GAP INC

Previous wording

Our business is affected by global economic conditions and the related impact on consumer spending worldwide. Global economic conditions have and could continue to impact our business and other businesses around the world. Some of the factors that may influence consumer spending patterns include higher unemployment levels, pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or the resurgence of the pandemic or the emergence of new strains or variants), extreme weather conditions and natural disasters, higher consumer debt levels, inflationary pressures, recession or fear of recession, global geopolitical instability (including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts), reductions in net worth based on market declines and uncertainty, home foreclosures and reductions in home values, fluctuating interest and foreign currency rates and credit availability, government austerity measures, fluctuating fuel and other energy costs, fluctuating commodity prices, and general uncertainty regarding the overall future economic environment. Historically, consumer purchases of discretionary items, including our merchandise, generally decline during recessionary periods when disposable income is lower or during other periods of economic instability or uncertainty.

Current wording

Our business is affected by global economic conditions and the related impact on consumer spending worldwide. Global economic conditions have impacted and could continue to impact our business. Some of the factors that may influence consumer spending patterns include higher unemployment levels; pandemics and other health crises; extreme weather conditions and natural disasters; higher consumer debt levels; inflationary pressures; recession or fear of recession; global geopolitical instability (including in Europe and the Middle East); reductions in net worth based on market declines and uncertainty; home foreclosures and reductions in home values; fluctuating interest and foreign currency exchange rates and credit availability; government austerity measures; changes and uncertainties related to government fiscal, monetary, and tax policies including changes in interest rates, tax rates, duties, tariffs, and other restrictions; fluctuating fuel and other energy costs; fluctuating commodity prices; and reduced consumer confidence and general uncertainty regarding the overall future economic environment. Historically, consumer purchases of discretionary items, including our merchandise, generally decline during recessionary periods when disposable income is lower or during other periods of economic instability or uncertainty.

Previous wording

Deteriorating economic conditions or geopolitical instability in any of the regions in which we and our franchisees sell our products could reduce consumer confidence and adversely impact consumer spending patterns, and thereby could adversely affect our sales and results of operations, and result in changes to the assumptions and estimates used when preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements. Examples include, but are not limited to, assumptions and estimates used for inventory valuation, income taxes and valuation allowances, sales return and bad debt allowances, deferred revenue, and the impairment of long-lived assets. In challenging and uncertain economic environments, we cannot predict whether or when such circumstances may improve or worsen, or what impact, if any, such circumstances could have on our business, financial condition and results of operations, or on the price of our common stock.

Current wording

Deteriorating economic conditions or geopolitical instability in any of the regions in which we and our franchisees sell our products could reduce consumer confidence and negatively impact consumer spending, and thereby could adversely affect our sales and results of operations. In challenging and uncertain economic environments, we cannot predict whether or when such circumstances may improve or worsen, or what impact, if any, such circumstances could have on our business, financial condition, and results of operations, or on the price of our common stock.

Previous wording

The global apparel retail industry is highly competitive. We and our franchisees compete with local, national, and global department stores, mass-market retailers, specialty and discount store chains, independent retail stores, and online businesses that market similar lines of merchandise. We face a variety of competitive challenges in an increasingly complex and fast-paced environment, including:

Current wording

The global apparel retail industry is highly competitive. We and our franchisees compete with local, national, and global department stores, mass-market retailers, specialty and discount store chains, independent retail stores, and digital businesses that market similar lines of merchandise. The apparel retail industry is characterized by low barriers to entry which allow for the introduction of new competitors and products at a rapid pace. We face a variety of competitive challenges in an increasingly complex and fast-paced environment, including:

Previous wording

•attracting customer traffic both in stores and online;

Current wording

•attracting customer traffic both in stores and on our e-commerce platform;

Previous wording

•maintaining favorable brand recognition and effectively marketing our products to customers in diverse market segments and geographic locations;

Current wording

•maintaining favorable brand recognition, establishing relationships with athletes, performers, influencers, and other celebrities to promote our brands and products, and effectively marketing our products to customers in diverse market segments and geographic locations;

Previous wording

•anticipating and responding to changing customer shopping preferences and practices, including the increasing shift to digital brand engagement, social media communication, and online shopping;

Current wording

•anticipating and responding to changing customer shopping preferences and practices, including the increasing shift to digital brand engagement, social media communication, and digital shopping;

Previous wording

•sourcing and allocating merchandise efficiently; and

Current wording

•sourcing and allocating merchandise efficiently;

Previous wording

Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to gauge the tastes of our customers and to provide merchandise that satisfies customer demand in a timely manner. However, lead times for many of our design and purchasing decisions may make it more difficult for us to respond rapidly to new or changing apparel trends or consumer acceptance of our products. Transportation shortages, factory closures, labor shortages, port congestion and other supply chain disruptions have in the past and may in the future lead to prolonged delays in receiving inventory. The global apparel retail business fluctuates according to changes in consumer preferences, dictated in part by apparel trends and season. To the extent we misjudge the market for our merchandise or the products suitable for local markets, or fail to execute trends and deliver products to the market as timely as our competitors, our sales will be adversely affected, and the markdowns required to move the resulting excess inventory will adversely affect our margins and results of operations.

