other Income
On May 1, 2007, we converted our Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization program. Prior to the transaction, other income consisted primarily of finance charges and late fees generated by our Nordstrom private label cards and earnings from our investment in asset backed securities and securitization gains and losses, which were both generated from the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card program. After the transaction, other income consists primarily of finance charges and late fees generated by our combined Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs.
Securitization of Accounts Receivable and Accounts Receivable
We offer Nordstrom private label cards and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit cards to our customers. As described above, on May 1, 2007 we converted the Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization program, which is accounted for as a secured borrowing (on-balance sheet). When we combined the securitization programs, our investment in asset backed securities was converted from available-for-sale securities to receivables. As of May 5, 2007, the majority of co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables were recorded at estimated fair value. As of November 3, 2007, approximately 16% of those receivables remain recorded at estimated fair value. Based on past payment patterns, we expect that this receivable portfolio will be repaid within approximately eight months of the transaction date. During that time, we expect to transition the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivable portfolio to historical cost, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, on our balance sheet.

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
We report our Nordstrom private label card receivables and new co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables generated after May 1, 2007 at cost, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Our allowance for doubtful accounts represents our best estimate of the losses inherent in our customer accounts receivable based on several factors, including historical trends of aging of accounts, write-off experience and expectations of future performance.
Going forward, we expect that both our Nordstrom private label cards and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit cards will be accounted for using the same on-balance sheet, historical cost method.
Substantially all of the Nordstrom private label receivables and 90% of the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables are securitized. Under the securitization, the receivables are transferred to a third-party trust on a daily basis. The balance of the receivables transferred to the trust fluctuates as new receivables are generated and old receivables are retired (through payments received, charge-offs, or credits for merchandise returns). On May 1, 2007, the trust issued securities that are backed by the receivables. These combined receivables back the Series 2007-1 Notes, the Series 2007-2 Notes, and variable funding notes that are discussed in Note 5: Long-term debt.
Under the terms of the trust agreement, we may be required to fund certain amounts upon the occurrence of specific events. Our credit card securitization agreements set a maximum percentage of receivables that can be associated with various receivable categories, such as employee or foreign receivables. As of November 3, 2007, these maximums were not exceeded.
Income Taxes
Effective February 4, 2007, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 has resulted in an increase to our liability for uncertain tax positions of $2,962, which reduced the beginning balance of retained earnings. Upon adoption we had approximately $20,899 of gross unrecognized tax benefits, of which $6,522 relates to deferred items which, if recognized, would not impact the effective tax rate. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are classified as a component of income tax expense. The estimate for accrued interest and penalties upon adoption was $1,467. There were no material changes to these balances during the nine months ended November 3, 2007.
We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. We also file returns in France and several other foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2002. Our U.S. federal filings for the years 2002 through 2005 are under routine examination and that process is anticipated to be completed before the end of 2008. Additionally, the U.S. federal tax returns for 2006 and 2007 are under concurrent year processing, and are expected to be complete in 2008. We currently have an active examination in France for the years 2001 through 2004. Certain state jurisdictions have active income tax examinations that include earlier years. These audits are not considered material.

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 will be effective at the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. We are assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS 157 and believe there will be no material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS 159 will be effective at the beginning of our 2008 fiscal year. We are assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS 159 and believe there will be no material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
NOTE 2: SALE OF FAÇONNABLE
During the third quarter, we completed the sale of our Façonnable business to M1 Group in exchange for cash of $215,761, net of transaction costs. As part of this transaction, goodwill of $27,537 and acquired tradename of $84,000 were removed from our balance sheet and we recorded a gain of $33,925. Upon the closing of this transaction, we entered into a Transition Services Agreement with M1, whereby we will continue to provide certain back office functions related to the Façonnable U.S. wholesale business for a limited amount of time as part of a transition period. We additionally entered into a Minimum Purchase Agreement with the Façonnable U.S. wholesale business whereby we committed to purchase $246,000 of Façonnable inventory over the next three years.
NOTE 3: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The components of accounts receivable are as follows:
                         
    November 3, 2007   February 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Trade receivables:
                       
Restricted trade receivables
  $ 1,558,192     $ 582,281     $ 558,354  
Unrestricted trade receivables
    137,074       43,793       39,208  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (54,064 )     (17,475 )     (15,704 )
 
           
Trade receivables, net
    1,641,202       608,599       581,858  
Other
    92,841       75,777       85,890  
 
           
Accounts receivable, net
  $ 1,734,043     $ 684,376     $ 667,748  
 
           
The following table summarizes the restricted trade receivables:
                         
    November 3, 2007   February 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Private label card receivables
  $ 604,639     $ 582,281     $ 558,354  
Co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables
    953,553              
 
           
Restricted trade receivables
  $ 1,558,192     $ 582,281     $ 558,354  
 
           
As of November 3, 2007, the restricted trade receivables relate to substantially all of our Nordstrom private label card receivables and 90% of the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. These restricted trade receivables back the Series 2007-1 Notes, the Series 2007-2 Notes, and the variable funding notes discussed in Note 5: Long-term debt. At February 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, the restricted trade receivables related to our Nordstrom private label card backed our previously existing variable funding note.

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 3: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (CONTINUED)
The unrestricted trade receivables consist primarily of the remaining portion of our Nordstrom private label and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables and accrued finance charges not yet allocated to customer accounts.
Other accounts receivable consist primarily of credit card receivables due from third-party financial institutions and vendor rebates.
NOTE 4:   INVESTMENT IN ASSET BACKED SECURITIES – CO-BRANDED NORDSTROM VISA CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES
Prior to the securitization transaction discussed in Note 1, our co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card program was treated as an investment in asset backed securities. As previously discussed, as of November 3, 2007, our balance sheet does not include an investment in asset backed securities. The following table represents the components prior to the transaction:
                 
    February 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Total face value of co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card principal receivables
  $ 907,983     $ 844,634  
 
       
 
               
Debt securities issued by the VISA Trust:
               
Off-balance sheet (sold to third parties):
               
2002 Class A & B Notes
  $ 200,000     $ 200,000  
2004-2 Variable funding notes
    350,000       350,000  
 
       
 
