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Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2015

The Gap, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, is a global retailer offering apparel, accessories, and personal care products for men, women, and children under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime, Athleta, and Intermix brands. We have Company-operated stores in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Japan, Italy, China, Hong Kong, and as of March 2014, Taiwan. We also have franchise agreements with unaffiliated franchisees to operate Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy stores in many 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

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

Our fiscal year is a 52-week or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal years ended January 31, 2015 (fiscal 2014) and February 1, 2014 (fiscal 2013) consisted of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 (fiscal 2012) consisted of 53 weeks.

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 and Short Term Investments

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments

Cash includes amounts in transit from banks for customer credit card and debit card transactions that process in less than seven days, and funds deposited in banks.

All highly liquid investments with original maturities of 91 days or less are classified as cash equivalents. Highly liquid investments with original maturities of greater than 91 days that will mature less than one year from the balance sheet date are classified as short-term investments. Our cash equivalents and short-term investments are placed primarily in money market funds, time deposits, and commercial paper and are classified as held-to-maturity based on our positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. 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 in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists primarily of cash that serves as collateral for our insurance obligations. Any cash that is legally restricted from use is classified as restricted cash. If the purpose of restricted cash relates to acquiring a long-term asset, liquidating a long-term liability, or is otherwise unavailable for a period longer than one year from the balance sheet date, the restricted cash is included in other long-term assets. Otherwise, restricted cash is included in other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Merchandise Inventory

We value inventory at the lower of cost or market, 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 are recorded at fair value in 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 in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Cash flows from derivative financial instruments are classified as cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

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 15 years
Buildings and building improvements		Up to 39 years
Software		3 to 7 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 in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Costs of maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Lease Rights, Key Money, and Favorable Lease Assets

Lease rights are costs incurred to acquire the right to lease a specific property. A majority of our lease rights are related to premiums paid to landlords, lease buy-out costs, and broker fees. Key money is the amount of funds paid to a landlord or tenant to acquire the rights of tenancy under a commercial property lease. These rights can be subsequently sold by us to a new tenant or the amount of key money paid can potentially be recovered from the landlord should the landlord refuse to allow the automatic right of renewal to be exercised. Lease rights and key money are recorded at cost and are amortized over the corresponding lease term. Lease rights and key money are recorded in other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, net of related amortization.

In connection with our acquisition of Intermix in December 2012, we acquired favorable lease assets as a result of leases with terms that were considered favorable relative to market terms for similar leases as of the date of acquisition. The favorable lease assets are recorded in other long-term assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and recognized as rent expense in cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the remaining term of the leases.

Insurance and Self-Insurance

We retain a portion of the risk for certain losses related to employee health and welfare, workers’ compensation, and general liability claims. Undiscounted liabilities associated with these programs are estimated based primarily on actuarially-determined amounts and are accrued in part by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors, and other actuarial assumptions. These insurance liabilities are recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and lease incentives and other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Asset Retirement Obligations

An asset retirement obligation represents a legal obligation associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset that is incurred upon the acquisition, construction, development, or normal operation of that long-lived asset. The Company’s asset retirement obligations are primarily associated with leasehold improvements that we are contractually obligated to remove at the end of a lease to comply with the lease agreement. We recognize asset retirement obligations at the inception of a lease with such conditions if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The asset retirement obligation is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities and lease incentives and other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is subsequently adjusted for changes in estimated asset retirement obligations. The associated estimated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset and depreciated over its useful life.

Treasury Stock

We previously accounted for treasury stock under the cost method, using the first-in, first-out flow assumption, and we included treasury stock as a component of stockholders’ equity. As of March 1, 2014, the Company retired all existing treasury stock. All common stock repurchased subsequent to March 1, 2014 is immediately retired.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognized for sales transacted at stores when the customer receives and pays for the merchandise at the register. For sales where we ship the merchandise to the customer from the distribution center or store, revenue is recognized at the time the customer receives the product. Amounts related to shipping and handling that are billed to customers are recorded in net sales, and the related costs are recorded in cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenues are presented net of estimated returns and any taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. Allowances for estimated returns are recorded based on estimated margin using our historical return patterns.

