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Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Feb. 01, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Organization
Organization
The Gap, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a global omni-channel retailer offering apparel, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, Intermix, Janie and Jack, and Hill City brands. We have Company-operated stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Japan, Italy, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mexico. We also have franchise agreements with unaffiliated franchisees to operate Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic stores in over 30 other countries around the world. In addition, our products are available to customers online through Company-owned websites and through the use of third parties that provide logistics and fulfillment services.
Principles of Consolidation
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Gap, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Fiscal Year and Presentation
Fiscal Year and Presentation
Our fiscal year is a 52-week or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal years ended February 1, 2020 (fiscal 2019), and February 2, 2019 (fiscal 2018) consisted of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended February 3, 2018 (fiscal 2017) consisted of 53 weeks.

Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
Cash includes funds deposited in banks and amounts in transit from banks for customer credit card and debit card transactions that process in less than seven days.
All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of purchase are classified as cash equivalents. Our cash equivalents are placed primarily in time deposits and money market funds. With the exception of our available-for-sale investments noted below, we value these investments at their original purchase prices plus interest that has accrued at the stated rate. Income related to these securities is recorded in interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Highly liquid investments with original maturities of greater than three months and less than two years are classified as short-term investments. These investments are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value using market prices.
Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale investments impact net income only when such securities are sold or an other-than-temporary impairment is recognized. Income related to these investments is recorded in interest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for disclosures related to fair value measurements.

Restricted Cash
As of February 1, 2020 and February 3, 2018, restricted cash primarily includes consideration that serves as collateral for our insurance obligations. As of February 2, 2019, restricted cash primarily includes consideration held by a third party in connection with the purchase of a building, as well as consideration that serves as collateral for our insurance obligations. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported in our Consolidated Balance Sheets to the total shown on our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows:
($ in millions)
February 1,
2020
 
February 2,
2019
 
February 3,
2018
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,364

 
$
1,081

 
$
1,783

Restricted cash included in other current assets

 
1

 
1

Restricted cash included in other long-term assets (1)
17

 
338

 
15

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
$
1,381

 
$
1,420

 
$
1,799

__________
(1)
Fiscal 2018 included $320 million of consideration held by a third party in connection with the purchase of a building that was completed in fiscal 2019.
Merchandise Inventory
Merchandise Inventory
We value inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, with cost determined using the weighted-average cost method. We record an adjustment when future estimated selling price is less than cost. We review our inventory levels in order to identify slow-moving merchandise and broken assortments (items no longer in stock in a sufficient range of sizes or colors) and use promotions and markdowns to clear merchandise. In addition, we estimate and accrue shortage for the period between the last physical count and the balance sheet date.
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative Financial Instruments
Derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as other current assets, other long-term assets, accrued expenses and other current liabilities, or lease incentives and other long-term liabilities.
For derivative financial instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative financial instruments is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and is recognized in income in the period in which the underlying transaction impacts the income statement. For derivative financial instruments that are designated and qualify as net investment hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative financial instruments is reported as a component of OCI and is reclassified into income in the period or periods during which the hedged subsidiary is either sold or liquidated (or substantially liquidated). Gains and losses on the derivative financial instruments representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness, if any, are recognized in current income. For derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss on the derivative financial instruments is recorded in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Cash flows from derivative financial instruments are classified as cash flows from operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Property and Equipment
Property and Equipment
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated useful lives are as follows:
Category
 
Term
Leasehold improvements
 
Shorter of remaining lease term or economic life, up to 15 years
Furniture and equipment
 
Up to 10 years
Software
 
3 to 7 years
Buildings and building improvements
 
Up to 39 years

When assets are sold or retired, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, with any resulting gain or loss recorded in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
Asset Retirement Obligations

Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues include merchandise sales at stores, online, and through franchise agreements. We also receive revenue sharing from our credit card agreement for private label and co-branded credit cards, and breakage revenue related to our gift cards, credit vouchers, and outstanding loyalty points, which are realized based upon historical redemption patterns. For online sales and catalog sales, the Company has elected to treat shipping and handling as fulfillment activities and not a separate performance obligation. Accordingly, we recognize revenue for our single performance obligation related to online sales and catalog sales at the time control of the merchandise passes to the customer, which is generally at the time of shipment. We also record an allowance for estimated merchandise returns based on our historical return patterns and various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable, which is presented on a gross basis on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Revenues are presented net of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities.
We have credit card agreements with third parties to provide our customers with private label credit cards and co-branded credit cards (collectively, the “Credit Card programs"). Each private label credit card bears the logo of Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta and can be used at any of our U.S. or Canadian store locations and online. The co-branded credit card is a VISA credit card bearing the logo of Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta and can be used everywhere VISA credit cards are accepted. The Credit Card programs offer incentives to cardholders in the form of reward certificates upon the cumulative purchase of an established amount. 
Synchrony Financial ("Synchrony"), a third-party financing company, is the sole owner of the accounts and underwrites the credit issued under the Credit Card programs. Our agreement with Synchrony provides for certain payments to be made to us, including a share of revenue from the performance of the credit card portfolios and reimbursements of loyalty program discounts. We have identified separate performance obligations related to our credit card agreement that includes both providing a license and an obligation to redeem loyalty points issued under the loyalty rewards program. Our obligation to provide a license is satisfied when the subsequent sale or usage occurs and our obligation to redeem loyalty points is deferred until those loyalty points are redeemed.
Prior to fiscal 2018, income received related to our Credit Card programs was recorded within operating expenses and cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses. With the adoption of new revenue recognition standard, income related to our Credit Card programs is now classified within net sales on our Consolidated Statements of Income.
We defer revenue when cash payments are received in advance of performance for unsatisfied obligations related to our gift cards, credit vouchers, outstanding loyalty points, and reimbursements of loyalty program discounts associated with our credit card agreement.
We also have franchise agreements with unaffiliated franchisees to operate Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy stores in a number of countries throughout Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Under these agreements, third parties operate, or will operate, stores that sell apparel and related products under our brand names. We have identified separate performance obligations related to our franchise agreements that include both providing our franchise partners with a license and an obligation to supply franchise partners with our merchandise. Our obligation to provide a license is satisfied when the subsequent sale or usage occurs and our obligation to supply franchise partners with our merchandise is satisfied when control transfers.
Classification of Expenses
Classification of Expenses
Cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses include the following:
the cost of merchandise;
inventory shortage and valuation adjustments;
freight charges;
online shipping and packaging costs;
cost associated with our sourcing operations, including payroll, benefits, and other administrative expenses;
lease and other occupancy related cost, depreciation, and amortization related to our store operations, distribution centers, information technology, and certain corporate functions; and
gains and losses associated with foreign currency derivative contracts used to hedge forecasted merchandise purchases and related costs denominated in U.S. dollars made by our international subsidiaries whose functional currencies are their local currencies.
Operating expenses include the following:
payroll, benefits, and other administrative expenses for our store operations, field management, and distribution centers;
payroll, benefits, and other administrative expenses for our corporate functions, including product design and development;
marketing;
information technology expenses and maintenance costs;
lease and other occupancy related cost, depreciation, and amortization for our corporate facilities;
research and development expenses;
gains and losses associated with foreign currency derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments;
third party credit card processing fees; and
other expenses (income).
Payroll, benefits, and other administrative expenses for our distribution centers recorded in operating expenses were $293 million, $316 million, and $297 million in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Research and development costs described in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") No. 730 are expensed as incurred. These costs include expenditures for new innovative products and technological improvements for existing products and process innovation, which primarily consist of payroll and related benefits attributable to time spent on research and development activities. Research and development expenses recorded in operating expenses under ASC 730 were $41 million, $50 million, and $51 million in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
The classification of expenses varies across the apparel retail industry. Accordingly, our cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses and operating expenses may not be comparable to those of other co
Rent Expense