  $ 550,000     $ 550,000  
 
       
 
               
Transferor interest amount recorded on Nordstrom, Inc.’s balance sheet:
               
Investment in asset backed securities at fair value
  $ 428,175     $ 313,656  
 
       
The following table presents the key assumptions we used to value the investment in asset backed securities prior to the securitization transaction:
                 
    February 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Weighted average remaining life (in months)
    7.5       7.0  
Average annual credit losses
    5.7 %     6.0 %
Average gross yield
    16.8 %     16.9 %
Weighted average coupon on issued securities
    5.3 %     5.2 %
Average monthly payment rates
    8.0 %     8.4 %
Discount rate on investment in asset backed securities
  7.3% to 11.5 %     7.7% to 11.4 %  
The following table summarizes the income earned by the investment in asset backed securities that is included in other income on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings prior to the transaction on May 1, 2007:
                                 
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006     November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006  
Interest income
        $ 20,899     $ 21,266     $ 65,599  
Gain on sales of receivables and other income
          7,744       4,745       23,775  
 
               
 
        $ 28,643     $ 26,011     $ 89,374  
 
               
Our investment in asset backed securities and the off-balance sheet financing are described in Notes 1 and 3 of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 5: LONG-TERM DEBT
We hold both secured and unsecured debt. The secured debts’ primary collateral are our Nordstrom private label cards and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. A summary of long-term debt is as follows:
                         
    November 3, 2007     February 3, 2007     October 28, 2006  
             
Secured
                       
2001-1 Variable Funding Note
  $     $     $ 100,000  
2007-A Variable Funding Note
    200,000              
Series 2007-1 Class A Notes, 4.92%, due April 2010
    325,500              
Series 2007-1 Class B Notes, 5.02%, due April 2010
    24,500              
Series 2007-2 Class A Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.06% per year, due April 2012
    453,800              
Series 2007-2 Class B Notes, one-month LIBOR plus 0.18% per year, due April 2012
    46,200              
Mortgage payable, 7.68%, due April 2020
    67,366       69,710       70,462  
Other
    12,511       13,630       13,797  
 
           
 
    1,129,877       83,340       184,259  
 
                       
Unsecured
                       
Commercial paper
    301,500              
Senior notes, 5.625%, due January 2009
    250,000       250,000       250,000  
Senior debentures, 6.95%, due March 2028
    300,000       300,000       300,000  
Other
    21,746       5,970       5,896  
Fair market value of interest rate swap
    (2,688 )     (8,858 )     (8,952 )
 
           
 
    870,558       547,112       546,944  
 
                       
Total long–term debt
    2,000,435       630,452       731,203  
Less current portion
    (209,019 )     (6,800 )     (106,572 )
 
           
Total due beyond one year
  $ 1,791,416     $ 623,652     $ 624,631  
 
           
In the first quarter of 2007, the Private Label Trust used our previously existing variable funding facility (2001-1 Variable Funding Note) to issue a total of $150,000 in Notes. On May 1, 2007, in connection with the issuance of the new Notes discussed below, we paid the outstanding balance and terminated this facility.
During the first quarter of 2007, we entered into an agreement for a new variable funding facility (2007-A Variable Funding Note) backed by substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and a 90% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with a commitment of $300,000. Borrowings under the facility incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third party bank conduit plus specified fees. During the third quarter of 2007, we used this facility to issue $220,000 in Notes. As of November 3, 2007, $200,000 in Notes were outstanding and the cost of commercial paper issued by the third party bank conduit was 5.71%. We pay a commitment fee for the note based on the size of the commitment and the amount of borrowings outstanding. Commitment fee rates decrease if more than $50,000 is outstanding on the facility. The facility can be cancelled or not renewed if our debt ratings fall below Standard and Poor’s BB+ rating or Moody’s Ba1 rating. Our current rating by Standard and Poor’s is A-, four grades above BB+, and by Moody’s is Baa1, three grades above Ba1.
Both the Series 2007-1 Class A & B Notes and the Series 2007-2 Class A & B Notes are secured by substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and a 90% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables.
Other debt consists primarily of capital lease obligations and liabilities related to the acquisition of Jeffrey.
To manage our interest rate risk, we have an interest rate swap outstanding recorded in other liabilities. Our swap has a $250,000 notional amount, expires in January 2009 and is designated as a fully effective fair value hedge. Under the agreement, we receive a fixed rate of 5.63% and pay a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 2.3% set at six-month intervals (7.09% at November 3, 2007).

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 5: LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
The Series 2007-1 Class A & B Notes increased our required principal payments due in fiscal 2010 by their combined notional amount of $350,000. The Series 2007-2 Class A & B Notes increased our required principal payments due after five years by their combined notional amount of $500,000.
During the third quarter of 2007, we entered into an agreement for a new variable funding facility backed by the remaining 10% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with a commitment of $100,000. As of November 3, 2007, no issuances have been made against this facility. Borrowings under the facility will incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third party bank conduit plus specified fees.
We maintain a $500,000 unsecured line of credit, which is available as liquidity support for our commercial paper program described below. We made no borrowings under this line of credit during the nine months ended November 3, 2007.
In October 2007, we entered into a new commercial paper dealer agreement, supported by our unsecured line of credit. Under this commercial paper program, we may issue commercial paper in an aggregate amount outstanding at any particular time not to exceed $500,000. This agreement allows us to use the proceeds to fund share repurchases as well as operating cash requirements. Under the terms of the commercial paper agreement, we pay a rate of interest based on, among other factors, the maturity of the issuance and market conditions. The issuance of commercial paper has the effect, while it is outstanding, of reducing our borrowing capacity under the line of credit by an amount equal to the principal amount of the commercial paper. As of November 3, 2007, we had $392,000 in outstanding issuances of commercial paper.
In December 2007, we issued $650,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes due 2018 and $350,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.00% senior unsecured notes due 2038. We have reclassified $301,500 of the commercial paper facility, which has been repaid by the proceeds of the debt offering. The remaining $90,500 of the commercial paper recorded in short-term debt was paid using operating cash flows.
NOTE 6: POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The expense components of our Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which provides retirement benefits to certain officers and select employees, are as follows:
                                 
