Williams-Sonoma vs Ulta Beauty
This page compares Williams-Sonoma and Ulta Beauty, outlining how the two companies differ in business models, financial performance, and market context. It presents neutral, accessible information to help readers understand each company’s approach and position within the sector without favouring one over the other. Educational content, not financial advice.
This page compares Williams-Sonoma and Ulta Beauty, outlining how the two companies differ in business models, financial performance, and market context. It presents neutral, accessible information to...
Why It's Moving
WSM Faces Analyst Warnings of Downside Risk Amid Tariff Pressures and Mixed Signals
- Evercore ISI lifted its price target to $210 while maintaining an in-line rating, fueling a rally to new highs, yet overall consensus leans Hold with an average around $202.
- UBS slashed its target to $175 citing tariff impacts on operating margins, signaling risks to profitability despite robust comparable sales growth of 3.4%-4.0% over recent quarters.
- Company declared a $0.66 quarterly dividend payable February 20, underscoring cash flow strength, even as insiders sold over $12M in shares recently.
ULTA Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -5% Downside Risk
- Ulta crossed above its 20-day moving average on February 3, signaling short-term bullish momentum after a 5.5% rise over four weeks, bolstered by Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) status.
- Q3 2025 results showed net sales up 12.9% to $2.9B with 6.3% comparable sales growth from higher transactions and average tickets, though operating margin dipped to 10.8%.
- On February 4, Ulta launched its first-ever Roster, its largest investment in women's sports, aiming to boost brand loyalty and capture more wallet share in a competitive beauty market.
WSM Faces Analyst Warnings of Downside Risk Amid Tariff Pressures and Mixed Signals
- Evercore ISI lifted its price target to $210 while maintaining an in-line rating, fueling a rally to new highs, yet overall consensus leans Hold with an average around $202.
- UBS slashed its target to $175 citing tariff impacts on operating margins, signaling risks to profitability despite robust comparable sales growth of 3.4%-4.0% over recent quarters.
- Company declared a $0.66 quarterly dividend payable February 20, underscoring cash flow strength, even as insiders sold over $12M in shares recently.
ULTA Stock Warning: Why Analysts See -5% Downside Risk
- Ulta crossed above its 20-day moving average on February 3, signaling short-term bullish momentum after a 5.5% rise over four weeks, bolstered by Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) status.
- Q3 2025 results showed net sales up 12.9% to $2.9B with 6.3% comparable sales growth from higher transactions and average tickets, though operating margin dipped to 10.8%.
- On February 4, Ulta launched its first-ever Roster, its largest investment in women's sports, aiming to boost brand loyalty and capture more wallet share in a competitive beauty market.
Investment Analysis
Pros
- Williams-Sonoma has a favorable analyst consensus with 16 to 21 analysts mostly rating it as a buy or moderate buy in the past year.
- The company has demonstrated a generally upward stock price trend recently with expectations of an 8% rise over the next three months.
- Williams-Sonoma operates in a strong niche market for home furnishings and has strong brand recognition and retail presence.
Considerations
- Its stock price has shown some volatility, including a recent 3.56% drop and a warning sign from declining volume on rising prices.
- Wall Street analysts project a limited upside potential with average 12-month price targets suggesting under 5% gains.
- Williams-Sonoma faces potential short-term resistance near $185.73 in its stock price, implying possible price pullbacks.
Ulta Beauty
ULTA
Pros
- Ulta Beauty has a large and diversified product offering with around 20,000 beauty products across 500 brands including its own private label.
- The company operates approximately 970 retail stores plus a robust e-commerce presence, supporting broad market penetration.
- Ulta’s stock trades at a relatively moderate price-to-earnings ratio around 15, indicating potentially reasonable valuation compared to peers.
Considerations
- Ulta Beauty’s stock has experienced significant price range volatility, with a 52-week high of $574 and a current price near $373.
- The company is exposed to economic cyclicality and discretionary consumer spending trends which can affect sales.
- Competition in the beauty retail sector is intense, including e-commerce and specialty stores, which may pressure margins and growth.
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Williams-Sonoma (WSM) Next Earnings Date
Williams-Sonoma's next earnings report is scheduled for March 18, 2026. The company will report results for its Q4 2026 fiscal quarter. Analysts currently forecast earnings per share of $2.88 for this period, which would represent an increase from the prior year. The earnings announcement is expected to occur before market open.
Ulta Beauty (ULTA) Next Earnings Date
Ulta Beauty's next earnings date is estimated for Thursday, March 12, 2026, covering the Q4 2025 quarter (fiscal quarter ended early February 2026). This date aligns with the company's historical reporting pattern and is listed on their investor relations calendar for the Q4 2025 earnings conference call. As of February 2, 2026, no official confirmation has been issued, but multiple analyst sources project this timing post the prior Q3 2025 release.
Williams-Sonoma (WSM) Next Earnings Date
Williams-Sonoma's next earnings report is scheduled for March 18, 2026. The company will report results for its Q4 2026 fiscal quarter. Analysts currently forecast earnings per share of $2.88 for this period, which would represent an increase from the prior year. The earnings announcement is expected to occur before market open.
Ulta Beauty (ULTA) Next Earnings Date
Ulta Beauty's next earnings date is estimated for Thursday, March 12, 2026, covering the Q4 2025 quarter (fiscal quarter ended early February 2026). This date aligns with the company's historical reporting pattern and is listed on their investor relations calendar for the Q4 2025 earnings conference call. As of February 2, 2026, no official confirmation has been issued, but multiple analyst sources project this timing post the prior Q3 2025 release.
Which Baskets Do They Appear In?
The Umansky Effect: Riding the Luxury Housing Wave
This curated collection focuses on companies set to benefit from the continued strength in luxury real estate. Based on insights from The Agency CEO Mauricio Umansky, these stocks span premium homebuilders, high-end material suppliers, and luxury furnishing brands positioned to thrive in a resilient high-end housing market.
Published: July 1, 2025
Explore BasketWhich Baskets Do They Appear In?
The Umansky Effect: Riding the Luxury Housing Wave
This curated collection focuses on companies set to benefit from the continued strength in luxury real estate. Based on insights from The Agency CEO Mauricio Umansky, these stocks span premium homebuilders, high-end material suppliers, and luxury furnishing brands positioned to thrive in a resilient high-end housing market.
Published: July 1, 2025
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