Current wording

Our success is largely dependent upon our ability to gauge and anticipate the tastes of our customers and to provide merchandise that satisfies customer demand in a timely manner. However, lead times for many of our design and purchasing decisions may make it more difficult for us to respond rapidly to new or changing apparel trends or consumer acceptance of our products. In addition, transportation shortages, factory closures, labor shortages, port congestion, and other supply chain disruptions have in the past and may in the future lead to prolonged delays in receiving inventory. The global apparel retail business fluctuates according to changes in consumer preferences, dictated in part by apparel trends and season. To the extent we misjudge the market for our merchandise or the products suitable for local markets, or fail to execute trends and deliver products to the market as timely as our competitors, our sales will be adversely affected, and the markdowns required to move the resulting excess inventory will adversely affect our gross margins and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our brands have wide recognition, and the success of our business depends in large part on our ability to maintain, enhance and protect our brand image and reputation and our customers’ connection to our brands. We must also adapt to a rapidly changing media environment, including our increasing reliance on social media and online dissemination of advertising campaigns. Even if we react appropriately to negative posts or comments about us or our brands on social media and online, our customers’ perception of our brand image and our reputation could be negatively impacted. Customer sentiment could also be shaped by our partnerships with artists, athletes and other public figures, as well as our sustainability policies and related sourcing and operations decisions. Failure to maintain, enhance and protect our brand image could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Our brands have wide recognition, and the success of our business depends in large part on our ability, and the ability of our franchisees and licensees, to maintain, enhance, and protect our brand image and reputation and our customers’ connection to our brands. We must also adapt to a rapidly changing media environment, including our increasing reliance on social media and online dissemination of advertising campaigns. Even if we, or our franchisees or licensees, react appropriately to negative posts or comments about us or our brands on social media and online, our customers’ perception of our brand image and our reputation could be negatively impacted. Customer sentiment could also be shaped by our partnerships with athletes, performers, influencers, and other celebrities, as well as our sustainability policies and related sourcing and operations decisions. Our, or our franchisees' or licensees', failure to maintain, enhance, and protect our brand image could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

If we are unable to manage our inventory effectively, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

If we are unable to manage our inventory and fulfillment operations effectively, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Fluctuations in the global apparel retail markets impact the levels of inventory maintained by apparel retailers. The nature of the global apparel retail business requires us to carry a significant amount of inventory, especially prior to the peak holiday selling season when we build up our inventory levels. Merchandise usually must be ordered well in advance of the applicable selling season and frequently before apparel trends are confirmed by customer purchases. Transportation shortages, factory closures, labor shortages, port congestion and other supply chain disruptions may lead to prolonged delays in receiving inventory. As a result, we are vulnerable to demand and pricing shifts and to suboptimal selection and timing of merchandise purchases. We have not always predicted our customers’ preferences and acceptance levels of our trend items with accuracy. If sales do not meet expectations, including due to the impact of current macroeconomic conditions on consumer demand, too much inventory may cause excessive markdowns and, therefore, lower-than-planned gross margins. We could also be required to take significant impairment charges on delayed or unproductive inventory, which we experienced in 2022. Conversely, if we underestimate or are unable to satisfy consumer demand for our products, we may experience inventory shortages, which could result in lower than anticipated sales, delayed shipments to customers and negative impacts on consumer relationships and brand loyalty. Any of these risks could adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

Fluctuations in the global apparel retail markets impact the levels of inventory maintained by apparel retailers. The nature of the global apparel retail business requires us to carry a significant amount of inventory, especially prior to the peak holiday selling season when we build up our inventory levels. Merchandise usually must be ordered well in advance of the applicable selling season and frequently before apparel trends are confirmed by customer purchases. Transportation shortages, factory closures, labor shortages, port congestion, and other supply chain disruptions have in the past and may in the future lead to prolonged delays in receiving inventory. As a result, we are vulnerable to demand and pricing shifts and to suboptimal selection and timing of merchandise purchases. We have not always predicted our customers’ preferences and acceptance levels of our trend items with accuracy. If sales do not meet expectations, too much inventory may cause excessive markdowns and, therefore, lower-than-planned margins. We could also be required to take significant impairment charges on delayed or unproductive inventory, which we experienced in 2022. Conversely, if we underestimate or are unable to satisfy consumer demand for our products, we may experience inventory shortages, which could result in lower than anticipated sales, delayed shipments to customers, and negative impacts on consumer relationships and brand loyalty. Any of these risks could adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

We have strategic initiatives designed to optimize our inventory levels and increase the efficiency and responsiveness of our supply chain, including vendor fabric platforming, product testing, and in-season response to demand. We are also developing additional capabilities to analyze customer behavior and demand, which we believe will allow us to better localize assortment and improve store-level allocations to further tailor our assortments to customer needs and increase sell-through. These capabilities involve changes to our inventory management systems and processes. If we are unable to implement these initiatives and integrate these additional capabilities successfully, we may not realize the return on our investments that we anticipate, and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