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006     November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006  
Participant service cost
  $ 652     $ 557     $ 1,957     $ 1,671  
Interest cost
    1,433       1,308       4,299       3,924  
Amortization of net loss
    772       724       2,315       2,172  
Amortization of prior service cost
    263       257       787       771  
 
               
Total expense
  $ 3,120     $ 2,846     $ 9,358     $ 8,538  
 
               
 
NOTE 7: STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit was recorded in our condensed consolidated statements of earnings as follows:
 
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006     November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006  
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
  $ 2,961     $ 2,908     $ 8,051     $ 8,259  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    3,751       8,084       12,824       16,816  
 
               
Total stock-based compensation expense before income tax benefit
  $ 6,712     $ 10,992     $ 20,875     $ 25,075  
 
               

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 7: STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED)
Stock Options
As of November 3, 2007, we have options outstanding under two stock option plans. Options vest over periods ranging from four to eight years, and expire 10 years after the date of grant. During the nine months ended November 3, 2007, 1,597 options were granted, 2,089 options were exercised, and 318 options were cancelled. During the nine months ended October 28, 2006, 1,940 options were granted, 2,909 options were exercised, and 518 options were cancelled.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, stock option awards to employees were approved by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors and their exercise price was set at the closing price of our common stock on March 1, 2007. The stock option awards provide recipients with the opportunity for financial rewards when our stock price increases. The awards are determined based upon a percentage of the recipients’ base salary and the estimated fair value of the stock options, which was estimated using a Binomial Lattice option valuation model. During the nine months ended November 3, 2007, we awarded stock options to 1,195 employees compared to 1,235 employees in the same period in 2006.
We used the following assumptions to estimate the fair value of stock options at grant date:
                 
    November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006  
Risk-free interest rate
    4.6% - 4.7%       4.9% - 5.1%  
Weighted average expected volatility
    35.0%       37.0%  
Weighted average expected dividend yield
    1.0%       1.0%  
Weighted average expected life in years
    5.7       5.4  
The weighted average estimated fair value per option at the grant date was $20 and $16 in 2007 and 2006, respectively. The following describes the significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value of options granted:
  Risk-free interest rate: The rate represents the yield on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon securities that mature over the 10-year life of the stock options.
 
  Expected volatility: The expected volatility is based on a combination of the historical volatility of our common stock and the implied volatility of exchange traded options for our common stock.
 
  Expected dividend yield: The yield is our forecasted dividend yield for the next 10 years.
 
  Expected life in years: The expected life represents the estimated period of time until option exercise. Based on our historical exercise behavior and taking into consideration the contractual term of the option and our employees’ expected exercise and post-vesting employment termination behavior, the expected term of options granted was derived from the output of the Binomial Lattice option valuation model.
Performance Share Units
We grant performance share units to align certain elements of our senior management compensation with our shareholder returns. Performance share units are payable in either cash or stock as elected by the employee; therefore they are classified as a liability award in accordance with Statement No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”). Performance share units vest after a three-year performance period only when our total shareholder return (reflecting daily stock price appreciation and compound reinvestment of dividends) is positive and outperforms companies in a defined peer group of direct competitors determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. The percentage of units that vest depends on our relative position at the end of the performance period and can range from 0% to 125% of the number of units granted.

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 7: STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS (CONTINUED)
We record the performance share unit liability based on the vesting factors described above. The liability is remeasured and the appropriate earnings adjustment is taken at each fiscal quarter-end during the vesting period. The price we use to remeasure the performance share units granted in 2005 is the closing market price of our common stock on the current quarter-end date. To remeasure the performance share units granted in 2006 and following, we use the 30-day average closing market price of our common stock leading up to the current quarter-end date. The price used to issue stock or cash for the performance share units upon vesting is the closing market price of our common stock on the vest date.
As of November 3, 2007, February 3, 2007 and October 28, 2006, our liabilities included $4,288, $12,653 and $9,314 for the performance share units. As of November 3, 2007, the remaining unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested performance share units was approximately $1,000, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 12 months. At February 3, 2007, 255,467 units were unvested. During the nine months ended November 3, 2007, 50,070 units were granted, 112,496 units vested and no units cancelled, resulting in an ending balance of 193,041 unvested units as of November 3, 2007.
The following table summarizes the information for performance share units that vested during the period:
                 
    Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Number of performance share units vested
    112,496       216,865  
Total fair value of performance share units vested
  $ 7,970     $ 11,310  
Total amount of performance share units settled for cash
  $ 729     $ 5,982  
NOTE 8: EARNINGS PER SHARE
The computation of earnings per share, using the respective weighted average shares, is as follows:
                                 
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006     November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006  
 
Net earnings
  $ 165,724     $ 135,673     $ 502,951     $ 445,658  
 
                               
 
                               
Basic shares
    241,521       256,757       250,164       261,920  
Dilutive effect of stock options, performance share units and other
    3,823       4,859       4,311       4,973  
 
                               
Diluted shares
    245,344       261,616       254,475       266,893  
 
                               
 
                               
Earnings per basic share
  $ 0.69     $ 0.53     $ 2.01     $ 1.70  
Earnings per diluted share
  $ 0.68     $ 0.52     $ 1.98     $ 1.67  
 
                               
Antidilutive stock options and other
    2,793       1,825       1,559       1,788  

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 9: SEGMENT REPORTING
The following tables set forth the information for our reportable segments and a reconciliation to the consolidated totals:
                                                 
Quarter ended   Retail                                
November 3, 2007   Stores     Credit     Direct     Other     Eliminations     Total  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,788,207     $     $ 151,068     $ 31,169     $     $ 1,970,444  
Net sales increase
    4.4%       N/A       15.0%       N/A       N/A       5.3%  
Intersegment revenues
          185                   (185 )      
Interest expense, net
    76       (12,724 )           (7,760 )           (20,408 )
Other income, net
    (176 )     65,957       (4 )     3,002             68,779  
Earnings before income tax expense
    269,842       372       41,076       (39,688 )           271,602  
Earnings before income tax expense as a percentage of net sales
    15.1%       N/A       27.2%       N/A       N/A       13.8%  
                                                 
