IntroductionGap, operates as a worldwide clothing retail company. It offers clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women and children. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. In order to analyze its performance, the following financial ratios were used and compared to the industry average and its main competitors (Ralph Lauren, H&M, Aeropostale and American Eagles Outfitters). LeverageAfter calculating GAP's debt ratio, we realize that the amount of its financial leverage increased considerably during 2011. At the start of 2011, the company's debt could suggest a conservative management reluctant to take risks. On the other hand, in early 2012 things changed and GAP took more risks, becoming healthier and thus having an equal mix of debt and equity over the other 4 years. When compared to its competitors, it is possible to see that GAP has more consistent financial leverage. As can be seen in the ratio analysis, Ralph Lauren, one of its main competitors, has...