Form 10-Q
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 August 2, 2008 or

 

¨ 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 1-7562

THE GAP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   94-1697231
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

Two Folsom Street

San Francisco, California 94105

(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 952-4400

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  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer þ    Accelerated filer ¨    Non-accelerated filer ¨    Smaller reporting company ¨
     

(Do not check if a smaller

reporting company)

  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  ¨    No  þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $0.05 par value, 711,417,598 shares as of September 5, 2008

 

 

 


Table of Contents

THE GAP, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          PAGE
PART I.   

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

  
Item 1.   

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  
  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 2, 2008, February 2, 2008, and August 4, 2007

   3
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the Thirteen and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007

   4
  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007

   5
  

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   6
Item 2.   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   11
Item 3.   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

   20
Item 4.   

Controls and Procedures

   21
PART II.   

OTHER INFORMATION

  
Item 1.   

Legal Proceedings

   21
Item 1A.   

Risk Factors

   21
Item 2.   

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   21
Item 4.   

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   22
Item 6.   

Exhibits

   23

 

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THE GAP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

 

($ and shares in millions except par value)    August 2, 2008     February 2, 2008     August 4, 2007  

ASSETS

      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,606     $ 1,724     $ 2,209  

Short-term investments

     74       177       487  

Restricted cash

     33       38       42  

Merchandise inventory

     1,700       1,575       1,969  

Other current assets

     693       572       683  
                        

Total current assets

     4,106       4,086       5,390  

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,285, $4,053, and $4,098

     3,129       3,267       3,234  

Other long-term assets

     467       485       452  
                        

Total assets

   $ 7,702     $ 7,838     $ 9,076  
                        

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

      

Current liabilities:

      

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 188     $ 138     $ 326  

Accounts payable

     1,227       1,006       1,062  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     1,012       1,259       1,132  

Income taxes payable

     10       30       5  
                        

Total current liabilities

     2,437       2,433       2,525  
                        

Long-term liabilities:

      

Long-term debt

     —         50       188  

Lease incentives and other long-term liabilities

     1,041       1,081       1,112  
                        

Total long-term liabilities

     1,041       1,131       1,300  
                        

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 11)

      

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Common stock $0.05 par value
Authorized 2,300 shares; Issued 1,103, 1,100, and 1,096 shares; Outstanding 710, 734, and 807 shares

     55       55       55  

Additional paid-in capital

     2,849       2,783       2,694  

Retained earnings

     9,578       9,223       8,842  

Accumulated other comprehensive earnings

     142       125       83  

Treasury stock, at cost (393, 366, and 289 shares)

     (8,400 )     (7,912 )     (6,423 )
                        

Total stockholders’ equity

     4,224       4,274       5,251  
                        

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 7,702     $ 7,838     $ 9,076  
                        

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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THE GAP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

 

     13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
($ and shares in millions except per share amounts)    August 2, 2008     August 4, 2007     August 2, 2008     August 4, 2007  

Net sales

   $ 3,499     $ 3,685     $ 6,883     $ 7,234  

Cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses

     2,161       2,421       4,203       4,615  
                                

Gross profit

     1,338       1,264       2,680       2,619  

Operating expenses

     965       1,039       1,924       2,090  

Interest expense (reversal)

     6       10       (6 )     20  

Interest income

     (10 )     (36 )     (23 )     (69 )
                                

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

     377       251       785       578  

Income taxes

     148       93       307       215  
                                

Earnings from continuing operations, net of income taxes

     229       158       478       363  

Loss from discontinued operation, net of income tax benefit

     —         (6 )     —         (32 )
                                

Net earnings

   $ 229     $ 152     $ 478     $ 331  
                                

Weighted-average number of shares - basic

     717       814       725       815  

Weighted-average number of shares - diluted

     719       817       728       818  

Basic earnings per share:

        

Earnings from continuing operations, net of income taxes

   $ 0.32     $ 0.19     $ 0.66     $ 0.45  

Loss from discontinued operation, net of income tax benefit

     —         —         —         (0.04 )
                                

Net earnings per share

   $ 0.32     $ 0.19     $ 0.66     $ 0.41  
                                

Diluted earnings per share:

        

Earnings from continuing operations, net of income taxes

   $ 0.32     $ 0.19     $ 0.66     $ 0.44  

Loss from discontinued operation, net of income tax benefit

     —         —         —         (0.04 )
                                

Net earnings per share

   $ 0.32     $ 0.19     $ 0.66     $ 0.40  
                                

Cash dividends declared and paid per share

   $ 0.085     $ 0.080     $ 0.170     $ 0.160  

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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THE GAP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     26 Weeks Ended  
($ in millions)    August 2, 2008     August 4, 2007  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net earnings

   $ 478     $ 331  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization (a)

     281       267  

Share-based compensation

     30       24  

Tax benefit from exercise of stock options and vesting of stock units

     2       3  

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options and vesting of stock units

     (3 )     (3 )

Non-cash and other items

     28       43  

Deferred income taxes

     (2 )     (146 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Merchandise inventory

     (128 )     (157 )

Other current assets and other long-term assets

     (27 )     (14 )

Accounts payable

     222       252  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     (241 )     (84 )

Income taxes payable, net of prepaid and other tax related items

     (91 )     (72 )

Lease incentives and other long-term liabilities

     13       225  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     562       669  
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Purchases of property and equipment

     (208 )     (322 )

Purchases of short-term investments

     (75 )     (719 )

Maturities of short-term investments

     177       802  

Change in restricted cash

     5       2  

Change in other long-term assets

     —         (2 )
                

Net cash used for investing activities

     (101 )     (239 )
                

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Proceeds from share-based compensation, net

     44       54  

Repurchase of common stock

     (500 )     (200 )

Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options and vesting of stock units

     3       3  

Cash dividends paid

     (123 )     (130 )
                

Net cash used for financing activities

     (576 )     (273 )
                

Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash

     (3 )     22  
                

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (118 )     179  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     1,724       2,030  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 1,606     $ 2,209  
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid for interest during the period

   $ 9     $ 20  

Cash paid for income taxes during the period

   $ 402     $ 266  

 

(a)

Depreciation and amortization is net of the amortization of lease incentives of $42 million and $45 million for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, respectively.

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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THE GAP, INC.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The condensed consolidated balance sheets as of August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 have been prepared by The Gap, Inc. (the “Company,” “we,” and “our”), without audit. In the opinion of management, such statements include all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly our financial position, statements of earnings, and cash flows at August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, and for all periods presented. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2008 has been derived from our audited financial statements.