We are continuing to invest in strategic initiatives designed to optimize our inventory levels and increase the efficiency and responsiveness of our supply chain, including vendor fabric platforming, product testing, and in-season response to demand. We are also developing additional capabilities to analyze customer behavior and demand, which we believe will allow us to better localize assortment and improve store-level allocations to further tailor our assortments to customer needs and increase sell-through. These capabilities involve changes to our inventory management systems and processes. If we are unable to implement these initiatives and integrate these additional capabilities successfully, we may not realize the return on our investments that we anticipate, and our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Risk of loss or theft of assets, including inventory shortage, is inherent in the retail business. Loss may be caused by error or misconduct of employees, customers, vendors or other third parties including through organized retail crime and professional theft, which may be further impacted by macroeconomic factors, including the enforcement environment. Our inability to effectively prevent or minimize the loss or theft of assets, or to effectively reduce, or to accurately predict and accrue for the impact of those losses, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

Risk of loss or theft of assets, including inventory shortage, is inherent in the retail business. Loss may be caused by error or misconduct of employees, customers, vendors, or other third parties including through organized retail crime and professional theft, which may be further impacted by macroeconomic factors, including the enforcement environment. In addition, retail theft may impact guest perceptions regarding the safety of our stores. Our inability to effectively prevent or minimize the loss or theft of assets, or to accurately predict and accrue for the impact of those losses, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

Our operations are subject to complex trade and customs laws, regulations and tax requirements. The countries in which our products are manufactured or imported, or may be manufactured or imported in the future, may from time to time impose duties, tariffs, or other restrictions on our imports or adversely change existing restrictions. For example, the United States has imposed tariffs and bans on goods imported from China (such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act). The current political landscape, including with respect to United States-China relations, has introduced greater uncertainty with respect to future tax and trade policy. We are unable to determine the impact that changes in tax and trade policy could have on our global sourcing operations. Our sourcing operations could also be adversely affected by geopolitical and financial instability in our sourcing countries, as well as U.S. or foreign labor strikes, work stoppages, or boycotts, resulting in the disruption of trade from our sourcing countries, significant fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies, restrictions on the transfer of funds, or other trade disruptions. Changes in tax and trade policy, such as the imposition of new duties or tariffs on imported products, or disruptions to our sourcing operations in our sourcing countries, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of apparel available to us and adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Our operations are subject to complex trade and customs laws, regulations, and tax requirements. The countries in which our products are manufactured or imported, or may be manufactured or imported in the future, may from time to time impose duties, tariffs, or other restrictions on our imports or adversely change existing restrictions. For example, the United States has imposed substantial tariffs and bans on goods imported from China (including the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) and has imposed or proposed imposing substantial tariffs on goods imported from Mexico, Canada, the European Union, and from other countries that impose tariffs on U.S. products. In fiscal 2024, less than 10 percent of our merchandise, by dollar value, was purchased from factories in China, and less than 1 percent of our merchandise, by dollar value, was purchased from factories in Mexico and Canada combined. The current political landscape, including with respect to the United States’ foreign policy priorities and relations with trading partners, has introduced greater uncertainty with respect to future tax and trade policy. We are unable to determine the impact that changes in tax and trade policy could have on our global sourcing operations, but it could be material.

Previous wording

If we experience significant increases in demand or need to replace an existing vendor, there can be no assurance that additional manufacturing capacity will be available when required on terms that are acceptable to us or that any vendor would allocate sufficient capacity to us to meet our requirements. In addition, for any new manufacturing source, we may encounter delays in production and added costs as a result of the time it takes to train our vendors in our methods and products, as well as our quality control, environmental, labor, health, and safety standards. Moreover, in the event of a significant disruption in the supply of the fabrics or raw materials used by our vendors in the manufacture of our products, our vendors might not be able to locate alternative suppliers of materials of comparable quality at an acceptable price. Any delays, interruptions, or increased costs in the manufacture of our products could impact our ability to source product and result in lower than anticipated sales.

Current wording

If we experience significant increases in demand or need to replace an existing vendor, there can be no assurance that additional manufacturing capacity will be available when required on terms that are acceptable to us or that any vendor would allocate sufficient capacity to us to meet our requirements. In addition, for any new manufacturing source, we may encounter delays in production and added costs as a result of the time it takes to train our vendors in our methods and products, as well as our quality control, environmental, labor, health, and safety standards. Moreover, in the event of a significant disruption in the supply of the fabrics or raw materials used by our vendors in the manufacture of our products, our vendors might not be able to locate alternative suppliers of materials of comparable quality or at an acceptable price. Any delays, interruptions, or increased costs in the manufacture of our products could impact our ability to source product and result in lower than anticipated sales.

