Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) vs Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL)

DRI and RL are evenly matched — 8 metrics each of 16.

A side-by-side comparison of Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Ralph Lauren Corporation across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 19, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — DRI vs RL

growth of $100 · last 29y
DRI +3711.6%RL +1211.1%DRI compounded faster
01k2k3k4kStart $10020022007201220172022$3,812$1,311
DRI RL

DRI vs RL: by the numbers

  • RL is the larger company ($25.19B vs $24.45B market cap).
  • DRI trades at the lower earnings multiple (22.59 vs 27.33 P/E).
  • RL converts more revenue to profit (11.60% vs 8.66% net margin).
  • RL grew revenue faster over the past five years (13.01% vs 12.79% CAGR).
  • DRI pays the higher dividend yield (2.81% vs 0.88%).

Which is better, DRI or RL?

Metric tally: DRI 8 · RL 8

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueDRI(lower P/E)
IncomeDRI(higher dividend yield)
QualityRL(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricDRIRL
P/E ratio22.5927.33
Forward P/E18.7422.52
P/S ratio1.953.17
P/B ratio11.849.06
PEG ratio5.440.71
EV / EBITDA15.8218.95
FCF yield6.29%2.90%

Profitability

MetricDRIRL
Gross margin44.03%69.87%
Operating margin11.62%14.53%
Net margin8.66%11.60%
ROE52.55%33.13%
ROIC11.40%19.62%

Dividends

MetricDRIRL
Dividend yield2.81%0.88%
Payout ratio67.19%23.67%

Growth (annualized)

MetricDRIRL
Revenue CAGR (5Y)12.79%13.01%
EPS CAGR (5Y)7.54%20.37%
FCF CAGR (5Y)31.89%22.25%
Total return CAGR (5Y)14.11%32.21%

Frequently asked

Which is better, DRI or RL?
It depends on your goal. value: DRI (lower P/E); income: DRI (higher dividend yield); quality: RL (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, they are evenly matched.
Is DRI or RL cheaper?
On trailing earnings, DRI is cheaper: DRI trades at a 22.59 P/E and RL at 27.33.
Which has grown faster, DRI or RL?
Over the past five years, RL grew revenue faster — DRI at a 12.79% CAGR versus RL at 13.01%.
Does DRI or RL pay a bigger dividend?
DRI yields 2.81% and RL yields 0.88% based on trailing dividends and the latest price.
Is DRI or RL more profitable?
RL runs the higher net margin — DRI at 8.66% versus RL at 11.60%.
Which has been the better investment, DRI or RL?
Over the past 10-year, RL delivered the higher annualized total return — DRI at 15.48% versus RL at 18.05%. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified June 19, 2026.