As of February 2, 2008, we began classifying unredeemed gift card liability and credit card reward certificate liability as accrued expenses and other current liabilities in our condensed consolidated balance sheets. Accordingly, unredeemed gift card liability of $244 million and credit card reward certificate liability of $25 million as of August 4, 2007, which were previously classified as accounts payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, were reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we recognized a reversal of $15 million of interest expense from the reduction of interest expense accruals resulting primarily from foreign tax audit events occurring in the quarter.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in the notes to the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted from these interim financial statements. We suggest that you read these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.

The results of operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results that may be expected for the fifty-two week period ending January 31, 2009.

 

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (“SFAS”) 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure of fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is applied under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and, accordingly, does not require any new fair value measurements. We adopted the provisions of SFAS 157 effective February 3, 2008, except for certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities for which the effective date has been deferred by one year in accordance with FASB Staff Position No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Measurement No. 157.” The partial adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements. See Note 4 of Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. The major categories of the remaining assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, for which we have not yet applied the provisions of SFAS 157, are as follows: asset retirement obligations, sublease loss reserves, and impaired long-lived assets. We are currently in the process of assessing the impact the adoption of SFAS 157 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures for the remaining assets and liabilities, effective February 1, 2009.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities to improve the transparency of financial reporting. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008. We will adopt the disclosure provisions of SFAS 161 in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.

 

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3. DISCONTINUED OPERATION OF FORTH & TOWNE

In February 2007, we announced our decision to close our Forth & Towne store locations. The decision resulted from a thorough analysis of the concept, which revealed that it was not demonstrating enough potential to deliver an acceptable long-term return on investment. All of the 19 Forth & Towne stores were closed by the end of June 2007 and we reduced our workforce by approximately 550 employees in fiscal 2007. The results of Forth & Towne, net of income tax benefit, have been presented as a discontinued operation in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of earnings for all periods presented as follows:

 

     13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
($ in millions)    August 2, 2008    August 4, 2007     August 2, 2008    August 4, 2007  

Net sales

   $ —      $ 6     $ —      $ 16  
                              

Loss from discontinued operation, before income tax benefit

   $ —      $ (9 )   $ —      $ (54 )

Add: Income tax benefit

     —        3       —        22  
                              

Loss from discontinued operation, net of income tax benefit

   $ —      $ (6 )   $ —      $ (32 )
                              

For the thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2007, the loss from the discontinued operation of Forth & Towne included the following charges on a pre-tax basis: $5 million of net sublease losses and $2 million of other lease-related charges. For the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2007, the loss from the discontinued operation of Forth & Towne included the following charges on a pre-tax basis: $29 million related to the impairment of long-lived assets, $5 million of net sublease losses, $4 million of employee severance, $3 million of administrative and other costs, and $2 million of other lease-related charges.

Future cash payments for Forth & Towne primarily relate to obligations associated with certain leases and these payments will be made over the various remaining lease terms through 2017. Based on our current assumptions as of August 2, 2008, we expect our lease payments, net of sublease income, to be immaterial.

 

4. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following table summarizes our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in accordance with SFAS 157:

 

        Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
   
($ in millions)   As of
August 2,
2008
  Quoted
Prices in
Active

Markets for
Identical

Assets
(Level 1)
  Significant
Other
Observable

Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs

(Level 3)
 

Balance Sheet Classification

Assets

         

Derivative financial instruments

  $ 14   $ —     $ 14   $ —     Other current assets and Other long-term assets

Deferred compensation plan assets

    23     23     —       —     Other long-term assets
                         

Total

  $ 37   $ 23   $ 14   $ —    
                         

Liabilities

         

Derivative financial instruments

  $ 24   $ —     $ 24   $ —     Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Deferred compensation plan liabilities

    24     24     —       —     Lease incentives and other long-term liabilities
                         

Total

  $ 48   $ 24   $ 24   $ —    
                         

Derivative financial instruments include foreign exchange forward contracts primarily for the purchase of U.S. dollars, Euro, British pounds, Japanese yen, and Canadian dollars and cross-currency interest rate swaps. The fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments is determined using pricing models based on current market rates.

We maintain deferred compensation plans which allow eligible employees and non-employee members of the Board of Directors to defer compensation up to a maximum amount. Plan investments are recorded at market value in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and are designated for the deferred compensation plans. The Company’s deferred compensation plan assets and liabilities are determined based on quoted market prices.

In addition, we have highly liquid investments classified as cash equivalents and short-term investments as of August 2, 2008. These investments are classified as held-to-maturity based on our positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Primarily all securities held are U.S. government and agency securities, domestic commercial paper, and bank securities and are stated at amortized cost in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

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5. DEBT

In September 2007, we paid $326 million related to the maturity of our 6.90 percent notes payable. The remaining balance of our 8.80 percent notes payable of $138 million, due December 2008 (“2008 Notes”), is classified as current maturities of long-term debt in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, and is subject to an increasing or decreasing rate of interest based on credit rating fluctuations. As a result of changes to our long-term senior unsecured credit ratings in prior periods, the interest rate on the 2008 Notes was 10.05 percent per annum as of August 2, 2008.

We also have $50 million notes payable due March 2009 with a fixed interest rate of 6.25 percent per annum, which was classified as current maturities of long-term debt in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of August 2, 2008. In connection with this debt, we have a cross-currency interest rate swap to swap the interest and principal payable of $50 million debt securities of our Japanese subsidiary, Gap (Japan) KK, from a fixed interest rate of 6.25 percent, payable in U.S. dollars, to 6.1 billion Japanese yen with a fixed interest rate of 2.43 percent.

 

6. COMMON STOCK

Share repurchases for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 were as follows:

 

     13 Weeks Ended    26 Weeks Ended
($ and shares in millions except average per share cost)    August 2, 2008    August 4, 2007    August 2, 2008    August 4, 2007

Number of shares repurchased

     16      11      28      11

Total cost

   $ 284    $ 200    $ 500    $ 200

Average per share cost including commissions

   $ 17.45    $ 18.65    $ 18.04    $ 18.65

In February 2008, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized $1 billion for share repurchases. In connection with this authorization, we also entered into purchase agreements with individual members of the Fisher family, related parties of the Company. We expect that approximately $158 million (approximately 16 percent) of the $1 billion share repurchase program will be purchased from Fisher family members under these purchase agreements. The shares will be purchased at the same weighted average market price that we are paying for share repurchases in the open market. During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008, approximately 3 million and 4 million shares, respectively, were repurchased for $45 million and $79 million, respectively, from the Fisher family.

