GIL
Gildan Activewear Inc.
Apparel - Manufacturers
Market Cap$9.09B
5Y Perf.+327.2%
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Stock Comparison
GIL vs RL
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
RL
Ralph Lauren Corporation
Apparel - Manufacturers
Market Cap$47.87B
5Y Perf.+368.2%
GIL vs RL — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | GIL | RL |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Apparel - Manufacturers | Apparel - Manufacturers |
| Market Cap | $9.09B | $47.87B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $3.63B | $7.83B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $400M | $919M |
| Gross Margin | 31.0% | 69.6% |
| Operating Margin | 19.5% | 15.0% |
| Forward P/E | 13.8x | 21.7x |
| Total Debt | $4.87B | $2.67B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $284M | $1.92B |
GIL vs RL — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
GIL
RL
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gildan Activewear I… (GIL) | 100 | 427.2 | +327.2% |
| Ralph Lauren Corpor… (RL) | 100 | 468.2 | +368.2% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: GIL vs RL
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: GIL leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Ralph Lauren Corporation is the stronger pick specifically for profitability and margin quality and recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
GIL
Gildan Activewear Inc.
The Income Pick
GIL carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 5 yrs, beta 1.22, yield 1.5%
- Rev growth 12.5%, EPS growth 7.7%, 3Y rev CAGR 4.3%
- Lower volatility, beta 1.22, current ratio 2.11x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
RL
Ralph Lauren Corporation
The Long-Run Compounder
RL is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding.
- 319.2% 10Y total return vs GIL's 117.4%
- 11.7% margin vs GIL's 11.0%
- +48.6% vs GIL's +29.1%
Best for: long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | GIL | 12.5% revenue growth vs RL's 6.7% |
| Value | GIL | Lower P/E (13.8x vs 21.7x) |
| Quality / Margins | RL | 11.7% margin vs GIL's 11.0% |
| Stability / Safety | GIL | Beta 1.22 vs RL's 1.50 |
| Dividends | GIL | 1.5% yield, 5-year raise streak, vs RL's 0.9% |
| Momentum (1Y) | RL | +48.6% vs GIL's +29.1% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | RL | 11.8% ROA vs GIL's 7.1%, ROIC 20.6% vs 9.8% |
GIL vs RL — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2020
GIL vs RL — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLGILLAGGINGRL
RLRalph Lauren Corporat…
2leads
GILGildan Activewear Inc.
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs RLMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
Tied
—
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
GIL6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
RL9/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
RL6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
GIL2/2
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
Evenly matched — GIL and RL each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
RL is the larger business by revenue, generating $7.8B annually — 2.2x GIL's $3.6B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 11.7% (RL) to 11.0% (GIL). On growth, GIL holds the edge at +33.2% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | GILGildan Activewear… | RLRalph Lauren Corp… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $3.6B | $7.8B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $855M | $1.4B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $400M | $919M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $483M | $695M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +31.0% | +69.6% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +19.5% | +15.0% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +11.0% | +11.7% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +13.3% | +8.9% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +33.2% | +12.2% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -58.1% | +24.7% |
Evenly matched — GIL and RL each lead in 3 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
GIL leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 22.4x trailing earnings, GIL trades at a 26% valuation discount to RL's 30.5x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, GIL's 15.4x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than RL's 42.2x.
