# Gap outlines 2026 financial targets The company lowers sales growth expectations while aiming to maintain profit margins. - **Source:** [Breaking News on Seeking Alpha](https://brifing.si/source/9a596115-e1cc-45e7-b5ba-070be9ea2998) - **Published:** 2026-08-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b7aa4cc8-e963-49b7-a58a-e63dc519ab06 ## Gap's 2026 targets Gap Inc. forecasts adjusted earnings per share of $2.35-$2.45 for fiscal year 2026. The company also narrowed its net sales growth expectation to 1%-1.5%. This revision was made due to challenging retail conditions and consumer spending uncertainties. Gap announced it will focus on cost control to maintain profit margins. ## 2025 performance and 2026 outlook Gap recorded 3% net sales growth in fiscal 2025 but projects more modest growth for 2026. The CFO cited macroeconomic uncertainties affecting consumer demand. However, operational efficiency efforts are expected to support margins. Investors responded positively to this conservative guidance. ## Brand performance analysis The Gap brand grew 2% in 2025, while Old Navy showed 4% growth. Banana Republic sales declined 1%. Athleta led with 7% growth. The company expects Athleta and Old Navy to remain growth drivers in 2026. The Gap brand's transformation strategy will continue. ## Retail sector challenges The US retail sector expects 2-3% growth in 2026. Inflation and high interest rates pressure consumer spending. Mid-market players like Gap face squeeze between premium and discount brands. The company focuses on price competitiveness to maintain market share. ## Operational efficiency plans Gap aims to achieve $100 million in savings in 2026. Supply chain optimization and inventory management will be key focus areas. The company plans to increase digital channels' share to 40% of sales. Store optimization may include closing 50-70 locations. ## Investor reactions Analysts find Gap's conservative guidance reasonable. Morgan Stanley rates the stock 'equal weight'. JP Morgan praised cost control efforts. The share price rose 1.5% after the announcement. The company's market cap currently stands at $7.2 billion. ## Competitive landscape Gap competes with global rivals like H&M and Zara. In the US, it faces competition from Target and Kohl's. Amazon's pressure in online retail grows. The company aims to differentiate through private label strategy and sustainability-focused collections. ## Long-term strategy Gap bases its 2026 projections on the 'New Transformation Plan'. Strengthening brand identity and customer loyalty are priorities. Digital transformation investments will continue. The company targets 3-5% annual sales growth and over 10% profit margins by 2028. ## Sources covering this story - https://seekingalpha.com/news/4637740-gap-outlines-2026-adjusted-eps-of-2_35-2_45-while-narrowing-net-sales-growth-to-1?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._