All of the share repurchases were paid for as of August 2, 2008.

 

7. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” we recorded share-based compensation expense as follows:

 

     13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
($ in millions)    August 2, 2008     August 4, 2007     August 2, 2008     August 4, 2007  

Stock options

   $ 4     $ 4     $ 7     $ 7  

Stock units

     12       8       21       15  

Employee stock purchase plan

     1       1       2       2  
                                

Share-based compensation expense

     17       13       30       24  

Less: Income tax benefit

     (7 )     (5 )     (12 )     (9 )
                                

Share-based compensation recognized in net earnings, net of taxes

   $ 10     $ 8     $ 18     $ 15  
                                

 

8. COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS

Comprehensive earnings are comprised of net earnings and other gains and losses affecting equity that are excluded from net earnings. The components of other comprehensive earnings consist of foreign currency translation gains and losses, net of taxes, and changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of taxes.

 

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Comprehensive earnings, net of taxes, are comprised of:

 

     13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
($ in millions)    August 2, 2008     August 4, 2007     August 2, 2008     August 4, 2007  

Net earnings

   $ 229     $ 152     $ 478     $ 331  

Foreign currency translation, net of taxes of $-, $3, $-, and $3

     7       14       2       38  

Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of taxes of $3, $7, $8, and $16

     (5 )     (12 )     (6 )     (19 )

Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on derivative financial instruments, net of taxes of $4, $1, $9, and $4

     (6 )     (1 )     (13 )     (12 )
                                

Comprehensive earnings

   $ 225     $ 153     $ 461     $ 338  
                                

 

9. INCOME TAXES

The Company conducts business globally and, as a result, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. In the normal course of business we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including such major jurisdictions as Canada, France, Hong Kong, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations for fiscal years before 1998.

It is reasonably possible that the Company will recognize a decrease in unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months of up to $21 million as a result of filing amended returns and the closing of open tax years. However, we do not expect the change to have a material impact on the condensed consolidated statement of earnings.

During the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008, the total gross unrecognized tax benefits did not change materially.

Except where required by U.S. tax law, we do not provide for U.S. income taxes with respect to the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries if we intend to utilize those earnings in the foreign operations for an indefinite period of time. In May 2008, we assessed the anticipated cash needs and overall financial position of our Canadian and Japanese subsidiaries. As a result, we have determined that we no longer intend to utilize $157 million of the undistributed earnings of our Canadian and Japanese subsidiaries in foreign operations indefinitely and this amount was repatriated in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. Accordingly, we have established a deferred tax liability for U.S. income taxes with respect to the repatriated earnings as of August 2, 2008 and have recorded related tax expense of $3 million.

 

10. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share are computed as net earnings divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share are computed as net earnings divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents consist of shares subject to share-based awards with exercise prices less than the average market price of our common stock for the period, to the extent their inclusion would be dilutive.

The following table summarizes the incremental shares from the potentially dilutive securities:

 

     13 Weeks Ended    26 Weeks Ended
(shares in millions)    August 2, 2008    August 4, 2007    August 2, 2008    August 4, 2007

Weighted-average number of shares - basic

   717    814    725    815

Incremental shares from stock options and other stock awards

   2    3    3    3
                   

Weighted-average number of shares - diluted

   719    817    728    818
                   

The above computations of weighted-average number of shares - diluted exclude stock options and other stock awards to purchase 32 million and 31 million shares of common stock for the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, respectively, and 29 million and 33 million shares of common stock for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, respectively, as their inclusion would be antidilutive.

 

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11. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We have assigned certain store and corporate facility leases to third parties as of August 2, 2008. Under these arrangements, we are secondarily liable and have guaranteed the lease payments of the new lessees for the remaining portion of our original lease obligations through 2019. The maximum potential amount of future lease payments we could be required to make is approximately $43 million as of August 2, 2008. The fair value of the guarantees was immaterial as of August 2, 2008.

We are a party to a variety of contractual agreements under which we may be obligated to indemnify the other party for certain matters. These contracts primarily relate to our commercial contracts, operating leases, trademarks, intellectual property, financial agreements, and various other agreements. Under these contracts we may provide certain routine indemnifications relating to representations and warranties (e.g., ownership of assets, environmental or tax indemnifications), or personal injury matters. The terms of these indemnifications range in duration and may not be explicitly defined.

Generally, the maximum obligation under such indemnifications is not explicitly stated and, as a result, the overall amount of these obligations cannot be reasonably estimated. Historically, we have not made significant payments for these indemnifications. We believe that if we were to incur a loss in any of these matters, the loss would not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

As party to a reinsurance pool for workers’ compensation, general liability, and automobile liability, we had guarantees with a maximum exposure of $42 million as of August 2, 2008, of which $2 million has been cash collateralized. We are currently in the process of winding down our participation in the reinsurance pool. Our maximum exposure and cash collateralized balance are expected to decrease in the future as our participation in the reinsurance pool diminishes.

As a multinational company, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes, and claims (“Actions”) arising in the ordinary course of our business. Many of these Actions raise complex factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties. Actions filed against us from time to time include commercial, intellectual property, customer, employment, and securities related claims, including class action lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege that we violated federal and state wage and hour and other laws. The plaintiffs in some Actions seek unspecified damages or injunctive relief, or both. Actions are in various procedural stages, and some are covered in part by insurance. If the outcome of an Action is expected to result in a loss that is considered probable and reasonably estimable, we will record a liability for the estimated loss.

We cannot predict with assurance the outcome of Actions brought against us. Accordingly, adverse developments, settlements, or resolutions may occur and negatively impact earnings in the quarter of such development, settlement, or resolution. However, we do not believe that the outcome of any current Action would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position taken as a whole.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than those that are purely historical are forward-looking statements. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” and similar expressions also identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: (i) expected lease payments related to the discontinued operation of Forth & Towne; (ii) expected share repurchases from members of the Fisher family; (iii) the decrease in unrecognized tax benefits; (iv) the utilization or repatriation of undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries; (v) the maximum potential amount of future lease payments under assigned leases; (vi) the impact of losses under contractual indemnifications; (vii) the maximum exposure and cash collateralized balance for our reinsurance pool in future periods; (viii) the effect of various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes and claims; (ix) delivering earnings growth through inventory management to support improved gross margin and through cost management; (x) improving return on invested capital; (xi) distributing excess cash to shareholders; (xii) interest expense for fiscal 2008; (xiii) effective tax rate for fiscal 2008; (xiv) purchases of property and equipment for fiscal 2008; (xv) number of new store openings and store closings in fiscal 2008; (xvi) net square footage change in fiscal 2008; (xvii) net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2008; (xviii) free cash flow for fiscal 2008; (xix) adequate cash balances and cash flows to satisfy capital needs; and (xx) consideration of future dividends.