Quarter ended   Retail                                
October 28, 2006   Stores     Credit     Direct     Other     Eliminations     Total  
 
Net sales
  $ 1,712,061     $     $ 131,367     $ 28,675     $     $ 1,872,103  
Net sales increase
    11.0%       N/A       28.2%       N/A       N/A       12.4%  
Intersegment revenues
          157                   (157 )      
Interest expense, net
          (3,170 )           (8,249 )           (11,419 )
Other income, net
    744       54,535       (6 )     3,546             58,819  
Earnings before income tax expense
    256,346       19,947       32,429       (87,552 )           221,170  
Earnings before income tax expense as a percentage of net sales
    15.0%       N/A       24.7%       N/A       N/A       11.8%  
                                                 
Nine months ended   Retail                                
November 3, 2007   Stores     Credit     Direct     Other     Eliminations     Total  
 
Net sales
  $ 5,838,040     $     $ 437,678     $ 38,096     $     $ 6,313,814  
Net sales increase
    6.2%       N/A       19.0%       N/A       N/A       6.5%  
Intersegment revenues
          463                   (463 )      
Interest expense, net
    (68 )     (25,329 )           (19,034 )           (44,431 )
Other income, net
    367       180,267       25       14,287             194,946  
Earnings before income tax expense
    897,869       (4,446 )     110,397       (185,524 )           818,296  
Earnings before income tax expense as a percentage of net sales
    15.4%       N/A       25.2%       N/A       N/A       13.0%  
Total assets
    2,723,579       1,712,910       157,890       893,073             5,487,452  
                                                 
Nine months ended   Retail                                
October 28, 2006   Stores     Credit     Direct     Other     Eliminations     Total  
 
Net sales
  $ 5,494,677     $     $ 367,867     $ 67,250     $     $ 5,929,794  
Net sales increase
    8.8%       N/A       16.6%       N/A       N/A       9.3%  
Intersegment revenues
          356                   (356 )      
Interest expense, net
          (10,662 )           (24,291 )           (34,953 )
Other income, net
    138       158,409       (3 )     14,964             173,508  
Earnings before income tax expense
    799,153       56,168       88,847       (217,560 )           726,608  
Earnings before income tax expense as a percentage of net sales
    14.5%       N/A       24.2%       N/A       N/A       12.3%  
Total assets
    2,466,157       932,699       126,939       1,182,587             4,708,382  

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Dollar and share amounts in thousands except per share and per option amounts)
(Unaudited)
NOTE 9: SEGMENT REPORTING (CONTINUED)
The segment information for the quarter and nine months ended November 3, 2007 has been adjusted from our 2006 Form 10-Q disclosures to reflect the 2007 view of certain costs between our Credit, Other, and Retail Stores segments, but do not impact the condensed consolidated statement of earnings. These changes include expense related to our merchandise rewards certificate programs, intercompany merchant fee income and intercompany borrowings.
Additionally, in the second quarter of 2007, we increased our ownership in Jeffrey. As a result of the additional purchase, Jeffrey is now consolidated and included in our Retail segment.
NOTE 10: SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                 
    Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Cash paid during the year for:
               
Interest
  $ 51,702     $ 44,593  
Income taxes
  $ 339,905     $ 336,357  
NOTE 11: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
We are involved in routine claims, proceedings and litigation arising from the normal course of our business. The results of these claims, proceedings and litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. However, we do not believe any such claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in aggregate, will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
NOTE 12: SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In November 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of $1,000,000 to our existing $1,500,000 share repurchase program. The existing share repurchase program, which was authorized by our Board of Directors in August 2007, had $751,400 of unused capacity as of November 3, 2007. Repurchases under the program may be made through the end of 2009. The actual amount and timing of share repurchases will be subject to market conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
In December 2007, we issued $650,000 aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes due 2018 and $350,000 aggregate principal amount of 7.00% senior unsecured notes due 2038. We have reclassified $301,500 of the commercial paper facility, which has been repaid by the proceeds of the debt offering. The remaining $90,500 of the commercial paper recorded in short-term debt was paid using operating cash flows.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts).
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
                                 
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006   November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Net earnings
  $ 165.7     $ 135.7     $ 503.0     $ 445.7  
Net earnings as a percentage of net sales
    8.4%       7.2%       8.0%       7.5%  
Earnings per diluted share
  $ 0.68     $ 0.52     $ 1.98     $ 1.67  
Earnings per diluted share improved $0.16 for the quarter and $0.31 for the nine months ended November 3, 2007 due primarily to sales growth. Key highlights include:
  Total net sales for the third quarter increased 5.3% for the quarter and 6.5% for the nine months ended November 3, 2007. For the quarter, same-store sales increased 2.2%, on top of 10.7% in the same period last year. Same-store sales increased 5.8% for the nine months ended November 3, 2007 on top of 7.2% last year. For both periods, full-line, Rack and Direct delivered positive same-store sales increases. Additionally, all full-line and Rack regions showed same-store sales increases year-to-date.
 
  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales (gross profit rate) decreased 38 basis points for the quarter, driven primarily by increases in full-line store markdowns. The gross profit rate improved 22 basis points for the nine months ended November 3, 2007, driven by a decrease in performance based incentives, partially offset by increased markdowns in our full-line stores.
 
  Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales (SG&A rate) decreased 70 basis points for the quarter and increased 10 basis points for the nine months ended November 3, 2007. The decrease for the quarter was primarily driven by a reduction in performance based incentives, partially offset by higher bad debt expense. The increase for the nine months ended November 3, 2007, was due to the higher bad debt expense which was partially offset by a decrease in performance-based incentives. The impact of bringing the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables on-balance sheet increased our SG&A rate by 57 basis points for the quarter and 48 basis points for the nine months ended November 3, 2007.
 