We sell merchandise to franchisees under multi-year franchise agreements. We recognize revenue from sales to franchisees at the time merchandise ownership is transferred to the franchisee, which generally occurs when the merchandise reaches the franchisee’s predesignated turnover point. These sales are recorded in net sales, and the related cost of goods sold is recorded in cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. We also receive royalties from franchisees based on a percentage of the total merchandise purchased by the franchisee, net of any refunds or credits due them. Royalty revenue is recognized when merchandise ownership is transferred to the franchisee and is recorded in net sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Classification of Expenses

Cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses include the following:


•	the cost of merchandise;


•	inventory shortage and valuation adjustments;


•	freight charges;


•	shipping and handling costs;


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


•	production costs;


•	insurance costs related to merchandise; and


•	rent, occupancy, depreciation, and amortization related to our store operations, distribution centers, and certain corporate functions.

Operating expenses include the following:


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


•	marketing;


•	general and administrative expenses;


•	costs to design and develop our products;


•	merchandise handling and receiving in distribution centers;


•	distribution center general and administrative expenses;


•	rent, occupancy, depreciation, and amortization for our corporate facilities; and


•	other expenses (income).

Merchandise handling and receiving expenses and distribution center general and administrative expenses recorded in operating expenses were $255 million, $243 million, and $231 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. We receive payments from third parties that provide our customers with private label credit cards and/or co-branded credit cards. The majority of such cash receipts are recorded in other income, which is a component of operating expenses, and the remaining portion of income is recognized as a reduction to cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses.

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 companies.

Rent Expense

Minimum rent expense is recognized over the term of the lease, starting when possession of the property is taken from the landlord, which normally includes a construction period prior to the store opening. When a lease contains a predetermined fixed escalation of the minimum rent, we recognize the related rent expense on a straight-line basis and record the difference between the recognized rent expense and the amounts payable under the lease as a short-term or long-term deferred rent liability. We also receive tenant allowances upon entering into certain leases, which are recorded as a short-term or long-term tenant allowance liability and amortized using the straight-line method as a reduction to rent expense over the term of the lease. A co-tenancy failure by our landlord during the lease term may result in a reduction of the required cash payments made to the landlord for the duration of the co-tenancy failure and is recorded as a reduction to rent expense as the reduced cash payments are made. Costs related to common area maintenance, insurance, real estate taxes, and other occupancy costs the Company is obligated to pay are excluded from minimum rent expense.

Certain leases provide for contingent rents that are not measurable at inception. These contingent rents are primarily based on a percentage of sales that are in excess of a predetermined level and/or rent increase based on a change in the consumer price index or fair market value. These amounts are excluded from minimum rent and are included in the determination of rent expense when it is probable that the expense has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

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 the decision to close a store, corporate facility, or distribution center, or a significant decrease in the operating performance of the long-lived asset. Long-lived assets are considered impaired if the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset or asset group are less than the carrying amount. 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 in 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 risk. 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 primarily at the store level.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

We review the carrying amount of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually 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.

We review goodwill for impairment, as appropriate, by first assessing qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill, as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the two-step test is performed to identify potential goodwill impairment. If it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, it is unnecessary to perform the two-step goodwill impairment test. Based on certain circumstances, we may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test. The first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. The second step includes hypothetically valuing all the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Then, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount.

A reporting unit is an operating segment or a business unit one level below that operating segment, for which discrete financial information is prepared and regularly reviewed by segment management. We have deemed Athleta and Intermix to be the reporting units at which goodwill is tested for Athleta and Intermix, respectively.