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include, without limitation, the following: the risk that the adoption of new accounting pronouncements will impact future results; the risk that the Company will be unsuccessful in gauging fashion trends and changing consumer preferences; the highly competitive nature of the Company’s business in the United States and internationally and its dependence on consumer spending patterns, which are influenced by numerous other factors; the risk that the Company will be unsuccessful in identifying and negotiating new store locations and renewing leases for existing store locations effectively; the risk that comparable store sales and margins will experience fluctuations; the risk that the Company will be unsuccessful in implementing its strategic, operating, and people initiatives; the risk that adverse changes in the Company’s credit ratings may have a negative impact on its financing costs, structure, and access to capital in future periods; the risk that changes to the Company’s IT systems may disrupt its operations; the risk that trade matters, events causing disruptions in product shipments from China and other foreign countries, or an inability to secure sufficient manufacturing capacity may disrupt the Company’s supply chain or operations; the risk that the Company’s efforts to expand internationally through franchising and similar arrangements may not be successful and could impair the value of its brands; the risk that acts or omissions by the Company’s third party vendors, including a failure to comply with the Company’s code of vendor conduct, could have a negative impact on the Company’s reputation or operations; the risk that the Company does not repurchase some or all of the shares it anticipates purchasing pursuant to its repurchase program; and the risk that the Company will not be successful in defending various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes, claims, and audits; any of which could impact net sales, costs and expenses, and/or planned strategies. Additional information regarding factors that could cause results to differ can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.

Future economic and industry trends that could potentially impact net sales and profitability are difficult to predict. These forward-looking statements are based on information as of September 9, 2008 and we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

We suggest that this document be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.

Our Business

We are a leading global specialty retailer operating retail and online stores selling clothing, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, children, and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Piperlime brand names. We operate stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Japan. We also have franchise agreements with unaffiliated franchisees to operate Gap and Banana Republic stores in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Under these agreements, third parties operate or will operate stores that sell apparel, purchased from us, under our brand names. In addition, our U.S. customers can shop online at www.gap.com, www.bananarepublic.com, www.oldnavy.com, and www.piperlime.com.

 

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Overview

Financial highlights during the second quarter and the first half of fiscal 2008 include:

 

   

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 were $3.5 billion compared with $3.7 billion for the second quarter of fiscal 2007, and comparable store sales decreased 10 percent compared with a decrease of 5 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

   

Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 were $229 million, or $0.32 per share on a diluted basis, compared with $152 million, or $0.19 per share on a diluted basis for the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

   

Gross margin for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 was 38.2 percent compared with 34.3 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

   

Our online sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 increased 11 percent to $191 million, compared with $172 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

   

We generated cash flows from operating activities of $562 million during the first half of fiscal 2008. Our capital expenditures for the first half of fiscal 2008 were $208 million.

 

   

For the first half of 2008, we generated free cash flow of $354 million, defined as net cash provided by operating activities less purchase of property and equipment. For a reconciliation of free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, from a GAAP financial measure, see the Financial Condition section in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

 

   

We repurchased approximately 16 million shares of our common stock for a total of $284 million under our share repurchase program in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. We also declared and paid a cash dividend of $0.085 per share in the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

Our business and financial priorities for fiscal 2008 continue to be as follows:

 

   

Consistently deliver product that aligns with our target customers.

 

   

Maintain a focus on cost management and operational improvements that allow us to work more simply and efficiently.

 

   

Improve the customer experience through excellence and investments in the fleet.

 

   

Drive bottom line earnings growth through inventory management to support improved gross margin.

 

   

Improve return on invested capital.

 

   

Distribute excess cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales

Net Sales by Brand, Region, and Channel

Net sales primarily consist of retail sales, online sales, and shipping fees received from customers for delivery of merchandise. Outlet retail sales are reflected within the respective results of each brand. Net sales by brand, region, and channel for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007 are as follows:

 

($ in millions)

13 Weeks Ended August 2, 2008

   Gap     Old Navy     Banana
Republic
   Other (3)    Total  

U.S. (1)

   $ 919     $ 1,195     $ 562    $ —      $ 2,676  

Canada

     80       103       37      —        220  

Europe

     185       —         6      7      198  

Asia

     160       —         25      12      197  

Other Regions

     —         —         —        17      17  

Direct (Online) (2)

     59       92       30      10      191  
                                      

Total

   $ 1,403     $ 1,390     $ 660    $ 46    $ 3,499  
                                      

Global Sales Growth (Decline)

     (1% )     (13% )     2%      84%      (5% )

13 Weeks Ended August 4, 2007

   Gap     Old Navy     Banana
Republic
   Other (3)    Total  

U.S. (1)

   $ 944     $ 1,410     $ 563    $ —      $ 2,917  

Canada

     80       110       33      —        223  

Europe

     204       —         —        —        204  

Asia

     128       —         23      8      159  

Other Regions

     —         —         —        10      10  

Direct (Online) (2)

     55       83       27      7      172  
                                      

Total

   $ 1,411     $ 1,603     $ 646    $ 25    $ 3,685  
                                      

Global Sales Growth (Decline)

     (4% )     (3% )     10%      525%      (1% )

26 Weeks Ended August 2, 2008

   Gap     Old Navy     Banana
Republic
   Other (3)    Total  

U.S. (1)

   $ 1,818     $ 2,336     $ 1,066    $ —      $ 5,220  

Canada

     157       198       71      —        426  

Europe

     357       —         11      12      380  

Asia

     328       —         46      23      397  

Other Regions

     —         —         —        33      33  

Direct (Online) (2)

     135       209       63      20      427  
                                      

Total

   $ 2,795     $ 2,743     $ 1,257    $ 88    $ 6,883  
                                      

Global Sales Growth (Decline)

     (1% )     (13% )     3%      87%      (5% )

26 Weeks Ended August 4, 2007

   Gap     Old Navy     Banana
Republic
   Other (3)    Total  

U.S. (1)

   $ 1,891     $ 2,773     $ 1,068    $ —      $ 5,732  

Canada

     151       200       59      —        410  

Europe

     383       —         —        —        383  

Asia

     266       —         41      15      322  

Other Regions

     —         —         —        20      20  

Direct (Online) (2)

     123       177       55      12      367  
                                      

Total

   $ 2,814     $ 3,150     $ 1,223    $ 47    $ 7,234  
                                      

Global Sales Growth (Decline)

     (2% )     —  %       10%      370%      1%  

 

(1) U.S. includes the United States and Puerto Rico.

