Cintas (CTAS) vs Ralph Lauren (RL)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 8, 2026.
Summary
Ralph Lauren (RL) has outperformed Cintas (CTAS) over the past year, gaining 11.2% versus a gain of 1.2%. Over five years, RL leads with a +204.0% price change compared with +89.6% for CTAS. Cintas is the larger company by market cap ($80.35 billion vs $21.89 billion), about 3.7 times the size, while Ralph Lauren is growing revenue faster (+14.6% vs +8.9%).
On valuation, Ralph Lauren trades at a lower forward P/E (17.5x vs 32.6x for Cintas). Ralph Lauren offers the higher dividend yield (1.02% vs 0.93%). Cintas converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 17.8% versus 11.6%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | CTAS | RL |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $201.12 | $367.39 |
| Market cap | $80.35B | $21.89B |
| 1-day change | +1.99% | +1.73% |
| YTD return | +6.94% | +2.13% |
| 1-year return | +1.16% | +11.20% |
| 5-year return | +89.59% | +204.02% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 39.67 | 23.15 |
| Forward P/E | 32.64 | 17.52 |
| EPS (TTM) | $5.07 | $15.87 |
| Dividend yield | 0.93% | 1.02% |
| Annual dividend | $1.87 | $3.74 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $11.26B | $8.11B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +8.94% | +14.63% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $2.00B | $941.10M |
| Gross margin | 50.67% | 69.87% |
| Operating margin | 23.14% | 14.53% |
| Net margin | 17.75% | 11.60% |
| 52-week high | $219.17 | $421.60 |
| 52-week low | $161.16 | $306.55 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -8.24% | -12.86% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +8.55% | +21.59% |
| Average volume | 2.12M | 624.55K |
| Shares outstanding | 399.52M | 37.70M |
| Employees | 48,100 | 15,600 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Garments and Clothing | Garments and Clothing |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Cintas is about 3.7 times larger than Ralph Lauren by market value ($80.35B vs $21.89B).
- RL has outperformed CTAS by 10.0 percentage points over the past year.
- Cintas trades at a higher earnings multiple (39.7x vs 23.1x trailing P/E).
- Cintas is more profitable, keeping 17.8 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 11.6 cents for Ralph Lauren.
- Ralph Lauren grew revenue faster in its latest fiscal year (+14.63% vs +8.94%).
About Cintas
CTAS stock →Cintas Corporation provides corporate identity uniforms and other garments in the United States, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Uniform Rental and Facility Services, First Aid and Safety Services, and All Other segments.
Industrials · Garments and Clothing · 48,100 employees
About Ralph Lauren
RL stock →Ralph Lauren Corporation designs, markets, and distributes lifestyle products in North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. The company offers apparel, including a range of men's, women's, and children's clothing; footwear and accessories, which comprise casual shoes, dress shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals, eyewear, watches, fashion and fine jewelry, scarves, hats, gloves, and umbrellas, as well as leather goods comprising handbags, luggage, small leather goods, and belts; home products, such as bed and bath lines, furniture, fabric and wall coverings, lighting, dining, floor coverings, decorative accessories, and giftware; and fragrances.
Industrials · Garments and Clothing · 15,600 employees
CTAS vs RL FAQ
Which is bigger, Cintas or Ralph Lauren?
Cintas (CTAS) is larger, with a market capitalization of $80.35B compared with $21.89B for Ralph Lauren (RL).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, CTAS or RL?
RL returned +11.20% over the past 12 months, compared with +1.16% for CTAS (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, CTAS or RL?
RL has the lower trailing P/E at 23.1, versus 39.7 for CTAS. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Cintas or Ralph Lauren?
Ralph Lauren has the higher yield at 1.02%, compared with 0.93% for Cintas.
Are Cintas and Ralph Lauren in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Garments and Clothing industry within the Industrials sector.