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We review the carrying amount of long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Events that result in an impairment review include a significant decrease in the operating performance of the long-lived asset, or the decision to close a store, corporate facility, or distribution center. Long-lived assets are considered impaired if the carrying amount exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group over the estimated remaining lease term. The asset group is defined as the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are available and largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets, which for our retail stores is at the store level. The asset group is comprised of both property and equipment and operating lease assets. For impaired assets, we recognize a loss equal to the difference between the carrying amount of the asset or asset group and its estimated fair value, which is recorded in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The estimated fair value of the asset or asset group is based on discounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group using a discount rate commensurate with the related risk. For operating lease assets, the Company determines the fair value of the assets by discounting the estimated market rental rates over the remaining term of the lease. These estimates can be affected by factors such as future store results, real estate demand, store closure plans, property specific discount rate and economic conditions that can be difficult to predict.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets
We review the carrying amount of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Events that result in an impairment review include significant changes in the business climate, declines in our operating results, or an expectation that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We assess potential impairment by considering present economic conditions as well as future expectations. If goodwill is considered impaired, we recognize a loss equal to the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the reporting unit.
A trade name is considered impaired if the carrying amount exceeds its estimated fair value. If a trade name is considered impaired, we recognize a loss equal to the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the trade name. The fair value of a trade name is determined using the relief from royalty method, which requires management to make assumptions and to apply judgment, including forecasting future sales and expenses, and selecting appropriate discount rates and royalty rates.
Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, including the trade names, are recorded in other long-term assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Pre-Opening Costs  
Advertising
Advertising
Costs associated with the production of advertising, such as writing, copy, printing, and other costs, are expensed as incurred. Costs associated with communicating advertising that has been produced, such as television and magazine costs, are expensed when the advertising event takes place. Advertising expense was $687 million, $650 million, and $673 million in fiscal 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, and is recorded in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation expense for stock options and other stock awards is determined based on the grant-date fair value. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options, which requires the input of subjective assumptions regarding the expected term, expected volatility, dividend yield, and risk-free interest rate. For units granted whereby one share of common stock is issued for each unit as the unit vests (“Stock Units”), the fair value is determined based on the Company’s stock price on the date of grant less future expected dividends during the vesting period. For stock options and Stock Units, we recognize share-based compensation cost over the vesting period. We account for forfeitures as they occur. Share-based compensation expense is recorded primarily in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income over the period during which the employee is required to provide service in exchange for stock options and Stock Units.
Unredeemed Gift Cards, Gift Certificates, and Credit Vouchers .
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed as net income divided by basic weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed as net income divided by diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period including 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. Stock options and other stock awards that contain performance conditions are not included in the calculation of common stock equivalents until such performance conditions have been achieved.
Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency
Our international subsidiaries primarily use local currencies as their functional currency and translate their assets and liabilities at the current rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses from their operations are translated using rates that approximate those in effect during the period in which the transactions occur. The resulting gains and losses from translation are recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and in accumulated OCI on the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. Transaction gains and losses resulting from intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature are also classified as accumulated OCI. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the local functional currency are recorded in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The aggregate transaction gains and losses recorded in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income are as follows:
 
 
Fiscal Year
($ in millions)
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)
 
$
1

 
$
(32
)
 
$
31

Realized and unrealized gain (loss) from certain derivative financial instruments
 
4

 
34

 
(30
)
Net foreign exchange gain
 
$
5

 
$
2

 
$
1


Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts on the Consolidated Financial Statements. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Our income tax expense includes changes in our estimated liability for exposures associated with our various tax filing positions. At any point in time, many tax years are subject to or in the process of being audited by various taxing authorities. To the extent our estimates of settlements change or the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the income tax provision in the period in which such determinations are made.
The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company has made an accounting policy election to treat taxes due on the global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) of foreign subsidiaries as a current period expense.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Except as noted below, the Company has considered all recent accounting pronouncements and has concluded that there are no recent accounting pronouncements that may have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements, based on current information.
Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted
Leases
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. Under the new guidance, lessees are required to recognize a lease liability and an operating lease asset at the commencement date. We adopted ASC 842 on February 3, 2019 using the optional transition method, which allows for the prospective application of the standard. As of the effective date, we recorded a decrease to opening retained earnings of $86 million, net of tax, which consisted primarily of impairment charges for certain store and operating lease assets. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the standard, which allowed us to carry forward our historical lease classification, to not reassess prior conclusions related to initial direct costs, and to not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases. The adoption of ASC 842 resulted in the recording of operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities of $5.7 billion and $6.6 billion, respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of February 3, 2019.
See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for related disclosures.
Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The amendments are intended to better align an entity's risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. In addition, this guidance amends and expands disclosure requirements. We adopted this ASU on a prospective basis on February 3, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for related disclosures.
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to clarify the principles of recognizing revenue and create common revenue recognition guidance between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.
On February 4, 2018, we adopted ASU No. 2014-09 and related amendments (collectively “ASC 606”) using the modified retrospective transition method and recorded an increase to opening retained earnings of $36 million, net of tax, related primarily to breakage revenue for gift cards and credit vouchers, outstanding loyalty points, and reimbursements of loyalty program discounts. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.
For fiscal 2018, the impact of applying ASC 606 primarily resulted in an increase in net sales driven by a reclassification of $443 million for revenue sharing associated with our credit card programs and breakage revenue for gift cards and credit vouchers, which were previously recorded as a reduction to operating expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Income. Net sales for fiscal 2018 also increased by $176 million due to the reclassification of reimbursements of loyalty program discounts associated with our Credit Card programs, which were previously recorded as a reduction to cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses on our Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no other material impacts to the Consolidated Statements of Income resulting from the application of ASC 606 during fiscal 2018.
See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for related disclosures.
Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted
ASU No. 2018-15, Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. The ASU is intended to align the requirements for capitalization of implementation costs incurred in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract with the existing guidance for internal-use software. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2019. The guidance provides flexibility in adoption, allowing for either retrospective adjustment or prospective adjustment for all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption. We do not expect that the adoption of this ASU will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The ASU is intended to enhance and simplify aspects of the income tax accounting guidance in ASC 740 as part of the FASB's simplification initiative. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance may have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.