 

(2) U.S. only.

 

(3) Other includes our wholesale business, franchise business, and Piperlime.com.

 

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Comparable Store Sales

A store is included in comparable store sales (“Comp”) when it has been open at least one fiscal year and the square footage has not changed by 15 percent or more within the past year. A store is included in Comp on the first day it has comparable prior year sales. Stores in which square footage has changed by 15 percent or more as a result of a remodel, expansion, or reduction are excluded from Comp until the first day they have comparable prior year sales. Current year foreign exchange rates are applied to both current year and prior year Comp store sales to achieve a consistent basis for comparison.

A store is considered non-comparable (“Non-comp”) when it has been open for less than one fiscal year or it has changed its square footage by 15 percent or more within the past year. Non-store sales such as online revenues are also considered Non-comp.

A store is considered “Closed” if it is temporarily closed for three or more full consecutive days or is permanently closed. When a temporarily closed store reopens, the store will be placed in the Comp/Non-comp status it was in prior to its closure. If a store was in Closed status for three or more days in the prior year then the store will be in Non-comp status for the same days in the following year.

The differences between net sales for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2008 and net sales for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2007 are classified as follows:

 

($ in millions)    Gap (2)(3)     Old Navy (2)     Banana
Republic (2)(3)
    Other (4)    Total  

13 Weeks Ended August 4, 2007

   $ 1,411     $ 1,603     $ 646     $ 25    $ 3,685  

Increase (decrease) in:

           

Comparable stores

     (73 )     (233 )     (37 )     —        (343 )

Non-comparable and closed stores

     32       4       43       18      97  

Direct (Online)

     4       9       3       3      19  

Foreign exchange (1)

     29       7       5       —        41  
                                       

13 Weeks Ended August 2, 2008

   $ 1,403     $ 1,390     $ 660     $ 46    $ 3,499  
                                       
     Gap (2)(3)     Old Navy (2)     Banana
Republic (2)(3)
    Other (4)    Total  

26 Weeks Ended August 4, 2007

   $ 2,814     $ 3,150     $ 1,223     $ 47    $ 7,234  

Increase (decrease) in:

           

Comparable stores

     (152 )     (480 )     (65 )     —        (697 )

Non-comparable and closed stores

     53       21       79       33      186  

Direct (Online)

     12       32       8       8      60  

Foreign exchange (1)

     68       20       12       —        100  
                                       

26 Weeks Ended August 2, 2008

   $ 2,795     $ 2,743     $ 1,257     $ 88    $ 6,883  
                                       

 

(1) Foreign exchange is the translation impact if prior year sales were translated at current year exchange rates.

 

(2) Includes Canadian stores.

 

(3) Includes international stores.

 

(4) Includes our wholesale business, franchise business, and Piperlime.com.

Our net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 decreased $186 million, or 5 percent, compared with the prior year comparable period. Our comparable store sales decreased 10 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The 5 percentage point difference between net sales and comparable store sales includes the impact of new stores, foreign exchange, and an 11 percent increase in online sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from the prior year comparable period. Overall, our store square footage increased 1 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 from the prior year comparable period and sales productivity was $82 per average square foot for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 compared with $89 per average square foot for the prior year comparable period. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, we opened 22 new stores and closed 29 stores.

 

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Comparable store sales percentage by brand for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007 was as follows:

 

   

Gap North America: negative 6 percent in fiscal 2008 versus negative 6 percent in fiscal 2007;

 

   

Banana Republic North America: negative 6 percent in fiscal 2008 versus positive 4 percent in fiscal 2007;

 

   

Old Navy North America: negative 16 percent in fiscal 2008 versus negative 9 percent in fiscal 2007; and

 

   

International: negative 6 percent in fiscal 2008 versus positive 3 percent in fiscal 2007.

Net sales for the first half of fiscal 2008 decreased $351 million, or 5 percent, from the prior year comparable period. Our comparable store sales decreased 11 percent for the first half of fiscal 2008. The 6 percentage point difference between net sales and comparable store sales was primarily due to the impact of new stores, foreign exchange, and a 16 percent increase in online sales in the first half of fiscal 2008 from the prior year comparable period. Overall, our store square footage remained flat from the end of fiscal 2007 and sales productivity was $161 per average square foot for the first half of fiscal 2008 compared with $175 per average square foot for the prior year comparable period. During the first half of fiscal 2008, we opened 55 new stores and closed 52 stores.

Comparable store sales percentage by brand for the first half of fiscal 2008 over fiscal 2007 was as follows:

 

   

Gap North America: negative 6 percent in fiscal 2008 versus negative 5 percent in fiscal 2007;

 

   

Banana Republic North America: negative 5 percent in fiscal 2008 versus positive 1 percent in fiscal 2007;

 

   

Old Navy North America: negative 17 percent in fiscal 2008 versus negative 7 percent in fiscal 2007; and

 

   

International: negative 5 percent in fiscal 2008 versus positive 1 percent in fiscal 2007.

Store Count and Square Footage

Store count and square footage for our wholly owned stores were as follows:

 

     August 2, 2008     August 4, 2007  
     Number of
Store Locations
    Square Footage
(in millions)
    Number of
Store Locations
    Square Footage
(in millions)
 

Gap North America

   1,230     12.1     1,281     12.4  

Gap Europe

   169     1.5     170     1.5  

Gap Asia

   111     1.0     107     1.0  

Old Navy North America

   1,066     20.1     1,034     19.6  

Banana Republic North America

   568     4.8     532     4.5  

Banana Republic Asia

   25     0.1     19     0.1  

Banana Republic Europe

   1     —       —       —    
                        

Total

   3,170     39.6     3,143     39.1  
                        

Increase over Prior Year

   1 %   1 %   2 %   3 %

Outlet stores are reflected in each of the respective brands in the table above. We also have franchise agreements with unaffiliated franchisees to operate Gap and Banana Republic stores in Bahrain, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Philippines, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Russia, Egypt, and Jordan. We had 99 and 27 franchise stores that were open as of August 2, 2008 and August 4, 2007, respectively.