Previous wording

A large portion of our global sourcing comes from a few specific countries. For example, in fiscal 2023, approximately 29 percent and 18 percent of our merchandise, by dollar value, was purchased from factories in Vietnam and Indonesia, respectively. Delays in production and added costs in these countries have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

A large portion of our global sourcing comes from a few specific countries. For example, in fiscal 2024, approximately 27 percent and approximately 19 percent of our merchandise, by dollar value, was purchased from factories in Vietnam and Indonesia, respectively. Delays in production and added costs in these countries have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

Because independent vendors manufacture virtually all of our products outside of our principal sales markets, third parties must transport our products over large geographic distances. Increases in transportation costs or delays in the shipment or delivery of our products due to the availability of transportation, work stoppages, port strikes, port and infrastructure congestion, public health crises, social unrest, changes in local economic conditions, political upheavals, or other factors, and costs and delays associated with transitioning between vendors, could adversely affect our results of operations. Attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, catalyzed by the Israel-Hamas conflict, have disrupted Red Sea shipping lanes and may continue to disrupt global trade flows and impact shipping capacity. Operating or manufacturing delays, transportation delays, or unexpected demand for our products may require us to use faster, but more expensive, transportation methods such as air freight, which have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our gross margins. In addition, the cost of fuel is a significant component of transportation costs, so increases in the price of petroleum products (including due to inflationary pressures, geopolitical instability, or regulation of energy inputs and greenhouse gas emissions) could adversely affect our gross margins.

Current wording

Because independent vendors manufacture almost all of our products outside of our principal sales markets, third parties must transport our products over large geographic distances. Increases in transportation costs or delays in the shipment or delivery of our products due to the availability of transportation, work stoppages, port strikes, port and infrastructure congestion, public health crises, social unrest, changes in local economic conditions, geopolitical instability, or other factors, and costs and delays associated with transitioning between vendors, could adversely affect our results of operations. For example, global trade flows were recently impacted by attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea, and port strikes in the United States. Operating or manufacturing delays, transportation delays, or unexpected demand for our products may require us to use faster, but more expensive, transportation methods such as air freight, which have in the past and may in the future adversely affect our gross margins. In addition, the cost of fuel is a significant component of transportation costs, so increases in the price of petroleum products (including due to inflationary pressures, geopolitical instability, or regulation of energy inputs and greenhouse gas emissions) could adversely affect our gross margins.

Previous wording

We purchase merchandise from third-party vendors in many different countries, and we require those vendors to adhere to a Code of Vendor Conduct, which includes anti-corruption, environmental, labor, health, and safety standards. From time to time, our vendors and their suppliers may not be in compliance with these standards or applicable local laws. Significant or continuing noncompliance with such standards and laws by one or more vendors, suppliers or other third parties could subject us to liability, and could adversely affect our reputation, business and results of operations.

Current wording

We purchase merchandise from third-party vendors in many different countries, and we require those vendors to adhere to a Code of Vendor Conduct, which includes anti-corruption, environmental, labor, health, and safety standards. From time to time, our vendors and their suppliers may not be in compliance with these standards or applicable local laws. Significant or continuing noncompliance with such standards and laws by one or more of our vendors, suppliers or other third parties could subject us to liability, and could adversely affect our reputation, business, and results of operations.

Previous wording

The loss of one or more of our key personnel or the inability to effectively identify a suitable successor to a key role could adversely affect our business. We made significant changes to our executive leadership team in recent years, including hiring a new President and Chief Executive Officer in 2023. The failure to successfully transition and assimilate key employees, including our new CEO, the effectiveness of our leaders, and any further transitions could adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

The loss of one or more of our key personnel or the inability to effectively identify a suitable successor to a key role could adversely affect our business. We made significant changes to our executive leadership team in recent years and are currently searching for a new brand president for Banana Republic. The failure to successfully transition and assimilate key employees, the effectiveness of our leaders, and any further transitions could adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

Our business and future success depends in part on our ability to attract and retain key personnel in our design, merchandising, sourcing, marketing, and other functions. In addition, executing strategic initiatives may require us to hire and develop employees with appropriate and specialized experience. We must also attract, develop, and retain a sufficient number of qualified field and distribution center personnel. Competition for talent is intense and the turnover rate in the retail industry is generally high. Furthermore, we have experienced a shortage of labor for field and distribution center positions, and we cannot be sure that we will be able to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel for these and other positions in future periods. Our ability to meet our labor needs while controlling costs is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates and competitive wage pressures, minimum wage legislation, and overtime and paid leave regulations.

Current wording

Our business and future success depends in part on our ability to attract and retain key personnel in our design, merchandising, sourcing, marketing, and other functions. In addition, executing strategic initiatives may require us to hire and develop employees with appropriate and specialized experience. We must also attract, develop, and retain a sufficient number of qualified field and distribution center personnel. Competition for talent is intense and the turnover rate in the retail industry is generally high. Furthermore, we have experienced a shortage of labor for field and distribution center positions, and we cannot be sure that we will be able to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel for these and other positions in future periods. Our ability to meet our labor needs while controlling costs is subject to external factors such as unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates and competitive wage pressures, minimum wage legislation, and overtime and paid leave regulations. Failing to offer competitive wages or benefits, or to manage our workforce effectively, could adversely affect our ability to attract or retain appropriate talent sufficient to meet the needs of our business. Moreover, shifts in U.S. immigration policy could negatively impact our ability to attract, hire, and retain skilled employees who are from outside the United States.

