We had learnt in school perhaps that “A stitch in time saves nine.” The saying simply means that a timely action can prevent some serious loss later on. How about applying the same principle to your portfolio? Exiting an underperforming stock at the right time helps to maximize your portfolio’s return.Nordstrom Inc. JWN a fashion specialty retailer of apparel, shoes, cosmetics, and accessories is one such stock that has been witnessing a downtrend in the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Plus, the company currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). This implies that analysts covering the stock are not convinced about Nordstrom’s performance in the near future.So, why are investors steering clear of Nordstrom? Shares of Nordstrom have nosedived roughly 36% in the past one-year period, and the stock touched its 52-week low of $44.49 on Jan 15, 2016. It hit a 52-week high nearly a year ago on Apr 13, 2015.Nordstrom continued with its dismal run, posting the second straight quarter of negative earnings surprise of 4.1% in fourth-quarter fiscal 2015, after an earnings miss of 19.7% in the preceding quarter. Quarterly adjusted earnings of $1.17 per share missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.22 and slumped 11.4% from the prior-year quarter figure of $1.32. In the trailing four quarters, the company underperformed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by an average of 6.9%.Management stated that the company’s bottom line is anticipated to nosedive approximately 30% in the first half of fiscal 2016. The company projects fiscal 2016 earnings per share in the range of $3.10–$3.35.Following Nordstrom’s discouraging performance and dull outlook, the Zacks Consensus Estimate witnessed a downtrend. Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.18 and $3.52 per share for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2017 dropped 32 cents and 27 cents, respectively.Stocks that Warrant a LookInvestors interested in the retail space may consider some better-ranked stocks such as American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. AEO and Express Inc. EXPR, both flaunting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Ascena Retail Group Inc. ASNA, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AMER EAGLE OUTF (AEO): Free Stock Analysis Report NORDSTROM INC (JWN): Free Stock Analysis Report EXPRESS INC (EXPR): Free Stock Analysis Report ASCENA RETAIL (ASNA): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research