GapGPSBUYOct 12, 2020Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 04, 2026. Market Open.
Really suffering today, despite the good print. Company estimated $300M in costs due to tariffs, but that tariffs will be neutral in the long term. If you're looking for a retail stock, a good name to buy now.
But is retail a good thing to own? It's a very tough trade, just like airlines. You have to be right, and it's very economically sensitive. Jeff Bezos says that, eventually, all retailers go broke.
Part of the "lag trade" of brick-and-mortar mall retailers that sold off this summer, but are coming back with room to run. Their Athleta line competes with Lululemon. People are buying comfortable clothing, now that they work from home (as opposed to business wear). In August's report, Athleta sales were up 19% while Old Navy was up 24%. Brick and mortar took a hit in half, but digital sales which nearly doubled. Banana Republic was the weakest segment though. Store closures are good for the bottom line (bad for workers). The Gap is hiring (not firing) 50,000 seasonal people to shore up its holiday digital sales. Gap trades at a 18x PE, reasonable.