What conclusion can be drawn from the following results of the two companies:

Non-operatingreturn = FLEV Spread

2009: 1.84 10.0% = 18.4%

2008: 2.15 9.9% = 21.3% (Note the rounding difference from 21.4% in h, above)

j.

NordstromTJX

Return on equity31.7%48.3%

RNOA13.3%38.3%

NOPM6.1%6.1%

NOAT2.186.28

Nonoperatingreturn18.4%10.1%

FLEV1.840.29

Spread10.0%34.9%