“Momentum in the Brand Can Continue”: Citi Analyst Is Bullish on Ralph Lauren Stock and Sees 18% Upside

FomoAnxiety · 2026-03-24T14:20:04+00:00

Citi upgraded Ralph Lauren Corporation to Buy, raising its price target to $400. This reflects confidence in the brand's resilience amid economic stress, strong earnings forecast, and strategic marketing initiatives aimed at affluent consumers.

FomoAnxiety

2026-03-24 14:20:04

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Citi C +1.94% ▲ upgraded Ralph Lauren Corporation RL +2.80% ▲ to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to $400 from $360. The new target implies about 18% upside. The call comes after a modest pullback in the stock this year, even as shares remain up more than 43% over the past 12 months.

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Citi said the recent dip creates what it calls an “attractive buying opportunity.” The firm expects Ralph Lauren to post a strong fiscal fourth quarter. It now forecasts earnings of $2.77 per share, above the $2.48 consensus and company guidance of about $2.35 to $2.45.

“We have increased confidence that the momentum in the brand can continue,” said five-star analyst Paul Lejuez.

Meanwhile. RL shares rose 2.80% on Monday, closing at $339.11.

Brand Strength and Affluent Demand Support Outlook

At the same time, Lejuez points to steady demand from higher-income shoppers. These consumers tend to hold up better during periods of macro stress. As a result, Ralph Lauren may be better placed than many retail peers.

The analyst also highlighted the company’s push to elevate its brand. The firm said these efforts have “driven strong performance” and should support growth into fiscal 2027.

In addition, marketing deals may add to brand visibility. Ralph Lauren designed Team U.S. outfits for the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics and extended its long-running U.S. Open deal.

Still, the broader setup reflects a split in consumer trends. Wealthier shoppers continue to spend, while lower-income groups pull back. Citi believes Ralph Lauren sits on the stronger side of that divide and could see shares move higher as that trend holds.

Is RL a Good Stock to Buy?

Turning to the Street, Ralph Lauren Corporation has a Strong Buy consensus view, based on 12 analysts’ ratings. The average RL stock price target is $421.67, implying a 24.35% upside from the current price.

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