Gap Gets a Boost From Old Navy, Cost Cutting, and Savings, Sending Shares Soaring

A rebound at Old Navy stores helped Gap (GPS) post better-than-expected results, and shares skyrocketed over 30% in early trading on Friday. However, the company warned about a slow holiday shopping season ahead.

The apparel retailer posted third quarter fiscal 2023 earnings per share (EPS) of $0.59, three times forecasts. Revenue fell 7% from a year ago to $3.77 billion, but that also exceeded estimates. Comparable store sales were down 2%, better than anticipated.

Gap boosted its gross margin by 390 basis points (bps) to 41.3% as the company benefited from cost-cutting measures, lower commodity expenses, and fewer promotions.

Sales at Old Navy were down 1% to $2.13 billion, but comparable store sales advanced 1% on strong demand for clothing for women, children, and babies, as well as an acceleration in the active wear category. Sales declined 15% at its namesake Gap stores, they lost 11% at Banana Republic, and slumped 18% at Athleta. Comparable store sales fell at all three.

CEO Richard Dickson said the results demonstrated Gap’s ability to “drive operating and financial discipline." He added that “this rigor” has put the company on a stronger financial footing.

Gap now anticipates holiday quarter sales to be flat to slightly negative compared to 2022, while analysts had been looking for a rise of 0.3%. It noted that “positive signs at Old Navy and Gap balance the continued work underway at Athleta and Banana Republic.”

Shares of Gap soared to their highest level since January 2022 following the news.