Cost of Goods Sold and Occupancy Expenses

Cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses include:

 

   

the cost of merchandise;

 

   

inventory shortage and valuation adjustments;

 

   

freight charges;

 

   

costs associated with our sourcing operations, including payroll and related benefits;

 

   

production costs;

 

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insurance costs related to merchandise; and

 

   

occupancy, rent, common area maintenance, real estate taxes, utilities, and depreciation for our stores and distribution centers.

The classification of these expenses varies across the retail industry.

 

          Percentage of Net Sales  
($ in millions)    13 Weeks Ended    26 Weeks Ended    13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
    August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 

Cost of Goods Sold and Occupancy Expenses

   $ 2,161    $ 2,421    $ 4,203    $ 4,615    61.8 %   65.7 %   61.1 %   63.8 %

Gross Profit

   $ 1,338    $ 1,264    $ 2,680    $ 2,619    38.2 %   34.3 %   38.9 %   36.2 %

Cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 3.9 percentage points in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and decreased 2.7 percentage points during the first half of fiscal 2008 compared with the prior year comparable periods. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales decreased 5.6 percentage points, or $290 million, in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and decreased 4.4 percentage points, or $472 million, during the first half of fiscal 2008 compared with the prior year comparable periods. The decrease was driven primarily by a higher margin for both regular price and marked down merchandise. As a percentage of sales, occupancy expenses increased 1.7 percentage points, or $30 million, in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and increased 1.7 percentage points, or $60 million, during the first half of fiscal 2008 compared with the prior year comparable periods. The increase as a percentage of sales was driven primarily by lower sales related to comparable stores.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses include:

 

   

payroll and related benefits (for our store operations, field management, distribution centers, and corporate functions);

 

   

advertising;

 

   

general and administrative expenses;

 

   

costs to design and develop our products;

 

   

merchandise handling and receiving in distribution centers and stores;

 

   

distribution center general and administrative expenses;

 

   

rent, occupancy, and depreciation for headquarter facilities; and

 

   

other expense (income).

The classification of these expenses varies across the retail industry.

 

          Percentage of Net Sales  
($ in millions)    13 Weeks Ended    26 Weeks Ended    13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
    August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 

Operating Expenses

   $ 965    $ 1,039    $ 1,924    $ 2,090    27.6 %   28.2 %   28.0 %   28.9 %

Operating expenses decreased $74 million, or 7.1 percent, in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 over the prior year comparable period driven primarily by lower store payroll, less remodel related expenses, and lower repair and maintenance expenses.

Operating expenses decreased $166 million, or 7.9 percent, during the first half of fiscal 2008 over the prior year comparable period driven primarily by lower store payroll, less remodel related expenses, lower repair and maintenance expenses, and lower marketing expenses.

Operating margin was 10.7 percent and 6.1 percent for the second quarters of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively, and 11.0 percent and 7.3 percent for the first halves of fiscal 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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Interest Expense (Reversal)

 

          Percentage of Net Sales  
($ in millions)    13 Weeks Ended    26 Weeks Ended    13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
    August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 

Interest Expense (Reversal)

   $ 6    $ 10    $ (6 )   $ 20    0.2 %   0.3 %   0.1 %   0.3 %

Interest expense (reversal) for the first half of fiscal 2008 includes a reversal of $15 million interest expense from the reduction of interest expense accruals resulting primarily from foreign tax audit events occurring in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, offset by interest expense on overall borrowings and obligations. The remaining decrease in interest expense for the second quarter of fiscal 2008 and first half of fiscal 2008 compared with the prior year comparable periods was due to lower debt levels as a result of the maturity of our $326 million, 6.90 percent notes repaid in September 2007. We anticipate that fiscal 2008 interest expense will be approximately $5 million.

Interest Income

 

          Percentage of Net Sales  
($ in millions)    13 Weeks Ended    26 Weeks Ended    13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
   August 4,
2007
   August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
    August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 

Interest Income

   $ 10    $ 36    $ 23    $ 69    0.3 %   1.0 %   0.3 %   1.0 %

Interest income is earned on our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The decrease in interest income for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008 over the prior year comparable periods is primarily due to a lower average balance of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments as well as a lower interest rate environment.

Income Taxes

 

           Percentage of Net Sales  
($ in millions)    13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended     13 Weeks Ended     26 Weeks Ended  
   August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
    August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
    August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
    August 2,
2008
    August 4,
2007
 

Income Taxes

   $ 148     $ 93     $ 307     $ 215     4.2 %   2.5 %   4.5 %   3.0 %

Effective Tax Rate

     39.3 %     37.1 %     39.1 %     37.2 %        

The increase in the effective tax rate for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2008 over the prior year comparable periods was primarily driven by the absence of certain favorable adjustments recognized in the first half of fiscal 2007, including adjustments pertaining to a change in state tax legislation and the impact of our determination with respect to utilization of a portion of undistributed earnings from Canadian subsidiaries.

We currently expect the fiscal 2008 effective tax rate to be about 39 percent, although the respective quarterly effective tax rates may vary. The actual rate will ultimately depend on several variables, including the mix of earnings between domestic and international operations, the overall level of earnings, and the potential resolution of outstanding tax contingencies.

Discontinued Operation

Loss from discontinued operation relates to the Forth & Towne brand, whose stores were closed by the end of June 2007. Loss from the discontinued operation of Forth & Towne, net of income tax benefit, was $6 million and $32 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 and first half of fiscal 2007, respectively. Loss from the discontinued operation on a pre-tax basis for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 included $5 million of net sublease losses and $2 million of other lease-related charges. Loss from the discontinued operation on a pre-tax basis for the first half of fiscal 2007 included $29 million related to the impairment of long-lived assets, $5 million of net sublease losses, $4 million of employee severance, $3 million of administrative and other costs, and $2 million of other-lease related charges.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our largest source of cash flows is cash collections from our customers. Our primary uses of cash include merchandise inventory purchases, occupancy costs, personnel related expenses, purchases of property and equipment and payment of taxes. In addition, we continue to return excess cash to our shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases.