Previous wording

Traditional geographic competition for talent has changed as a result of the shift to remote work. If our employment proposition is not perceived as favorable compared to other companies, including due to our requirements or expectations about when or how often certain employees work on-site or remotely, it could negatively impact our ability to attract and retain our employees.

Current wording

Traditional geographic competition for talent has changed as a result of the shift to remote work. If our employment proposition is not perceived as favorable compared to other companies, including due to our requirements or expectations about when or how often certain employees work on-site or remotely, it could negatively impact our ability to attract and retain talent.

Previous wording

If we are unable to retain, attract, and motivate talented employees with the appropriate skill sets, or if changes to our organizational structure or business model adversely affect morale or retention, we may not achieve our objectives and our business could be adversely affected.

Current wording

If we are unable to retain, attract, and motivate talented employees with the appropriate skill sets, we may not achieve our objectives and our business could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our ability to effectively obtain real estate to open new stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices nationally and internationally depends on the availability of real estate that meets our criteria for traffic, square footage, co-tenancies, lease economics, demographics, and other factors. We also must be able to effectively renew our existing store leases. In addition, we may seek to downsize, consolidate, reposition, relocate, or close some of our real estate locations, which in most cases requires a modification or termination of an existing store lease. Beginning in fiscal 2020 through the end of fiscal 2023, we closed, net of openings, 344 Gap and Banana Republic stores in North America. Failure to secure adequate new locations, successfully modify or exit existing locations, or effectively manage the profitability of our existing fleet of stores, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

Our ability to effectively obtain real estate to open new stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices nationally and internationally depends on the availability of real estate that meets our criteria for traffic, square footage, co-tenancies, lease economics, demographics, and other factors. We also must be able to effectively renew our existing store leases. In addition, we may seek to downsize, consolidate, reposition, relocate, or close some of our real estate locations, which in most cases requires a modification or termination of an existing store lease. For example, we recently completed our initiative to rationalize the Gap and Banana Republic store fleet by closing, net of openings, 344 Gap and Banana Republic stores in North America from the beginning of fiscal 2020 to the end of fiscal 2023. Failure to secure adequate new locations, successfully modify or exit existing locations, or effectively manage the profitability of our existing fleet of stores, could adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

We have entered into franchise agreements to operate stores and websites in many countries around the world. Under these agreements, third parties operate, or will operate, stores and websites that sell apparel and related products under our brand names. We have also entered into licensing agreements to sell products using our brand names. The effect of these arrangements on our business and results of operations is uncertain and will depend upon various factors, including the demand for our products in international markets, the demand for new product categories and our ability to successfully identify appropriate third parties to act as franchisees, licensees, distributors, or in a similar capacity. In addition, certain aspects of these arrangements are not directly within our control, such as franchisee and licensee financial stability and the ability of these third parties to meet their projections regarding store locations, store openings, and sales. Additionally, certain of our franchisees have in the past and may in the future be unable to make payments to landlords, distributors and suppliers, as well as payments to service any debt they may have outstanding, including to us. We have also provided loan guarantees to various lenders on behalf of certain franchisees, and have guaranteed or are contingently liable for certain franchisees' leases. These arrangements could have an adverse effect on our liquidity and results of operations.

Current wording

We have entered into franchise agreements to operate stores and websites in many countries around the world. Under these agreements, third parties operate, or will operate, stores and websites that sell apparel and related products under our brand names. We have also entered into licensing agreements to sell products using our brand names. The effect of these arrangements on our business and results of operations is uncertain and will depend upon various factors, including the demand for our products in international markets, the demand for new product categories and our ability to successfully identify appropriate third parties to act as franchisees, licensees, distributors, or in a similar capacity. In addition, certain aspects of these arrangements are not directly within our control, such as franchisee and licensee financial stability and the ability of these third parties to meet their projections regarding store locations, store openings, and sales.

Previous wording

Other risks that may affect these third parties include general economic conditions in specific countries or markets, foreign exchange rates, changes in diplomatic and trade relationships, restrictions on the transfer of funds, and geopolitical instability. The value of our brands could be impaired to the extent that these third parties do not operate their stores or websites or sell our branded products in a manner consistent with our requirements regarding our brand identities and customer experience standards. Failure to protect the value of our brands, or any other harmful acts or omissions by a franchisee or licensee, could also adversely affect our results of operations and our reputation.

Current wording

Other risks that may affect our franchisees and licensees include general economic conditions in specific countries or markets, foreign exchange rates, changes in diplomatic and trade relationships, restrictions on the transfer of funds, and geopolitical instability. The value of our brands could be impaired to the extent that our franchisees and licensees do not operate their stores or websites or sell our branded products in a manner consistent with our requirements regarding our brand identities and customer experience standards. Failure to protect the value of our brands, or any other harmful acts or omissions by a franchisee or licensee, could also adversely affect our results of operations and our reputation.

