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

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 September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

Compare

Total returnRL vs ULTA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 10y
RL +297.1% (+14.8%/yr)ULTA +123.5% (+8.4%/yr)RL compounded faster over this window
100200300400500Start $10020182020202220242026$397$224
RL ULTA

RL vs ULTA: by the numbers

  • ULTA is the larger company ($23.51B vs $20.68B market cap).
  • ULTA trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (19.90 vs 21.38 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • RL converts more revenue to profit (11.76% vs 9.34% net margin).
  • ULTA grew revenue faster over the past five years (11.09% vs 9.57% CAGR).
  • RL pays a dividend (1.11% yield), while ULTA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricRLULTA
P/E ratio21.3819.90
Forward P/E17.9218.86
P/S ratio2.481.81
P/B ratio7.608.89
EV / EBITDA14.8013.28
FCF yield5.04%4.54%

Profitability

MetricRLULTA
Gross margin70.27%39.32%
Operating margin14.94%12.56%
Net margin11.76%9.34%
ROE36.11%45.77%
ROIC17.08%23.11%

Dividends

MetricRLULTA
Dividend yield1.11%N/A
Payout ratio23.57%N/A

Growth (annualized)

MetricRLULTA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)9.57%11.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)20.37%52.46%
FCF CAGR (5Y)12.29%0.06%
Total return CAGR (5Y)26.68%7.24%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, RL or ULTA?
ULTA has the lower trailing P/E: RL trades at 21.38 and ULTA at 19.90. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, RL or ULTA?
Over the past five years, ULTA grew revenue faster — RL at a 9.57% CAGR versus ULTA at 11.09%.
Does RL or ULTA pay a bigger dividend?
RL pays a dividend (1.11% yield), while ULTA is a former payer with no current dividend run rate.
Is RL or ULTA more profitable?
RL runs the higher net margin — RL at 11.76% versus ULTA at 9.34%.
How have RL and ULTA total returns compared?
Over the past 10 years, RL delivered 15.00% and ULTA delivered 8.54% annualized total return. 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 September 10, 2026.