| Metric | GILGildan Activewear… | RLRalph Lauren Corp… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $9.1B | $47.9B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $13.7B | $48.6B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 22.42x | 30.45x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 13.82x | 21.72x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 1.65x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 15.41x | 42.21x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 2.47x | 6.76x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 2.56x | 8.74x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 19.05x | 46.98x |
GIL leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
RL leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
RL delivers a 31.8% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $32 in annual profit, vs $20 for GIL. RL carries lower financial leverage with a 1.03x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to GIL's 1.37x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), RL scores 8/9 vs GIL's 4/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | GILGildan Activewear… | RLRalph Lauren Corp… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +20.3% | +31.8% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +7.1% | +11.8% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +9.8% | +20.6% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +13.2% | +18.6% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 4 | 8 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 1.37x | 1.03x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $4.6B | $746M |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $284M | $1.9B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $4.9B | $2.7B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 4.76x | 23.25x |
RL leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
RL leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in RL five years ago would be worth $26,443 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $17,255 for GIL. Over the past 12 months, RL leads with a +48.6% total return vs GIL's +29.1%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors RL at 48.2% vs GIL's 27.3% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | GILGildan Activewear… | RLRalph Lauren Corp… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -5.2% | -2.2% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +29.1% | +48.6% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +106.2% | +225.3% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +72.6% | +164.4% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +117.4% | +319.2% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +27.3% | +48.2% |
RL leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — GIL and RL each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
GIL is the less volatile stock with a 1.22 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than RL's 1.50 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. RL currently trades 89.9% from its 52-week high vs GIL's 80.6% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | GILGildan Activewear… | RLRalph Lauren Corp… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.22x | 1.50x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $73.70 | $393.41 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $46.00 | $237.83 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +80.6% | +89.9% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 55.7 | 54.8 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 1.3M | 532K |
Evenly matched — GIL and RL each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
GIL leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates GIL as "Buy" and RL as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 38.3% upside for GIL (target: $82) vs 21.3% for RL (target: $429). For income investors, GIL offers the higher dividend yield at 1.51% vs RL's 0.89%.
| Metric | GILGildan Activewear… | RLRalph Lauren Corp… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Buy | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $82.17 | $428.75 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 29 | 48 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.5% | +0.9% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 5 | 4 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.90 | $3.14 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | +2.4% | +1.0% |
GIL leads this category, winning 2 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
GIL leads in 2 of 6 categories (Valuation Metrics, Analyst Outlook). RL leads in 2 (Profitability & Efficiency, Total Returns). 2 tied.
Best OverallGildan Activewear Inc. (GIL)Leads 2 of 6 categories
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GIL vs RL: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is GIL or RL a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Gildan Activewear Inc.
(GIL) is the stronger pick with 12. 5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus 6. 7% for Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL). Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL) offers the better valuation at 22. 4x trailing P/E (13. 8x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL) a "Buy" — based on 29 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — GIL or RL?
On trailing P/E, Gildan Activewear Inc.
(GIL) is the cheapest at 22. 4x versus Ralph Lauren Corporation at 30. 5x. On forward P/E, Gildan Activewear Inc. is actually cheaper at 13. 8x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — GIL or RL?
Over the past 5 years, Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) delivered a total return of +164.
4%, compared to +72. 6% for Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: RL returned +319. 2% versus GIL's +117. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — GIL or RL?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Gildan Activewear Inc.
(GIL) is the lower-risk stock at 1. 22β versus Ralph Lauren Corporation's 1. 50β — meaning RL is approximately 23% more volatile than GIL relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 103% versus 137% for Gildan Activewear Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — GIL or RL?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Gildan Activewear Inc.
(GIL) is pulling ahead at 12. 5% versus 6. 7% for Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Ralph Lauren Corporation grew EPS 19. 4% year-over-year, compared to 7. 7% for Gildan Activewear Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, RL leads at 4. 4% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — GIL or RL?
Gildan Activewear Inc.
(GIL) is the more profitable company, earning 11. 0% net margin versus 10. 5% for Ralph Lauren Corporation — meaning it keeps 11. 0% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: GIL leads at 19. 8% versus 13. 2% for RL. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — RL leads at 68. 6%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is GIL or RL more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Gildan Activewear Inc.
(GIL) trades at 13. 8x forward P/E versus 21. 7x for Ralph Lauren Corporation — 7. 9x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for GIL: 38. 3% to $82. 17.
08Which pays a better dividend — GIL or RL?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL) offers the highest yield at 1. 5%, versus 0. 9% for Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL).
09Is GIL or RL better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Gildan Activewear Inc.
(GIL) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 1. 22), 1. 5% yield, +117. 4% 10Y return). Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) carries a higher beta of 1. 50 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (GIL: +117. 4%, RL: +319. 2%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between GIL and RL?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Cyclical sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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Revenue Growth>
%
(GIL: 33.2% · RL: 12.2%)Net Margin>
%
(GIL: 11.0% · RL: 11.7%)P/E Ratio<
x
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