  We closed the sale of the Façonnable business during the third quarter, and realized a gain on the sale of $33.9. The impact to reported earnings per diluted share was $0.09, net of tax of $13.1.
Net Sales
                                 
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006   November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Net sales
  $ 1,970.0     $ 1,872.1     $ 6,313.8     $ 5,929.8  
Net sales increase
    5.3%       12.4%       6.5%       9.3%  
Total company same-store sales increase
    2.2%       10.7%       5.8%       7.2%  
Total net sales for the third quarter increased 5.3% for the quarter and 6.5% for the nine months ended November 3, 2007, compared to the same periods in the prior year due to same-store sales increases. All channels (full-line stores, Rack, and Direct) achieved positive same-store sales increases.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations (Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts).
Designer apparel, women’s accessories, and men’s apparel were our merchandise categories with the largest full-line same-store sales increases for both the quarter and nine months ended November 3, 2007. Designer apparel offers fashion-forward and aspirational products, which drove the increase. Women’s accessories benefited from increases in sales of handbags and fashion jewelry. Additionally, the increase in men’s apparel was in part due to sales within our younger contemporary products.
Our Rack channel delivered 11.3% and 12.3% net sales increases in the quarter and nine months ended November 3, 2007, respectively. These results were driven by growth in accessories, men’s, women’s, and shoes merchandise categories.
Our Direct channel delivered 15.0% and 19.0% net sales increases in the quarter and nine months ended November 3, 2007, respectively. These results were led by growth in cosmetics, women’s accessories and men’s apparel.
In looking forward to the fourth quarter of 2007, we expect our same-store sales to be approximately flat.
Gross Profit
                                   
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006   November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Gross profit
  $ 741.9     $ 712.0     $ 2,356.6     $ 2,200.0  
Gross profit rate
    37.7%       38.0%       37.3%       37.1%  
                     
                    Four Quarters Ended
                    November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
                     
Inventory per square foot
                  $ 60.47     $ 60.57  
Inventory turnover rate (for the most recent four quarters)
                    4.92       4.73  
Compared to the same period last year, our gross profit rate declined 38 basis points for the quarter and improved 22 basis points for the nine months ended November 3, 2007. For the quarter, our merchandise margin rate was unfavorably impacted by an increase in markdowns at our full-line stores. We entered the third quarter with inventory levels above plan and experienced higher markdowns during the quarter as we moved to re-align inventory levels with slower sales trends. Our merchandise margin rate decreased slightly in the nine months ended November 3, 2007. For both periods, merchandise margin performance was offset by a decrease in buying and occupancy expenses, partially from lower performance based incentives. Additionally, our buying and occupancy costs are mostly fixed, which created rate improvement when compared to the increased sales growth during the nine months ended November 3, 2007.
Our four-quarter average inventory turnover rate was 4.92 at the third quarter of 2007 compared to 4.73 at the third quarter of 2006, indicating continuous progress in improving merchandise planning and execution.
Total ending inventory per square foot at November 3, 2007 was flat compared to October 28, 2006. The current quarter end does not include inventory of Façonnable, which reduced our inventory per square foot by 2% and offset the remaining inventory increase. Part of the increase in our inventory supports the growth of our designer business in apparel, accessories and shoes. The remaining increase is due to merchandise levels in select divisions above our expectations. We believe inventory will be in line with plan by year-end.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations (Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts).
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)
                                 
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006   November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Selling, general and administrative expenses
  $ 552.6     $ 538.2     $ 1,722.8     $ 1,612.0  
SG&A rate
    28.0%       28.7%       27.3%       27.2%  
The selling, general and administrative expense dollars increased for the quarter and nine months ended November 3, 2007 due to increased labor driven by our new stores and additional bad debt expense partially offset by incentive costs tied to company performance. The impact from bringing the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables on-balance sheet increased our SG&A dollars by approximately $11 and $30 for the quarter and nine months ended November 3, 2007. In addition to the incremental bad debt expense related to accounting for the securitization transaction, we observed an increase in delinquency rates. Our write-off rates are consistent with where they were prior to the 2005 change in bankruptcy legislation. We anticipate bad debt to remain higher than last year due to the increase in our portfolio and delinquencies.
Our SG&A rate decreased by 70 basis points for the quarter. The rate improvement was driven by our expense growing at a slower rate than sales. Expenses decreased due to a reduction in performance based incentives, partially offset by higher bad debt expense.
For the nine months ended November 3, 2007, our SG&A rate increased 10 basis points. Bad debt expense was the primary driver of the rate deterioration, which was only partially offset by the reduction on our performance based incentives.
Gain on sale of Façonnable
We closed the sale of the Façonnable business during the third quarter, and realized a gain on the sale of $33.9. The impact to reported earnings per diluted share was $0.09, net of tax of $13.1.
Interest Expense, net
Net interest expense increased by $9.0 to $20.4 for the quarter primarily due to higher average debt levels resulting from the securitization transaction that occurred at the end of the first quarter (see Note 1). For the nine month period ended November 3, 2007, interest expense, net increased $9.5 to $44.4. Higher interest expense due to increased debt was partially offset by interest income on invested cash balances and a larger amount of capitalized interest in conjunction with our increased capital expenditures.
Other Income, net
                                 
    Quarter Ended   Nine Months Ended
    November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006   November 3, 2007   October 28, 2006
Other income, net
  $ 68.8     $ 58.8     $ 194.9     $ 173.5  
Other income, net as a percentage of net sales
    3.5%       3.1%       3.1%       2.9%  
Other income, net increased by $10.0 to $68.8 for the quarter and by $21.4 to $194.9 for the nine months ended November 3, 2007. For both periods, the increase was primarily due to growth in our credit card programs, partially offset by securitization transaction costs.
Seasonality
Our business, similar to other retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Our Anniversary Sale in July and the holidays in December typically result in higher sales in the second and fourth quarters of our fiscal years. Accordingly, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations (Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts).
Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) (Non-GAAP financial measure)
We believe Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is a key financial metric supporting long term shareholder value. As a result, we monitor it closely and use it as a senior executive incentive measure. Historically, overall performance as measured by ROIC correlates directly to shareholders’ return over the long-term. For the 12 months ended November 3, 2007, we improved our ROIC to 20.7% compared to 19.5% for the 12 months ended October 28, 2006. Our ROIC improved primarily from increased earnings before interest and taxes. See our GAAP ROIC reconciliation below. The closest GAAP measure is return on assets, which improved to 14.0% from 13.1% for the last 12 months ended November 3, 2007 compared to the 12 months ended October 28, 2006.
We define ROIC as follows:
             
