Estee Lauder Companies Inc vs Unilever plc — how do they compare? Estee Lauder Companies Inc trades at $82.54 (market cap $29.78B), while Unilever plc trades at $62.02 (market cap $129.57B). The key difference: Unilever plc is far larger — about 4.4× Estee Lauder Companies Inc's market cap, and Unilever plc pays the higher dividend (3.71%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EL | UL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $29.78B | $129.57B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $119.61 | $74.59 |
52-Week Low | $67.23 | $55.05 |
Enterprise Value | $35.95B | $155.02B |
Dividend Yield | 1.7% | 3.71% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Estée Lauder (EL) trades at $80.86, down 0.36% on the day, with a bearish technical signal and recent earnings beats. The stock shows a high P/E of 147.8 and negative net income margin of -1.67%, though revenue remains substantial at $14.33 billion for 2025. Recent news highlights innovation in beauty trends, but cash flow trends show net outflows over recent years.
Outlook is mixed: analyst consensus targets $90.60 with 44% buy ratings, but high valuation and profitability challenges pose risks. Recovery depends on margin improvement and sustained revenue growth amid competitive pressures.
Unilever (UL) trades at $60.84, down 1.04% today, with a bullish technical signal supported by moving averages. The company reported $60.76B in 2024 revenue with a net income margin of 18.75%, though recent quarters show EPS misses against expectations. A pending food business deal with McCormick and a $0.54 dividend highlight strategic moves. Cash flow from operations remains strong at $9.52B, but debt levels have risen slightly.
Outlook is mixed: valuation ratios appear reasonable, and dividend stability offers income appeal, but earnings misses and competitive pressures pose risks. Analyst consensus is neutral with 51% hold ratings. Investors should weigh execution on growth initiatives against macroeconomic headwinds affecting consumer staples.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Estee Lauder is the world leader in the global prestige beauty market, participating across skincare (56% of fiscal 2022 sales), makeup (26%), fragrance (14%), and haircare (4%) categories, with popular brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, Jo Malone, Aveda, Bobbi Brown, Too Faced, Origins, Dr. Jart+, and The Ordinary. The firm operates in 150 countries, with 26% of fiscal 2022 revenue stemming from the Americas, 43% from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and 31% from Asia-Pacific. The company sells its products through department stores, travel retail, multi-brand specialty beauty stores, brand-dedicated freestanding stores, e-commerce, salons/spas, and perfumeries.
Read more on EL →Unilever is a diversified personal product (42% of 2021 sales by value), home care (20%), and packaged food (38%) company. Its brands include Knorr soups and sauces, Hellmann's mayonnaise, Lipton teas, Axe and Dove skin products, and the TRESemme haircare brand. The firm has been acquisitive in recent years
Read more on UL →