A trade name is considered impaired if the estimated fair value of the trade name is less than the carrying amount. 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 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Lease Losses

The decision to close a store, corporate facility, or distribution center can result in accelerated depreciation and amortization over the revised remaining useful lives of the associated long-lived assets. In addition, upon exiting leased premises, we record a charge and corresponding lease loss reserve equal to the incremental amount of the present value of the net future obligation greater than the remaining rent-related deferred balances. The net future obligation is determined as the remaining contractual rent obligations less the amount for which we are able to or expect to be able to sublease the properties. We estimate the amount for which we expect to be able to sublease the properties based on the status of our efforts to sublease vacant office space and stores, a review of real estate market conditions, our projections for sublease income, and our assumptions regarding sublease commencement. Lease losses are recorded in operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Pre-Opening Costs

Pre-opening and start-up activity costs, which include rent and occupancy, supplies, advertising, and payroll expenses incurred prior to the opening of a new store or other facility, are expensed in the period in which they occur.

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 $639 million, $637 million, and $653 million in fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, and is recorded in operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Prepaid catalog expense consists of the cost to prepare, print, and distribute catalogs. Such costs are recorded in other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized over their expected period of future benefit, which is approximately one to eight months.

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 net of estimated forfeitures and revise the estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from the estimates. We estimate the forfeiture rate based on historical data as well as expected future behavior. Share-based compensation expense is recorded primarily in operating expenses in 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

Upon issuance of a gift card, gift certificate, or credit voucher, a liability is established for its cash value. The liability is relieved and net sales are recorded upon redemption by the customer. Over time, some portion of these instruments is not redeemed. We determine breakage income for gift cards, gift certificates, and credit vouchers based on historical redemption patterns. Breakage income is recorded in other income, which is a component of operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income, when we can determine the portion of the liability where redemption is remote. Based on our historical information, three years after the gift card, gift certificate, or credit voucher is issued, we can determine the portion of the liability where redemption is remote. When breakage income is recorded, a liability is recognized for any legal obligation to remit the unredeemed portion to relevant jurisdictions. Substantially all of our gift cards, gift certificates, and credit vouchers have no expiration dates.

Credit Cards

We have credit card agreements (the “Agreements”) with third parties to provide our customers with private label credit cards and/or co-branded credit cards (collectively, the “Credit Cards”). Each private label credit card bears the logo of Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy 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 Gap, Banana Republic, or Old Navy and can be used everywhere VISA credit cards are accepted. A third-party financing company is the sole owner of the accounts and underwrites the credit issued under the Credit Card programs. We receive cash from the third-party financing company in accordance with the Agreements and based on usage of the Credit Cards. We also receive payment from Visa U.S.A. Inc. in accordance with the Agreements and based on specified transactional fees. We recognize income for such cash receipts when the amounts are fixed or determinable and collectibility is reasonably assured, which is generally the time at which the actual usage of the Credit Cards or specified transaction occurs. The majority of the income is recorded in other income, which is a component of operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income, and the remaining portion of income is recognized as a reduction to cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Credit Card programs offer incentives to cardholders in the form of reward certificates upon the cumulative purchase of an established amount. The cost associated with reward points and certificates is accrued as the rewards are earned by the cardholder and is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and in cost of goods sold and occupancy expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Other administrative costs related to the Credit Card programs, including payroll, marketing expenses, and other direct costs, are recorded in operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed as net income divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed as net income divided by the 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

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 in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and in accumulated OCI in the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity. Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the local functional currency are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The aggregate transaction gains and losses recorded in operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income are as follows:



	Fiscal Year
($ in millions)	2014			2013		2012
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)	$	(34	)	$	1	$	(3	)
Realized and unrealized gain from certain derivative financial instruments	28			16		9
Net foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	(6	)	$	17	$	6

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and other gains and losses affecting equity that are excluded from net income. The components of OCI consist of foreign currency translation gains and losses, net of tax, changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax, and reclassification adjustments for realized gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, net of tax.

Income Taxes

Deferred income taxes are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in 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 in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, and interim periods within those years. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an 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. This ASU is effective retrospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently assessing the potential impact of this ASU on our Consolidated Financial Statements.