 
  ROIC =   Net Operating Profit after Tax (NOPAT)    
     
 
Average Invested Capital
   
     
Numerator = NOPAT   Denominator = Average Invested Capital
 
   
Net Earnings
  Average total assets
+ Income tax expense
  - Average non-interest-bearing current liabilities
+ Interest expense, net
  - Average deferred property incentives
 
= EBIT
+ Rent expense
  + Average estimated asset base of capitalized operating leases
 
= Average invested capital
 
- Estimated depreciation on capitalized operating leases
   
 
= Net operating profit
   
- Estimated income tax expense
 
= NOPAT
   
 
   
A reconciliation of our return on assets to ROIC is as follows:
                 
    12 months ended
    November 3, 2007     October 28, 2006  
Net earnings
  $ 735.3     $ 636.1  
Add: income tax expense
    462.1       398.0  
Add: interest expense, net
    52.2       46.4  
 
       
Earnings before interest and income tax expense
    1,249.6       1,080.5  
 
               
Add: rent expense
    49.8       45.8  
Less: estimated depreciation on capitalized operating leases1
    (26.6)       (24.4)  
 
       
Net operating profit
    1,272.8       1,101.9  
 
               
Estimated income tax expense
    (491.5)       (423.9)  
 
       
Net operating profit after tax
  $ 781.3     $ 678.0  
 
       
 
               
Average total assets2
  $ 5,247.7     $ 4,864.3  
Less: average non-interest-bearing current liabilities3
    (1,506.9)       (1,390.2)  
Less: average deferred property incentives2
    (357.7)       (360.7)  
Add: average estimated asset base of capitalized operating leases4
    391.5       360.0  
 
       
Average invested capital
  $ 3,774.6     $ 3,473.4  
 
       
 
               
Return on Assets
    14.0%       13.1%  
ROIC
    20.7%       19.5%  
 
1   Depreciation based upon estimated asset base of capitalized operating leases as described in Note 4 below.
 
2   Based upon the trailing 12-month average.
 
3   Based upon the trailing 12-month average for accounts payable, accrued salaries, wages and related benefits, other current liabilities and income taxes payable.
 
