Interchange Fee Settlements
In March 2025, we entered into settlement agreements to resolve credit card interchange fee litigation matters in which we were a plaintiff. As a result of these lump-sum settlements, we recorded gains within SG&A Expenses of $593 million, net of legal fees.
Commitments and Contingencies
Contingencies
We are exposed to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business and use various methods to resolve these matters in a manner that we believe serves the best interest of our shareholders and other constituents. When a loss is probable, we record an accrual based on the reasonably estimable loss or range of loss. When no point of loss is more likely than another, we record the lowest amount in the estimated range of loss and, if material, disclose the estimated range of loss. We do not record liabilities for reasonably possible loss contingencies, but do disclose a range of reasonably possible losses if they are material and we are able to estimate such a range. If we cannot provide a range of reasonably possible losses, we explain the factors that prevent us from determining such a range. Historically, adjustments to our estimates have not been material. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. We do not believe that any of these identified claims or litigation will be material to our results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.
Commitments
Purchase obligations, which include all legally binding contracts such as merchandise royalties, equipment purchases, marketing-related contracts, software acquisition/license commitments, firm minimum commitments for inventory purchases, and service contracts, were $1.2 billion as of January 31, 2026. These purchase obligations are primarily due within three years and recorded as liabilities when goods are received or services are rendered. Real estate obligations, which include legally binding minimum lease payments for leases signed but not yet commenced, and commitments for the purchase, construction, or remodeling of real estate and facilities, were $1.7 billion as of January 31, 2026. These real estate obligations are primarily due within one year, a portion of which are recorded as liabilities.
We issue inventory purchase orders in the ordinary course of business, which represent authorizations to purchase that are cancellable by their terms. We do not consider purchase orders to be firm inventory commitments. If we choose to cancel a purchase order, we may be obligated to reimburse the vendor for unrecoverable outlays incurred prior to cancellation.
We also issue letters of credit and surety bonds in the ordinary course of business. Trade letters of credit totaled $1.2 billion as of January 31, 2026, a portion of which are reflected in Accounts Payable. Standby letters of credit and surety bonds, primarily related to insurance and regulatory requirements, totaled $667 million as of January 31, 2026.