Previous wording

Our current business strategies include pursuing selective international expansion in a number of countries around the world through a number of channels. This includes our franchisees opening additional stores internationally. We have limited experience operating or franchising in some of these locations. In many of these locations, we face major established competitors. In addition, in many of these locations, the real estate, employment and labor, transportation and logistics, and other operating requirements differ dramatically from those in the places where we have more experience. Consumer tastes and trends may differ in these locations and, as a result, the sales of our products may not be successful or result in the margins we anticipate. If our international expansion plans are unsuccessful or do not deliver an appropriate return on our investments, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

Our current business strategies include pursuing selective international expansion in a number of countries around the world through several channels. This includes our franchisees opening additional stores internationally. We have limited experience operating or franchising in some of these locations. In many of these locations, we face major established competitors. In addition, in many of these locations, real estate, employment and labor, transportation and logistics, and other operating requirements differ dramatically from those in the places where we have more experience. Consumer tastes and trends may differ in these locations and, as a result, the sales of our products may not be successful, or we may not achieve the results we anticipate. If our international expansion plans are unsuccessful or do not deliver an appropriate return on our investments, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our investments in customer, digital, and omni-channel shopping initiatives may not deliver the results we anticipate.

Current wording

Our investments in customer, digital, omni-channel, and other strategic initiatives may not deliver the results we anticipate.

Previous wording

One of our strategic priorities is to further develop an omni-channel shopping experience for our customers through the integration of our store and digital shopping channels. Our omni-channel initiatives include cross-channel logistics optimization and exploring additional ways to develop an omni-channel shopping experience, including further digital integration and customer personalization. These initiatives involve significant investments in information technology ("IT") systems, data science and artificial intelligence initiatives, and significant operational changes. Our competitors are also investing in omni-channel initiatives, some of which may be more successful than our initiatives. If the implementation of our customer, digital, and omni-channel initiatives is not successful, or we do not realize the return on our investments in these initiatives that we anticipate, our results of operations would be adversely affected.

Current wording

One of our strategic priorities is to further develop an omni-channel shopping experience for our customers through the integration of our store and digital shopping channels. Our omni-channel initiatives include cross-channel logistics optimization and exploring additional ways to develop an omni-channel shopping experience, including further digital integration and customer personalization. These initiatives may involve significant investments in information technology systems, data science and artificial intelligence initiatives, and significant operational changes. Our competitors are also investing in omni-channel initiatives, some of which may be more successful than our initiatives. If the implementation of our customer, digital, and omni-channel initiatives is not successful, or we do not realize the return on our investments in these initiatives that we anticipate, our results of operations would be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We have and may continue to engage in or seek to engage in strategic transactions, such as acquisitions, partnerships, divestitures or other dispositions. In recent years, we transferred our European, Mexico and China businesses to a partnership model, and are awaiting regulatory approvals to transfer our Taiwan business. We also divested our Janie and Jack and Intermix brands and acquired two technology companies.

Current wording

We have and may continue to engage in or seek to engage in strategic transactions, such as acquisitions, partnerships, divestitures, or other dispositions. In recent years, we transferred our Europe, Mexico, and China businesses to a partnership model, and are awaiting regulatory approvals to transfer our Taiwan business.

Previous wording

We may not be able to complete strategic transactions on anticipated terms or time frames or at all, and such transactions may not generate some or all of the expected strategic, financial, operational or other benefits if and when completed on such anticipated time frames or at all. In addition, these transactions may be complex in nature, and unanticipated developments or changes, including changes in law, the macroeconomic environment, market conditions, the retail industry or political conditions may affect our ability to complete such transactions. In addition, the process of completing these transactions may be time-consuming and involve considerable costs and expenses, which may be significantly higher than what we anticipate and may not yield a benefit if the transactions are not completed successfully. Executing these transactions may require significant time and attention from our senior management and employees, which could disrupt our ongoing business and adversely affect our results of operations. We may also experience increased difficulties in attracting, retaining and motivating employees and/or attracting and retaining customers during the pendency or following the completion of any of these transactions, which could harm our business.

Current wording

We may not be able to complete strategic transactions on anticipated terms or time frames or at all, and such transactions may not generate any or all of the expected strategic, financial, operational, or other benefits if and when completed on anticipated time frames or at all. In addition, these transactions may be complex, and unanticipated developments or changes, including changes in law, the macroeconomic environment, market conditions, the retail industry, or political conditions may affect our ability to complete such transactions. In addition, the process of completing these transactions may be time-consuming and involve considerable costs and expenses, which may be significantly higher than anticipated and may not yield a benefit if the transactions are not completed successfully. Executing these transactions may require significant time and attention from our senior management and employees, which could disrupt our ongoing business and adversely affect our results of operations. We may also experience increased difficulties in attracting, retaining, and motivating employees and/or attracting and retaining customers during the pendency or following the completion of any of these transactions, which could harm our business.