As of August 2, 2008, cash and cash equivalents were $1.6 billion and current maturities of long-term debt were $188 million. We believe that our current cash balances and cash flows from our operations will be adequate to satisfy our capital needs for the foreseeable future.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first half of fiscal 2008 decreased $107 million from the prior year comparable period. This decrease was mainly due to the payment of fiscal 2007 bonuses in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

Inventory management remains an area of focus. We continue to execute against our strategies of managing inventory levels in a manner that supports delivering healthy merchandise margins. As a result, inventory per square foot at August 2, 2008 was $39 which represents a 17 percent decrease from the prior year comparable period.

We fund inventory expenditures during normal and peak periods through cash flows from operating activities and available cash. Our business follows a seasonal pattern, peaking over a total of about thirteen weeks during the back-to-school and holiday periods. The seasonality of our operations may lead to significant fluctuations in certain asset and liability accounts between fiscal year-end and subsequent interim periods.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

During the first half of fiscal 2008, we used $138 million less cash for investing activities than the prior comparable period. During the first half of fiscal 2008 and 2007, capital expenditures totaled $208 million and $322 million, respectively. In the first half of fiscal 2008, we had net maturities of short-term investments of $102 million compared with net maturities of short-term investments of $83 million in the prior year comparable period. For fiscal 2008, we expect purchases of property and equipment to be about $450 million and expect to open about 100 new store locations and to close about 115 store locations. These openings and closings include about 15 store repositions. We do not expect any net square footage growth in fiscal 2008.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

During the first half of fiscal 2008, we used $303 million more cash for financing activities than the prior year comparable period. During the first half of fiscal 2008, we repurchased approximately 28 million shares of common stock for $500 million, compared with repurchases of approximately 11 million shares for $200 million for the first half of fiscal 2007.

Free Cash Flow

Free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure. We believe free cash flow is an important metric because it represents a measure of how much cash a company has available after the deduction of capital expenditures, as we require regular capital expenditures to build and maintain stores and purchase new equipment to improve our business. We use this metric internally, as we believe our sustained ability to generate free cash flow is an important driver of value creation. However, this non-GAAP financial measure is not intended to supersede or replace our GAAP results.

In the first half of fiscal 2008, we delivered $354 million in free cash flow, compared with $347 million in the prior year comparable period.

The following table reconciles free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure, from a GAAP financial measure.

 

     26 Weeks Ended  
($ in millions)    August 2, 2008     August 4, 2007  

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 562     $ 669  

Less: Purchases of property and equipment

     (208 )     (322 )
                

Free cash flow

   $ 354     $ 347  
                

 

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The following table sets forth our expected full year fiscal 2008 free cash flow of about $1.0 billion:

 

($ in millions)    Expected 52 Weeks
Ending January 31, 2009
 

Expected net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 1,450  

Less: Expected purchases of property and equipment

     (450 )
        

Expected fiscal 2008 free cash flow

   $ 1,000  
        

Debt

In September 2007, we paid $326 million related to the maturity of our 6.90 percent notes payable. The remaining balance of our 8.80 percent notes payable of $138 million due December 2008 (“2008 Notes”) was classified as current maturities of long-term debt in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of August 2, 2008 and February 2, 2008, and is subject to an increasing or decreasing rate of interest based on credit rating fluctuations. As a result of changes to our long-term senior unsecured credit ratings in prior periods, the interest rate on the 2008 Notes was 10.05 percent per annum as of August 2, 2008.

We also have $50 million notes payable due March 2009 with a fixed interest rate of 6.25 percent per annum, which was classified as current maturities of long-term debt in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of August 2, 2008. In connection with this debt, we have a cross-currency interest rate swap to swap the interest and principal payable of $50 million debt securities of our Japanese subsidiary, Gap (Japan) KK, from a fixed interest rate of 6.25 percent, payable in U.S. dollars, to 6.1 billion Japanese yen with a fixed interest rate of 2.43 percent.

Credit Facilities

Trade letters of credit represent a payment undertaking guaranteed by a bank on our behalf to pay the vendor a given amount upon presentation of specific documents demonstrating that merchandise has shipped. Vendor payables are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at the time of merchandise title transfer, although the letters of credit are generally issued prior to this. As of August 2, 2008, our letter of credit agreements consist of two separate $100 million, three-year, unsecured committed letter of credit agreements for a total aggregate availability of $200 million with an expiration date of May 2011. As of August 2, 2008, we had $109 million in trade letters of credit issued under these letters of credit agreements.

We also have a $500 million, five-year, unsecured revolving credit facility scheduled to expire in August 2012. There were no drawings under this facility as of August 2, 2008. The net availability of the revolving credit facility, reflecting $62 million of outstanding standby letters of credit, was $438 million as of August 2, 2008.

Dividend Policy

In determining whether and at what level to declare a dividend, we considered a number of financial factors, including sustainability and financial flexibility, as well as other factors including operating performance and capital resources. We will consider an increase in dividends when we deliver growth in net earnings for a fiscal year. In the first quarter of fiscal 2008, we increased our annual dividend from $0.32 per share for fiscal 2007 to $0.34 per share for fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2008 and 2007, we paid a dividend of $0.085 and $0.080, respectively, in both the first and the second quarters.

Share Repurchase Program

In February 2008, our Board of Directors authorized $1 billion for share repurchases. In connection with this authorization, we entered into purchase agreements with individual members of the Fisher family, related parties of the Company. We expect that approximately $158 million (approximately 16 percent) of the $1 billion share repurchase program will be purchased from Fisher family members under these purchase agreements. The shares will be purchased at the same weighted-average market price that we are paying for share repurchases in the open market. During the first half of fiscal 2008, we repurchased approximately 28 million shares for $500 million, of which approximately 4 million shares were repurchased for $79 million from the Fisher family.

Summary Disclosures about Contractual Cash Obligations and Commercial Commitments

There have been no significant changes to our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of February 2, 2008, other than those which occur in the normal course of business.

 

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We have assigned certain store and corporate facility leases to third parties as of August 2, 2008. Under these arrangements, we are secondarily liable and have guaranteed the lease payments of the new lessees for the remaining portion of our original lease obligations through 2019. The maximum potential amount of future lease payments we could be required to make is approximately $43 million as of August 2, 2008. The fair value of the guarantees was immaterial as of August 2, 2008.

