RL Beats Q3 Earnings & Revenue Estimates on Strong Holiday Result

Core Insights - Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with both revenue and earnings exceeding expectations, driven by robust holiday demand across various regions and channels [2][3][8] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share reached $6.22, surpassing the consensus estimate of $5.80, and increased by 29% from $4.82 in the same quarter last year [3] - Net revenues grew 12% year over year to $2,406 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,318 million, with a 10% increase on a constant-currency basis [3] - Global direct-to-consumer comparable store sales rose in high-single digits, supported by balanced growth in physical and digital channels, while global wholesale sales experienced robust double-digit growth [4] Regional Performance - North America: Revenues increased by 8% year over year to $1.1 billion, with retail channel comps rising 7% [7] - Europe: Revenues rose 12% year over year to $676 million, with a 4% increase on a currency-neutral basis [9] - Asia: Revenues increased by 22% year over year to $620 million, with comps up 20% [10] Margin and Cost Analysis - Adjusted gross profit margin expanded by 150 basis points year over year to 69.9%, driven by strong average unit retail growth and a favorable product mix [11] - Adjusted operating income was $503 million, with an adjusted operating margin increasing by 220 basis points to 20.9% [12] Financial Position - As of the end of the third quarter, the company had cash and short-term investments of $2.3 billion, total debt of $1.3 million, and total shareholders' equity of $2.9 billion [13] - Inventory increased by 15% year over year to $1.1 billion [13] - The company repurchased nearly $37 million of Class A Common Stock and returned about $500 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases [14] Future Outlook - Following strong Q3 results, Ralph Lauren raised its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting revenue growth in the high-single to low-double digits on a constant currency basis [16][17] - For the fiscal fourth quarter, revenues are expected to grow in mid-single digits on a constant currency basis, with foreign currency expected to aid revenues by 200-300 basis points [20]