Jim Cramer Calls Ralph Lauren Stock Top Apparel Pick Before Thursday Earnings

Jim Cramer named Ralph Lauren his favorite apparel stock ahead of Thursday’s earnings report, citing a 380% gain since late 2022 versus the S&P 500’s roughly 110% rise. Ralph Lauren reported adjusted earnings per share of $4.59 and revenue of $1.96 billion for its fiscal first quarter on Aug. 6, beating estimates and raising its full-year outlook; it guided second-quarter revenue growth of 5% to 6% excluding currency swings. Analysts expect adjusted EPS of about $4.22, up from $3.79 a year earlier. Cramer attributed the stock’s performance to a shift toward direct-to-consumer sales and fewer wholesale outlets. Tapestry, the parent of Coach, fell more than 20% after an August report on guidance Cramer called in line and reports that morning.