Previous wording

Actual or anticipated cyberattacks and vulnerabilities may disrupt or impair our operations, and may cause us to incur costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party experts and consultants. Advances in technological capabilities, new technological discoveries, or other developments may result in the technology used by us to protect transactions and other data being more easily breached or compromised. Measures we implement to protect against cyberattacks and address vulnerabilities may also have the potential to impact our customers’ shopping experience or decrease activity on our websites by making them more difficult to use. Data and security breaches can also occur as a result of non-technical issues, including intentional or inadvertent breaches by our employees or by persons with whom we have commercial relationships that result in the unauthorized release of personal or confidential information.

Current wording

Actual or anticipated cyberattacks and vulnerabilities may disrupt or impair our operations, and may cause us to incur costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party experts and consultants. Advances in technological capabilities, new technological discoveries, or other developments may result in the technology used by us to protect transactions and other data being more easily breached or compromised. Measures we implement to protect against cyberattacks and address vulnerabilities may also have the potential to impact our customers’ shopping experience or decrease activity on our e-commerce platform by making it more difficult to use. Data and security breaches can also occur as a result of non-technical issues, including intentional or inadvertent breaches by our employees or by persons with whom we have commercial relationships that result in the unauthorized release of personal or confidential information.

Previous wording

Failures of, or updates or changes to, our IT systems may disrupt operations.

Current wording

Failures of, or updates or changes to, our information technology systems may disrupt operations.

Previous wording

We maintain a complex technology platform consisting of both legacy and modern systems, and we also increasingly rely on third-party service providers for public cloud infrastructure that powers our e-commerce platform and other systems. Our owned and operated systems require continual maintenance, upgrades and changes, some of which are significant. Upgrades may involve replacing existing systems with successor systems, making changes to existing systems, or cost-effectively acquiring new systems with new functionality. We are aware of the inherent risks associated with maintaining and replacing these systems, including accurately capturing data and addressing system disruptions. We may not successfully maintain or launch these systems as planned or implement them without disruptions to our operations. IT system disruptions or failures, if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated, or failure to successfully implement new or upgraded systems, could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our results of operations. As we continue to move to their platforms, our reliance on third-party systems means that any downtime or security issues they experience poses a greater risk of a single point of failure. Any failure by our third-party service providers could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our results of operations.

Current wording

There are inherent risks associated with maintaining and replacing these systems, including accurately capturing data and addressing system disruptions. We may not successfully maintain or launch these systems as planned or implement them without disruptions to our operations. Information technology system disruptions or failures, if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated, or failure to successfully implement new or upgraded systems, could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our results of operations. As we continue to move to their platforms, our reliance on third-party systems means that any downtime or security issues they experience poses a greater risk of a single point of failure. Any failure by our third-party service providers could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our results of operations.

Previous wording

Reductions in income and cash flow from our credit card arrangement related to our private label and co-branded credit cards could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

Reductions in income and cash flow from our private label and co-branded credit card programs could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

A third party, Barclays Bank Delaware ("Barclays"), currently issues and services our portfolios of private label credit card and co-branded credit card programs for our Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic and Athleta brands. Our agreement with Barclays provides for certain payments to be made by Barclays to us, including a share of revenues from the performance of the credit card portfolios. The income and cash flow that we receive from Barclays is dependent upon a number of factors, including the level of sales on private label and co-branded accounts, the level of balances carried on the accounts, payment rates on the accounts, finance charge rates and other fees on the accounts, the level of credit losses for the accounts, Barclay’s ability to extend credit to our customers, as well as the cost of customer rewards programs. All of these factors can vary based on changes in federal and state credit card, banking, and consumer protection laws. For example, the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) recently capped credit card fees for late payments. The factors affecting the income and cash flow that we receive from our credit card arrangement can also vary based on a variety of economic, legal, social, and other factors that we cannot control. If the income and cash flow that we receive from our credit card arrangement decreases significantly, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Current wording

A third party, Barclays Bank Delaware ("Barclays"), currently issues and services our private label and co-branded credit cards for our Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta brands. Our arrangement with Barclays provides for certain payments to be made by Barclays to us, including a share of revenues from the performance of the credit card portfolios. The income and cash flow that we receive from Barclays depends upon a number of factors, including the level of sales on private label and co-branded accounts; the level of balances carried on the accounts; payment rates on the accounts; finance charge rates and other fees on the accounts; the level of credit losses for the accounts; Barclays’ ability to extend credit to our customers; as well as the cost of customer rewards programs. All of these factors can vary based on changes in federal and state credit card, banking, and consumer protection laws. The factors affecting the income and cash flow that we receive from our credit card arrangement can also vary based on a variety of economic, legal, social, and other factors that we cannot control. If the income and cash flow that we receive from our credit card arrangement decreases significantly, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to our sales, operating expenses, profits, assets, and liabilities generated or incurred in foreign currencies as well as inventory purchases in U.S. dollars for our foreign subsidiaries. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could impact consumer spending or adversely affect the profitability of our foreign operations or those of our franchisees and licensees. Global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, such as the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas, have in the past and may in the future result in volatility in foreign exchange rates. Financial instruments that we use to hedge certain foreign currency risks may not succeed in fully offsetting the negative impact of foreign currency rate movements and generally only delay the impact of adverse foreign currency rate movements on our business and results of operations.