As party to a reinsurance pool for workers’ compensation, general liability, and automobile liability, we have guarantees with a maximum exposure of $42 million as of August 2, 2008, of which $2 million has been cash collateralized. We are currently in the process of winding down our participation in the reinsurance pool. Our maximum exposure and cash collateralized balance are expected to decrease in the future as our participation in the reinsurance pool diminishes.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to adopt accounting policies and make significant judgments and estimates to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in the financial statements. In many cases, there are alternative policies or estimation techniques that could be used. We maintain a process to review the application of our accounting policies and to evaluate the appropriateness of the many estimates that are required to prepare the financial statements of a large, global corporation. However, even under optimal circumstances, estimates routinely require adjustment based on changing circumstances and the receipt of new or better information. There have been no significant changes to our accounting policies and estimates as discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 2 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for recent accounting pronouncements, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We operate in foreign countries, which exposes us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Our risk management policy is to hedge a significant portion of forecasted merchandise purchases for foreign operations and forecasted royalty payments using foreign exchange forward contracts. We also use forward contracts to hedge our market risk exposure associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations for certain intercompany loans and balances denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the entity holding or issuing the intercompany loan or balance. These contracts are entered into with large, reputable financial institutions, which are monitored for counterparty risk. The principal currencies hedged during the first half of fiscal 2008 were the U.S. Dollars, Euro, British pounds, Japanese yen, and Canadian dollars. Our use of derivative financial instruments represents risk management; we do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. The derivative instruments are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at their fair value as of the balance sheet date.

We also use forward contracts to hedge the net assets of international subsidiaries to offset the translation and economic exposures related to our investments in those subsidiaries. The change in fair value of the forward contracts is reported in accumulated other comprehensive earnings within stockholders’ equity to offset the foreign currency translation adjustments on the investments.

We do not have significant exposure to interest rate fluctuations on our borrowings. We use a cross-currency interest rate swap to swap the interest and principal payable of $50 million debt securities of our Japanese subsidiary, Gap (Japan) K.K. due March 2009, from a fixed interest rate of 6.25 percent, payable in U.S. dollars, to 6.1 billion Japanese yen with a fixed interest rate of 2.43 percent. Debt securities are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets at their issuance amount, net of unamortized discount.

The interest on our $500 million notes due December 2008, of which $138 million remains outstanding, is subject to change based on our long-term senior unsecured debt ratings. In addition, we have fixed and variable investments classified as cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments. The interest rates earned on our cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments will fluctuate in line with short-term interest rates.

Our market risk profile as of August 2, 2008 has not significantly changed since February 2, 2008. Our market risk profile as of February 2, 2008 is disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s second quarter of fiscal 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

As a multinational company, we are subject to various proceedings, lawsuits, disputes, and claims (“Actions”) arising in the ordinary course of our business. Many of these Actions raise complex factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties. Actions filed against us from time to time include commercial, intellectual property, customer, employment, and securities related claims, including class action lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege that we violated federal and state wage and hour and other laws. The plaintiffs in some Actions seek unspecified damages or injunctive relief, or both. Actions are in various procedural stages, and some are covered in part by insurance.

We cannot predict with assurance the outcome of Actions brought against us. Accordingly, adverse developments, settlements or resolutions may occur and negatively impact earnings in the quarter of such development, settlement or resolution. However, we do not believe that the outcome of any current Action would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows or financial position taken as a whole.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table presents information with respect to purchases of common stock of the Company made during the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 2008 by The Gap, Inc. or any affiliated purchaser, as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act.

 

     Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased
   Average
Price Paid
per Share
   Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs
   Maximum
Number (or
approximate
dollar amount) of
Shares that May
Yet be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs (1)

Month #1 (May 4 - May 31)

   1,856,380    $ 18.44    1,856,380    $ 750 million

Month #2 (June 1 - July 5)

   14,432,297    $ 17.32    14,432,297    $ 500 million

Month #3 (July 6 - August 2)

   —      $ —      —      $ 500 million
               

Total

   16,288,677    $ 17.45    16,288,677   
               

 

(1) On February 27, 2008, our Board of Directors approved $1 billion for share repurchases, which we announced on February 28, 2008. This authorization has no expiration date.

 

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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

a) On June 2, 2008, our Annual Meeting of the Stockholders was held in San Francisco, California. There were 734,240,552 shares of common stock outstanding on the record date and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. A total of 619,814,384 votes were represented at the Annual Meeting.

 

b) The following directors were elected:

 

     Vote For    Vote Withheld

Howard Behar

   582,654,512    37,159,872

Adrian D.P. Bellamy

   578,524,285    41,290,099

Domenico De Sole

   602,821,919    16,992,465

Donald G. Fisher

   598,392,123    21,422,261

Doris F. Fisher

   598,221,155    21,593,229

Robert J. Fisher

   598,559,956    21,254,428

Penelope L. Hughes

   602,780,046    17,034,338

Bob L. Martin

   582,641,929    37,172,455

Jorge P. Montoya

   582,606,175    37,208,209

Glenn K. Murphy

   601,331,737    18,482,647

James M. Schneider

   602,836,908    16,977,476

Mayo A. Shattuck III

   602,244,982    17,569,402

Kneeland C. Youngblood

   602,792,617    17,021,767

There were no abstentions and no broker non-votes.

 

c) The selection of Deloitte & Touche, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2009, was ratified with 611,231,743 votes in favor and 4,707,177 votes against.

There were 3,875,464 abstentions and no broker non-votes.

 

d) Amendment to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan to increase the number of shares of our common stock available for issuance thereunder from 24,500,000 to 32,500,000 was approved with 572,635,416 votes in favor and 5,975,387 votes against.

There were 4,148,486 abstentions and 37,055,095 broker non-votes.

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

31.1*    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of The Gap, Inc. (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
31.2*    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of The Gap, Inc. (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
32.1+    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of The Gap, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2+    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of The Gap, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

* Filed herewith.

 

+ Furnished herewith.

 

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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.

 

    THE GAP, INC.
Date: September 9, 2008     By   

/s/ Glenn K. Murphy

        Glenn K. Murphy
        Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Date: September 9, 2008     By   

/s/ Sabrina L. Simmons

        Sabrina L. Simmons
        Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

31.1*    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of The Gap, Inc. (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
31.2*    Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of The Gap, Inc. (Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
32.1+    Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of The Gap, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2+    Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of The Gap, Inc. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

* Filed herewith.

 

+ Furnished herewith.

 

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