4   Based upon the trailing 12-month average of the monthly asset base which is calculated as the trailing 12 months rent expense multiplied by 8.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations (Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts).
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overall for the first nine months of 2007, cash and cash equivalents decreased by $294.6 primarily due to share repurchases, increased capital expenditures, and cash used for operations. These amounts were offset by the $1,521.5 of borrowings on our long-term debt facility and by $215.8 from the sale of Façonnable.
In the first quarter of 2007, we converted our Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables into one on-balance sheet securitization program. As a result of the transaction, we recorded $943 of co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables on our balance sheet and eliminated our investment in asset backed securities.
Operating Activities
Net cash used in operating activities was $254.5, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $712.5 in the same period last year. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities of $967.0 is primarily due to the increase in accounts receivable as a result of the new on-balance sheet co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables partially offset by the elimination of investment in asset backed securities.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $13.4 to $126.7. The decrease in cash used is primarily due to $215.8 of proceeds from the sale of our Façonnable business partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures resulting from the timing of our new store openings and remodels.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities was $86.6, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $826.3 in the same period last year. The increase in cash provided by financing activities of $912.9 is primarily due to cash inflows from the $850.0 in Notes issued during the securitization transaction, $370.0 in borrowings from our variable funding note facility and $392.0 in commercial paper issuance; partially offset by share repurchases.
In the first quarter of 2007, the Private Label Trust used our previously existing variable funding facility to issue a total of $150.0 in Notes. On May 1, 2007, in connection with the issuance of the new Notes discussed above, we paid the outstanding balance and terminated this facility. Also in the first quarter, we entered into a new variable funding facility backed by substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and a 90% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with a capacity of $300.0. During the third quarter, the combined Nordstrom VISA and Private Label Trust issued $220.0 of Notes to fund share repurchases, of which we paid $20.0 by the end of the quarter.
During the third quarter of 2007, we entered into an agreement for a new variable funding facility backed by the remaining 10% interest in the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables with a commitment of $100.0. As of November 3, 2007, no issuances have been made against this facility. Borrowings under the facility will incur interest based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third party bank conduit plus specified fees.
In connection with a previous $1,000.0 of share repurchases authorized by our Board of Directors in May 2006, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement with Credit Suisse International in May 2007 to repurchase shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $300.0. We purchased 5.4 shares of our common stock on May 23, 2007 at $55.17 per share. Under the terms of the agreement, we received 0.4 additional shares in June 2007 at no additional cost, based on the volume weighted average price of our common stock from June 1, 2007 to June 26, 2007. This resulted in an average price per share of $51.69 for the accelerated share repurchase as a whole.
We had $392.0 of commercial paper outstanding as of November 3, 2007. The commercial paper is issued under our new dealer agreement and supported by our unsecured line of credit. We issued the short-term debt in order to fund share repurchase activity and the growth from the on-balance sheet co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables. With our December 2007 debt issuance, we have reclassified $301.5 of the commercial paper facility, which has been repaid by the proceeds of the debt offering. The remaining $90.5 of the commercial paper recorded in short-term debt was paid using operating cash flows.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations (Continued)(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts).
Following completion of our May 2006 share repurchase program, in August 2007, our Board of Directors authorized a $1,500.0 share repurchase program. Overall for the third quarter of 2007, we purchased 16.4 shares for $750.0 at an average price of $45.63 per share. As of November 3, 2007 the unused capacity was $751.4. In November 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of $1,000.0 to our existing share repurchase program. Repurchases under the program may be made through the end of 2009. The actual amount and timing of share repurchases will be subject to market conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
Securitization of Accounts Receivable
We offer Nordstrom private label cards and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit cards to our customers. On May 1, 2007, we converted the Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization program, which is accounted for as a secured borrowing (on-balance sheet). When we combined the securitization programs, our investment in asset backed securities, which was accounted for as available-for-sale securities, was eliminated and we reacquired all of the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables previously held off-balance sheet. These reacquired co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables were recorded at estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. Based on past payment patterns, we expect that these receivables will be repaid within approximately eight months of the transaction date. During that time, we expect to transition the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivable portfolio to historical cost, net of bad debt allowances, on our balance sheet.
Substantially all of the Nordstrom private label card receivables and 90% of the co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card receivables are securitized. Under the securitization, the receivables are transferred to a third-party trust on a daily basis. The balance of the receivables transferred to the trust fluctuates as new receivables are generated and old receivables are retired (through payments received, charge-offs, or credits for merchandise returns). On May 1, 2007, the trust issued securities that are backed by the receivables. These combined receivables back the Series 2007-1 Notes, the Series 2007-2 Notes, and our variable funding notes.
Contractual Obligations
Our contractual obligations due in less than one year increased by our inventory purchase guarantee of $35.0 related to the sale of Façonnable and $301.5 of commercial paper reclassified into long-term debt as a result of our debt issuance in December, 2007. Our contractual obligations due in 1 to 3 years increased by our required principal payments on notes outstanding under the variable funding facility of $200.0 and the inventory purchase guarantee of $163.6 related to the sale of Façonnable. Our contractual obligations due in 3 to 5 years have increased by our required principal payments on the Series 2007-1 Notes by their notional amount of $350.0 and the inventory purchase guarantee of $47.4 related to the sale of Façonnable. Our contractual obligations due after 5 years have been increased by our required principal payments on the Series 2007-2 Notes by their notional amount of $500.0.
Liquidity
We maintain a level of liquidity to allow us to cover our seasonal cash needs and to minimize our need for short-term borrowings. We believe that our operating cash flows, existing cash and available credit facilities are sufficient to finance our cash requirements for the next 12 months. In addition, in December 2007, we issued $650.0 aggregate principal amount of 6.25% senior unsecured notes due 2018 and $350.0 aggregate principal amount of 7.00% senior unsecured notes due 2038.
Over the long term, we manage our cash and capital structure to maximize shareholder return by minimizing our cost of capital, strengthening our financial position and maintaining flexibility for future strategic initiatives. We continuously assess our debt and leverage levels, capital expenditure requirements, principal debt payments, dividend payouts, potential share repurchases, and future investments or acquisitions. We believe our operating cash flows, existing cash and available credit facilities will be sufficient to fund scheduled future payments and potential long-term initiatives.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations (Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts).
In November 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an increase of $1,000.0 to our existing share repurchase program, resulting in a total authorization of $2,500.0. Repurchases under the revised program may be made through the end of 2009. The actual number and timing of share repurchases will be subject to market conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of our financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Except for the elimination of our off-balance sheet financing in the first quarter of 2007, our critical accounting policies and methodologies in 2007 are consistent with those discussed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Financing
On May 1, 2007, we converted the Nordstrom private label card and co-branded Nordstrom VISA credit card programs into one securitization program. After we combined the securitization programs, our investment in the VISA Trust was converted from available-for-sale securities to receivables. As of November 3, 2007, our balance sheet does not include an investment in asset backed securities. Accordingly, we no longer consider off-balance sheet financing to be a critical accounting policy.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 will be effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2008. We are assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS 157 and believe it will not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. SFAS 159 will be effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2008. We are assessing the impact of the adoption of SFAS 159 and believe it will not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations (Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts).
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain “forward-looking” statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties, including anticipated financial results, use of cash and liquidity, store openings, same-store sales, the timing of the repayment of our receivables portfolio, the timing and amounts of share repurchases and trends in our operations. Actual future results and trends may differ materially from historical results or current expectations depending upon various factors including, but not limited to:
    our ability to respond to the business environment and fashion trends
 
    effective inventory management
 
    the impact of economic and competitive market forces
 
    successful execution of our store growth strategy including the timely completion of construction associated with newly planned stores
 
    our compliance with information security and privacy laws and regulations, employment laws and regulations, and other laws and regulations applicable to the company
 
    successful execution of our multi-channel strategy
 
    our ability to safeguard our brand and reputation
 
    efficient and proper allocation of our capital resources
 
    successful execution of our technology strategy
 
    the impact of terrorist activity or war on our customers and the retail industry
 
    trends in personal bankruptcies and bad debt write-offs
 
    changes in interest rates
 
    our ability to maintain our relationships with our employees
 
    our ability to control costs
 
    weather conditions
 
    hazards of nature that affect consumer traffic and consumers’ purchasing patterns
 
