Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) vs Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA)

ULTA leads on 9 of 15 compared metrics.

A side-by-side comparison of Ralph Lauren Corporation and Ulta Beauty, Inc. across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of June 15, 2026. The ● marks the stronger figure on each row (cheaper multiple, higher margin/return).

Compare

Total return — RL vs ULTA

growth of $100 · last 19y
RL +500.7%ULTA +1468.5%ULTA compounded faster
05001k2k2k3kStart $1002011201520192023$601$1,569
RL ULTA

RL vs ULTA: by the numbers

  • RL is the larger company ($24.64B vs $20.11B market cap).
  • ULTA trades at the lower earnings multiple (17.53 vs 26.74 P/E).
  • RL converts more revenue to profit (11.60% vs 9.36% net margin).
  • RL pays a dividend (0.90% yield) while ULTA does not currently pay one.

Which is better, RL or ULTA?

Metric tally: RL 6 · ULTA 9

It depends on what you're optimizing for:

ValueULTA(lower P/E)
QualityULTA(higher ROIC)

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricRLULTA
P/E ratio26.7417.53
Forward P/E22.0314.65
P/S ratio3.101.62
P/B ratio8.867.97
PEG ratio0.7122.87
EV / EBITDA22.2212.53
FCF yield2.96%5.10%

Profitability

MetricRLULTA
Gross margin69.87%39.33%
Operating margin14.53%12.54%
Net margin11.60%9.36%
ROE33.13%46.06%
ROIC19.62%22.76%

Dividends

MetricRLULTA
Dividend yield0.90%
Payout ratio23.67%

Growth (annualized)

MetricRLULTA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)13.01%12.93%
EPS CAGR (5Y)20.37%52.49%
FCF CAGR (5Y)22.25%0.55%
Total return CAGR (5Y)29.56%6.68%

Frequently asked

Which is better, RL or ULTA?
It depends on your goal. value: ULTA (lower P/E); quality: ULTA (higher ROIC). Across all compared metrics, ULTA leads 9 to 6.
Is RL or ULTA cheaper?
On trailing earnings, ULTA is cheaper: RL trades at a 26.74 P/E and ULTA at 17.53.
Which has grown faster, RL or ULTA?
Over the past five years, RL grew revenue faster — RL at a 13.01% CAGR versus ULTA at 12.93%.
Does RL or ULTA pay a bigger dividend?
RL pays a dividend (0.90% yield) while ULTA does not currently pay one.
Is RL or ULTA more profitable?
RL runs the higher net margin — RL at 11.60% versus ULTA at 9.36%.
Which has been the better investment, RL or ULTA?
Over the past 10-year, RL delivered the higher annualized total return — RL at 17.77% versus ULTA at 6.90%. 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 15, 2026.