Unilever plc vs Williams Companies Inc — how do they compare? Unilever plc trades at $62.45 (market cap $136.96B), while Williams Companies Inc trades at $75.29 (market cap $92.75B). The key difference: Unilever plc is the larger of the two by market cap, and Unilever plc pays the higher dividend (3.34%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| UL | WMB | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $136.96B | $92.75B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Energy |
52-Week High | $74.59 | $79.40 |
52-Week Low | $55.05 | $56.51 |
Enterprise Value | $162.94B | $123.38B |
Dividend Yield | 3.34% | 2.77% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
Unilever (UL) trades at $63.54, down 1.03% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but neutral oscillators. Recent earnings misses contrast with strong profitability, including a net income margin of 18.32% and ROE of 54.57% for 2025. The company reported its strongest quarterly volume growth in over a decade in Q2 2026, raising its full-year outlook, while strategic shifts include focusing on beauty and personal care and a planned $65 billion merger with McCormick.
The outlook is mixed: robust fundamentals and strategic refocusing support long-term growth, particularly in emerging markets, but consistent earnings misses and a high P/E ratio of 21.46 pose valuation concerns. Risks include integration challenges from the McCormick deal and competitive pressures. Analyst consensus is divided, with 24% buy ratings, highlighting cautious optimism amid execution uncertainties.
Williams Companies (WMB) trades at $75.83, up 2.27% with strong analyst support (79% buy ratings) and a $88.14 consensus target. The stock shows bullish technical momentum above key support at $74, supported by recent acquisitions and stable dividend payments. Fundamentals reveal robust profitability with 63.26% gross margins and 25.18% net income margin, though valuation multiples remain elevated with P/E at 30.21.
WMB offers exposure to growing natural gas infrastructure demand with recent $5.5 billion Momentum Midstream acquisition expanding Gulf Coast presence. Risks include regulatory challenges as seen with NJ pipeline permit reversal and elevated debt levels at 52% debt-to-asset ratio. The stock presents growth potential through LNG export expansion but faces execution risks on major projects.
Trailing returns across standard periods
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 →Williams is a midstream energy company that owns and operates the large Transco and Northwest pipeline systems and associated natural gas gathering, processing, and storage assets. In August 2018, the firm acquired the remaining 26% ownership of its limited partner, Williams Partners.
Read more on WMB →