US' Ralph Lauren posts 14% revenue surge in Q1 FY26, ups outlook

The company’s earnings per diluted share was $3.52, up 35 per cent year-over-year (YoY) on a reported basis, and $3.77, up 40 per cent on an adjusted basis.

The net income for the quarter reached $220 million on a reported basis and $236 million on an adjusted basis. The gross profit stood at $1.2 billion, with a gross margin of 72.3 per cent, up 180 basis points (bps) from the prior year, aided by higher average unit retail (AUR), favourable product and geographic mix, and lower cotton costs. AUR rose 14 per cent across the company’s direct-to-consumer (DTC) network, Ralph Lauren said in a press release.

The operating income totalled $274 million (15.9 per cent margin) on a reported basis, and $293 million (17 per cent margin) on an adjusted basis. Operating margins improved across all key regions, with Asia leading at 30.7 per cent, Europe at 26.4 per cent, and North America at 20.7 per cent.

The company also reported continued progress on its brand-building initiatives. Ralph Lauren acquired 1.4 million new DTC customers in Q1 and reached nearly 66 million social media followers. The quarter featured high-impact events such as the brand’s first-ever fashion show in Shanghai, the MLB World Tour Tokyo Series activations, and a Spring '26 runway show in Milan.

“What we stand for—aspiration, optimism, individuality and authenticity—inspires people in every corner of the world," said Ralph Lauren, executive chairman and chief creative officer at the company. "And we are bringing these values to life and inviting people to step into their dreams in new and powerful ways—from our first-ever fashion presentation in Shanghai this April to our MLB World Tour Tokyo Series activations and our Women's Polo presentation in Paris.”

The company ended the quarter with $2.3 billion in cash and short-term investments and $1.6 billion in total debt. Inventory levels rose 18 per cent to $1.2 billion. Ralph Lauren also repurchased approximately $250 million worth of Class A common stock during the quarter.

“We delivered strong first quarter results across geographies, channels and consumer segments," said Patrice Louvet, president and chief executive officer (CEO) at Ralph Lauren. “While we continue to approach the current global operating environment with prudence, we are encouraged by the broad-based strength in our brand and our businesses as we execute on our long-term strategic priorities—including recruiting new and younger consumers, strengthening our core and high-potential categories, and developing our key city ecosystems in each region."

Looking ahead, the company raised its FY26 guidance. It now expects revenue to increase in the low-to-mid-single digits in constant currency, with foreign exchange expected to provide a 150 to 200 basis point benefit. The operating margin is projected to expand 40 to 60 bps in constant currency, with additional FX benefits.

For the second quarter (Q2), the revenue is expected to grow by high single digits in constant currency, with operating margin expansion of 120 to 160 bps. The company anticipates a tax rate of approximately 19 to 20 per cent for the full year, and 15 to 17 per cent for the second quarter. Capital expenditure for FY26 remains estimated at 4 to 5 per cent of revenue.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)