Unilever plc vs Williams-Sonoma, Inc. — how do they compare? Unilever plc trades at $62.03 (market cap $136.96B), while Williams-Sonoma, Inc. trades at $228.08 (market cap $26.83B). The key difference: Unilever plc is far larger — about 5.1× Williams-Sonoma, Inc.'s market cap, and Unilever plc pays the higher dividend (3.34%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| UL | WSM | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $136.96B | $26.83B |
Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Cyclical |
52-Week High | $74.59 | $251.81 |
52-Week Low | $55.05 | $168.64 |
Enterprise Value | $162.94B | $27.33B |
Dividend Yield | 3.34% | 1.33% |
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-Sonoma (WSM) trades at $227.83, up 0.18% on the day, with a bearish technical signal but strong fundamentals. The stock has beaten earnings estimates for three consecutive quarters, with Q2 2026 EPS of $2.10 exceeding expectations. Revenue growth of 6.2% in Q2 2026 reflects market share gains in a flat home furnishings industry, supported by a robust net income margin of 14.73% and ROE of 54.96%.
The outlook is positive given raised full-year guidance and analyst consensus price target of $252.62, though near-term risks include tariff pressures on margins and technical resistance near $231. Institutional buying, such as HSBC's 12.1% stake increase in Q2 2026, underscores confidence in continued execution amid competitive and macroeconomic headwinds.
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 →With a wide retail and direct-to-consumer presence, Williams-Sonoma is a leader in the $300 billion domestic home category, focused on expanding its exposure in the B2B, marketplace, and franchise areas. Namesake Williams-Sonoma (175 stores) offers high-end cooking essentials, while Pottery Barn (189) provides casual home accessories. Brand extensions include Pottery Barn Kids (52) and PBteen. West Elm (121) is an emerging concept for young professionals, and Rejuvenation (9) offers lighting and house parts. Williams-Sonoma also has a business-to-business team that supports projects that range from residential to large-scale commercial.
Read more on WSM →