Ennis (EBF) vs Unifirst (UNF)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 9, 2026.
Summary
Unifirst (UNF) has outperformed Ennis (EBF) over the past year, gaining 57.8% versus a gain of 28.8%. Over five years, UNF leads with a +22.5% price change compared with +20.7% for EBF. Unifirst is the larger company by market cap ($4.69 billion vs $576.0 million), about 8.2 times the size.
On valuation, Ennis trades at a lower forward P/E (14.1x vs 32.1x for Unifirst). Ennis offers the higher dividend yield (4.45% vs 0.56%).
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | EBF | UNF |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $22.75 | $259.60 |
| Market cap | $575.98M | $4.69B |
| 1-day change | +1.11% | +2.89% |
| YTD return | +26.32% | +34.58% |
| 1-year return | +28.82% | +57.78% |
| 5-year return | +20.69% | +22.46% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 14.87 | 41.01 |
| Forward P/E | 14.13 | 32.10 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.53 | $6.33 |
| Dividend yield | 4.45% | 0.56% |
| Annual dividend | $1.01 | $1.45 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | — | $2.43B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | — | +0.20% |
| Net income (latest FY) | — | $148.27M |
| Gross margin | — | 36.59% |
| Operating margin | — | 7.59% |
| Net margin | — | 6.10% |
| 52-week high | $22.94 | $306.67 |
| 52-week low | $16.30 | $147.66 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -0.83% | -15.35% |
| Analyst consensus | none | hold |
| Avg. price target upside | +5.49% | +5.29% |
| Average volume | 152.24K | 247.31K |
| Shares outstanding | 25.32M | 14.53M |
| Employees | 1,835 | 16,000 |
| Sector | Industrials | Industrials |
| Industry | Specialty Business Services | Specialty Business Services |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Unifirst is about 8.2 times larger than Ennis by market value ($4.69B vs $575.98M).
- UNF has outperformed EBF by 29.0 percentage points over the past year.
- Unifirst trades at a higher earnings multiple (41.0x vs 14.9x trailing P/E).
- Ennis offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.45% vs 0.56%).
About Ennis
EBF stock →Ennis, Inc. produces and sells business forms and other printed products in the United States.
Industrials · Specialty Business Services · 1,835 employees
About Unifirst
UNF stock →UniFirst Corporation provides workplace uniforms and protective work wear clothing in the United States, Europe, and Canada. It operates in three segments: Uniform & Facility Service Solutions; First Aid & Safety Solutions; and Other.
Industrials · Specialty Business Services · 16,000 employees
EBF vs UNF FAQ
Which is bigger, Ennis or Unifirst?
Unifirst (UNF) is larger, with a market capitalization of $4.69B compared with $575.98M for Ennis (EBF).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, EBF or UNF?
UNF returned +57.78% over the past 12 months, compared with +28.82% for EBF (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, EBF or UNF?
EBF has the lower trailing P/E at 14.9, versus 41.0 for UNF. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Ennis or Unifirst?
Ennis has the higher yield at 4.45%, compared with 0.56% for Unifirst.
Are Ennis and Unifirst in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Specialty Business Services industry within the Industrials sector.