    timing and amounts of share repurchases by the company
These and other factors, including those factors described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, could affect our financial results and trends and cause actual results and trends to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may provide. As a result, while we believe there is a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on those statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Item 3. Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk (Dollar amounts in thousands)
INTEREST RATE RISK
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. In seeking to minimize risk, we manage exposure through our regular operating and financing activities. We do not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes and are not party to any leveraged financial instruments.
Interest rate exposure is managed through our mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings. Short-term borrowing and investing activities generally bear interest at variable rates, but because they have maturities of three months or less, we believe that the risk of material loss is low, and that the carrying amount approximates fair value.
In the first quarter of 2007, we entered into new debt, as shown in Note 5: Long-term debt. The principal of the $325,500 Series 2007-1 Class A Notes with a fixed-rate of 4.92% and the principal of the $24,500 Series 2007-1 Class B Notes with a fixed-rate of 5.02% is due April 2010. The effect of these Notes decreases the weighted-average interest rate on principal payments for fiscal 2010 to 5.0%. The principal of the $453,800 Series 2007-2 Class A Notes with a variable-rate of One-Month LIBOR plus 0.06% and the principal of the $46,200 Series 2007-2 Class B Notes with a variable-rate of One-Month LIBOR plus 0.18% is due April 2012.
As of November 3, 2007, we had $200,000 in outstanding Notes issued under our variable funding facility, to be paid during fiscal 2008. The interest rate on this facility is based upon the cost of commercial paper issued by the third party bank conduit plus specified fees. As of November 3, 2007, the cost of commercial paper issued by the third party bank conduit was 5.71%.
In December of 2007, we entered into new debt, as discussed in Note 5: Long-term debt and Note 12: Subsequent events. With our December 2007 debt issuance, we have reclassified $301,500 of the commercial paper facility which has been repaid by the proceeds of the debt offering. The effect of this commercial paper decreases the weighted-average interest rate on principal payments due after fiscal year 2011 to 6.7%.
There were no other changes to our financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including debt obligations and our interest rate swap. For further information on these items, please refer to Item 7A of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RISK
There were no changes to our instruments subject to foreign currency exchange risk during the first nine months of fiscal 2007. For further information on these items, please refer to Item 7A of our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls And Procedures.
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, of the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)). Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in the timely and accurate recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of material financial and non-financial information within the time periods specified within the Commission’s rules and forms. Our President and Chief Financial Officer also concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
Cosmetics
We were originally named as a defendant along with other department store and specialty retailers in nine separate but virtually identical class action lawsuits filed in various Superior Courts of the State of California in May, June and July 1998 that were consolidated in Marin County Superior Court. In May 2000, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint naming a number of manufacturers of cosmetics and fragrances and two other retailers as additional defendants. Plaintiffs’ amended complaint alleged that the retail price of the “prestige” or “Department Store” cosmetics and fragrances sold in department and specialty stores was collusively controlled by the retailer and manufacturer defendants in violation of the Cartwright Act and the California Unfair Competition Act.
Plaintiffs sought treble damages and restitution in an unspecified amount, attorneys’ fees and prejudgment interest, on behalf of a class of all California residents who purchased cosmetics and fragrances for personal use from any of the defendants during the four years prior to the filing of the original complaints.
While we believe that the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit, we entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs and the other defendants on July 13, 2003 in order to avoid the cost and distraction of protracted litigation. In furtherance of the settlement agreement, the case was re-filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of a class of all persons who currently reside in the United States and who purchased “Department Store” cosmetics and fragrances from the defendants during the period May 29, 1994 through July 16, 2003. The Court gave preliminary approval to the settlement, and a summary notice of class certification and the terms of the settlement was disseminated to class members. On March 30, 2005, the Court entered a final judgment approving the settlement and dismissing the plaintiffs’ claims and the claims of all class members with prejudice, in their entirety. On April 29, 2005, two class members who had objected to the settlement filed notices of appeal from the Court’s final judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The Ninth Circuit issued its decision on August 23, 2007, affirming the District Court’s ruling. The deadline for the appellant to file a Petition for Writ of Certiorari to appeal the Ninth Circuit’s decision ended on November 21, 2007. Accordingly, the settlement became final according to its terms on November 22, 2007. Pursuant to the settlement, the defendants will provide class members with certain free products with an estimated retail value of $175 million and pay the plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees, awarded by the Court, of $24 million. We have paid approximately $1.3 million for our allocated portion of both the costs of the free products to class members and the attorneys’ fees, which amount, along with the money paid by the other defendants, was being held in escrow until conclusion of the appeal process. We do not believe the outcome of this matter will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Other
We are involved in routine claims, proceedings, and litigation arising from the normal course of our business. The results of these claims, proceedings and litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. However, we do not believe any such claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in aggregate, will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or cash flows.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In addition to the other information set forth in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
(c) Repurchases
(Dollar amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
                                 
                    Total Number of     Maximum Number (or  
    Total Number     Average     Shares (or Units)     Approximate Dollar Value)  
    of Shares     Price Paid     Purchased as Part of     of Shares (or Units) that May  
    (or Units     Per Share     Publicly Announced     Yet Be Purchased Under  
    Purchased)     (or Unit)     Plans or Programs     the Plans or Programs1  
     
August 2007
(August 5, 2007 to
September 1, 2007)
    2,244,672         $ 47.86       2,244,672     $         1,394.0  
     
 
                               
September 2007
(September 2, 2007
to October 6, 2007)
    7,652,900         $ 48.30       7,652,900     $         1,024.3  
     
 
                               
October 2007
(October 7, 2007 to
November 3, 2007)
    6,538,488         $ 41.74       6,538,488     $         751.4  
     
Total
    16,436,060         $ 45.63       16,436,060          
     
 
1   In the first nine months of 2007, we repurchased 27,837,545 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $1,340.0 (an average price per share of $48.14). In May 2006, the Board of Directors authorized $1,000.0 of share repurchases which was exhausted in August 2007. Additionally, in August, our Board of Directors authorized a $1,500.0 share repurchase program, and as of November 3, 2007, the unused capacity was $751.4. In November 2007, our Board of Directors authorized an additional $1,000.0 for share repurchases bringing the total program to $2,500.0. The actual amount and timing of future share repurchases will be subject to market conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
 
    In connection with the May 2006 $1,000.0 authorization, we entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement with Credit Suisse International in May 2007 to repurchase shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $300.0. We repurchased 5,438,103 shares of our common stock on May 23, 2007 at $55.17 per share. Under the terms of the agreement, we received 365,782 additional shares in June 2007 at no additional cost, based on the volume weighted average price of our common stock from June 1, 2007 to June 26, 2007. This resulted in an average price per share of $51.69 for the accelerated share repurchase as a whole.
Item 3. Default Upon Senior Securities.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibits are incorporated herein by reference or are filed with this report as set forth in the Index to Exhibits on page 29 hereof.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
         
  NORDSTROM, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
  /s/ Michael G. Koppel    
  Michael G. Koppel   
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer) 

Date: December 6, 2007
 
 

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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Exhibit Index
         
    Exhibit   Method of Filing
 
 
3.2
  Bylaws, as amended and restated on August 21, 2007   Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 23, 2007
 
       
10.1
  Form of Restricted Stock Award under the 2002 Nonemployee Director Stock Incentive Plan   Filed herewith electronically
 
       
31.1
  Certification of President required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   Filed herewith electronically
 
       
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   Filed herewith electronically
 
       
32.1
  Certification of President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002   Furnished herewith electronically

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