Current wording

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to our sales, operating expenses, profits, assets, and liabilities generated or incurred in foreign currencies as well as inventory purchases in U.S. dollars for our foreign subsidiaries. Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could also impact consumer spending or adversely affect the profitability of our foreign operations or those of our franchisees and licensees. Global economic and geopolitical uncertainty have in the past and may in the future result in volatility in foreign exchange rates. Financial instruments that we use to hedge certain foreign currency risks may not succeed in fully offsetting the negative impact of foreign currency rate movements and generally only delay the impact of adverse foreign currency rate movements on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our success depends in part on our ability to grow sales and improve margins. A variety of factors affect comparable sales and margins, including but not limited to apparel trends, competition, current economic conditions (including due to macroeconomic pressures and geopolitical instability), the timing of new merchandise releases and promotional events, changes in our merchandise mix, the success of our marketing programs (including our loyalty program), supply chain disruptions and transitory costs, foreign currency fluctuations, industry traffic trends, and weather conditions. These factors may cause our comparable sales results and margins to differ materially from prior periods and from financial market expectations. Our comparable sales, including the associated comparable online sales, have fluctuated significantly in the past on an annual and quarterly basis. Over the past five fiscal years, our reported annual comparable sales have ranged from a high of 6 percent in fiscal 2021 to a low of of negative 7 percent in fiscal 2022. As a result of the extensive temporary store closures during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, comparable sales are not a meaningful metric for fiscal 2020 and are excluded from this range. Over the past five fiscal years, our reported gross margins have ranged from a high of 39.8 percent in fiscal 2021 to a low of 34.1 percent in fiscal 2020. In addition, over the past five fiscal years, our reported operating margins have ranged from a high of 4.9 percent in fiscal 2021 to a low of negative 6.2 percent in fiscal 2020.

Current wording

Our success depends in part on our ability to grow comparable sales and improve margins. A variety of factors affect comparable sales and margins, including but not limited to apparel trends; competition; current economic conditions (including macroeconomic pressures and geopolitical instability); the timing of new merchandise releases and promotional events; changes in our merchandise mix; the success of our marketing programs (including our loyalty program); supply chain disruptions and transitory costs; foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; industry traffic trends; and weather conditions. These factors may cause our comparable sales results and margins to differ materially from prior periods and from financial market expectations. Our comparable sales, including comparable online sales, have fluctuated significantly in the past on an annual and quarterly basis. Over the past four fiscal years, our reported annual comparable sales have ranged from a high of 6 percent in fiscal 2021 to a low of negative 7 percent in fiscal 2022. Over the same period, our reported gross margins have ranged from a high of 41.3 percent in fiscal 2024 to a low of 34.3 percent in fiscal 2022, and our reported operating margins have ranged from a high of 7.4 percent in fiscal 2024 to a low of negative 0.4 percent in fiscal 2022.

Previous wording

Our ability to deliver strong comparable sales results and margins depends in large part on accurately forecasting demand and apparel trends, selecting effective marketing techniques, providing an appropriate mix of merchandise for our broad and diverse customer base, managing inventory effectively, using effective pricing strategies, and optimizing store performance. Fluctuations in our comparable sales and margins or failure to meet financial market expectations in one or more future periods could reduce the market price of our common stock, cause our credit ratings to decline, and negatively impact our liquidity.

Current wording

Our ability to deliver strong comparable sales results and margins depends in large part on accurately forecasting demand and apparel trends; selecting effective marketing techniques; providing an appropriate mix of merchandise for our broad and diverse customer base; managing inventory effectively; using effective pricing strategies; and optimizing store and online performance. Fluctuations in our comparable sales and margins or failure to meet financial market expectations in one or more future periods could reduce the market price of our common stock, cause our credit ratings to decline, and negatively impact our liquidity.

Previous wording

We have a secured asset-based revolving credit agreement (the "ABL Facility") which has a borrowing capacity of $2.2 billion. We have also issued $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2029 and 2031 (the “Senior Notes”), which remain outstanding. As a result, we are subject to risks relating to our indebtedness.

Current wording

We have a secured asset-based revolving credit agreement (the "ABL Facility"). As of February 1, 2025, we had $2.2 billion in principal amount of undrawn commitments available for borrowings under the ABL Facility, subject to borrowing base availability. We also have $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes due 2029 and 2031 (the “Senior Notes”) outstanding. As a result, we are subject to risks relating to our indebtedness.

Previous wording

We may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flows from operations to the payment of principal and interest under our indebtedness. For example, in 2023 we repaid our $350 million outstanding borrowing under the ABL Facility. We generated net cash from operating activities of $1,532 million in fiscal 2023 and ended fiscal 2023 with $1,873 million of cash and cash equivalents on our balance sheet.

Current wording

We may be required to dedicate a substantial portion of cash flows from operations to the payment of principal and interest under our indebtedness. We generated net cash from operating activities of $1.5 billion in fiscal 2024 and ended fiscal 2024 with $2.6 billion of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments on our balance sheet.